84 Research Reflection by Caroline Keller

Faculty Mentor: Bruce Edgar (Oncological Sciences, University of Utah)

Working as an undergraduate researcher has taught me so much from novel imaging techniques to introspective character building. But most of all, I learned how to persevere. Perseverance is essential to being successful in science, especially when the science itself is unsuccessful. I’ve learned that accepting failure and pushing through is just as integral to the scientific process as the perfect experimental conditions. This rollercoaster of success and failure is one of the many reasons I love research.

I am incredibly thankful for my time in the Edgar Lab, where I got to carry out my own experiments and analyze the results. This experience is compounded by writing my Honors Thesis, which allowed me to delve significantly deeper into my research project. Working on this project from start to finish was a highly rewarding experience and I plan to bring everything I’ve learned as an undergrad into my PhD program and beyond!