89 Research Reflection by Ishmael Elliott Molina-Zepeda

Faculty Mentor: Nicola Camp (Internal Medicine, University of Utah)

My undergraduate research experience so far has been very fulfilling and exciting. As I’ve worked on several projects with other members of the Camp lab team, and with the mentorship of Brandt Jones and Dr. Nicki Camp, I have grown as a person in numerous ways. I have developed a greater laboratory skill set that will help me further in my undergraduate career as a researcher and a Medical Laboratory Sciences student.  Research in the Camp lab has allowed me to explore the intellectual curiosity of cancer diagnosis and treatment, and how these can be improved to create a better environment for cancer patients. I had anticipated solely pursuing an MD degree. However, these experiences have inclined me to consider applying for the University of Utah’s MD-PhD program in the future to continue to learn and expand on ongoing questions in medicine. These experiences have helped motivate me to continue to participate in research and apply the tools and skills to create a significant impact in the medical community. I am truly grateful to both the PathMaker Scholars and Health Sciences LEAP programs for providing me the opportunity to be where I am now.