110 Research Reflection by Noah Armstrong

Faculty Mentor: Dylan Klure (School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah)

Since joining the Dearing lab in May 2022, I have become heavily involved with the Office of Undergraduate Research. I have worked my way up from helping graduate students with a small part of their projects to leading my first independent project. I have spent countless hours in the lab learning new techniques and refining my skills. I have read dozens of papers and groundbreaking studies. My undergraduate research experience has been a long and difficult road, but is has been the best experience of my life. I am fortunate to have been supported both by the members of the Dearing Lab and by the Office of Undergraduate Research throughout my time as an undergraduate researcher. This experience has also been hugely important in my career path as a scientist. Before participating in undergraduate research, I never thought I was capable of pursuing a PhD. After years of undergraduate research experience, I have the skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to succeed in graduate school. Now, as I prepare for admissions interviews for graduate school, I can thank the Dearing Lab and OUR for their role in building up my proficiency as a scientist.