Hannah Hagen came to UW–Madison to participate in the Cellular and Molecular Biology of Stress Summer Research Program organized by WISCIENCE. During this 10-week program, Hannah got hands-on research experience in the Molecular Ecology Lab while also learning about research careers and practicing science communication skills.
Hannah, who comes from Tucson, Arizona, is majoring in molecular and cellular biology at University of Arizona. Outside of her studies, Hannah enjoys reading, ceramics, gardening, animal rescue, and cooking.
Briefly, what is the research project you are working on right now?
I am combating insecticide resistance of Colorado Potato Beetles using RNA interference to suppress target genes.
What led you to apply for this program?
Since being introduced to science lab work in one of my early biology classes, I have wanted to immerse myself in the field. I had just learned that programs like this existed when my advisor at the University of Arizona recommended them. I found a variety of potential programs to apply for, and I was lucky to match into the CMBS Summer Research Program.
What has the program been like for you so far?
The CMBS Summer Research Program has been a turning point in my scientific career. Having no previous research experience, I am incredibly grateful for the experience it provided me with this summer. Being able to take on a project and all the struggles that come with it taught me a lot about what it means to be a scientist. When I first started here, I needed to be instructed and taught what to do. Going through the process of troubleshooting and brainstorming solutions to roadblocks has built my efficacy in scientific research. I have the confidence to think of my solutions and find resources when they are only sometimes apparent.
What has been the most valuable part of your lab experience this summer?
One of the most rewarding aspects of my time in the lab was tackling challenges and troubleshooting my way through them. There were a couple of weeks where an aspect of the project would not yield helpful results; repeating this procedure until it worked was a rewarding experience. Much of the work I did here at the University of Wisconsin–Madison was built off of the labor of other scientists who likely had to do similar troubleshooting. My work over the two months I had here was one piece of a greater picture. I have a deeper understanding of what it means to be a scientist. I better understand the scientific method I will carry throughout my career.
How do you think your experience here will impact your goals for the future?
My time at the University of Wisconsin–Madison occurred between graduating from my community college and transitioning to a four-year university. As a student with limited resources and minimal exposure to research, the experience here has set me up for a successful career in science. To reach my long-term goal of attending an MD-PhD program and conducting medical research, I needed an experience like this to submerge myself in the field of research. Being here over the summer has allowed me to develop my passion for science and build a skillset that will increase my eligibility for future opportunities.
What advice would you give to future CMBS students?
Experience life—you have a great opportunity to do things you have never done before both in your academic career and as a human being in the world. Be excited, try new things, love your peers. You will remember this experience for the rest of your life.
Learn more about the CMBS Summer Research Program.