72 Research Reflection by Anuhya Yalavarty

Faculty Mentor: Ayako Yamaguchi (School of Biological Sciences, University of Utah)

I first became involved in research during my freshman year through the ACCESS Scholars Program. This program gave me the opportunity to interview with Dr. Ayako Yamaguchi as an undergraduate researcher and I have been working in her lab under her guidance since. My first project focused on the age-dependent disappearance of the genetically encoded green fluorescence protein, GCaMP in metamorphosing Xenopus laevis. After that, I pivoted to my current project examining the impact of androgen exposure on the neural reconfiguration in the vocal pathways of Xenopus laevis. I dream of becoming a physician one day and I have geared my undergraduate education to help me build a strong foundation for success. The skills I have gained through research such as lab techniques, problem-solving, and critical thinking have invaluably supplemented my academics to help me become a capable physician-scientist. Additionally, I have chosen to double major in both Biology and Public Health to gain an understanding of the social factors that are equally important to biology in understanding patient health because I believe a competent physician must be well-versed in both spheres to provide high-quality care.