Drew Harris 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, Drew was placed in the Majumder Lab, where she worked on an independent research project in collaboration with her mentor, Namita Shroff, and PI, Erica Majumder.
During her time at UW–Madison, Drew also learned about grad school and research careers, practiced science communication skills, built community with other student researchers—and even had some fun exploring Madison.
Drew comes from West Plains, Missouri, and she’s majoring in biology at Drury University. Outside of her studies, she enjoys herping, kayaking, playing basketball, and hiking.
Briefly, what is the research project you are working on right now?
I am investigating bacterial communities derived from landfill and soil samples for their potential ability to degrade rubber.
What led you to apply for this program?
With UW–Madison’s reputation as an expansive, multidisciplinary research institution, I knew there would be plenty of faculty who would support my growth and learning as an undergraduate researcher this summer. That has been nothing but the truth as I’ve moved through the CMBS program!
What has the program been like for you so far?
I have already learned so much from those around me in the lab and in cohort meetings, and I feel incredibly supported in my journey to become a scientist. Outside of the lab, I have formed close friendships with those in my cohort, and the summer has been a BLAST! There is so much to do in Madison.
What is something interesting or surprising that you’ve learned or done in this program?
I was initially very intimidated by the prospect of joining a high-level bacteriology lab this summer, and expected there to be little room to make mistakes. I was instead met with some of the most helpful, welcoming people I’ve ever met who constantly support and are there for me as I conduct research.
What has been the most valuable part of your lab experience this summer?
Gleaning advice from the grad students in my PI’s lab has been one of the most helpful, career-building experiences this summer. I was a little iffy in my ability to make it through grad school when the summer began, but now, I feel like the prospect of working toward a PhD is very tangible.
How do you think your experience here will impact your goals for the future?
Through the CMBS program, I have seen what it is like to conduct graduate-level research, attend lab meetings, take constructive feedback on academic work, and present research findings to an audience. With those things in mind, I feel that my future career plan is now more structured, as I better understand how to tackle grad school and what it takes to succeed in an academic environment.
What advice would you give to future CMBS students?
I would tell someone entering the CMBS program to embrace the new environment you have entered. It will be scary at first, being at a new school in a new lab with no familiar faces, but I guarantee that if you stay open to learning and meeting new people, you will end the summer with a newfound confidence in your abilities. Be a sponge and take it all in!
Learn more about the CMBS Summer Research Program.