2019
Gretchen Bollar
Theme: Microbiology
Mentor: Susan Birket, Pulmonary, Allergy and Care Medicine, Dept. of Medicine
In my opinion, the biggest advantage of being an AMC21 scholar is having access to a team of knowledgeable individuals that can help guide and inform fellowship applications. This provides a competitive edge by offering expertise and unique insights outside of my own committee.
I am a first-year graduate student, and as such have just begun my research journey with this program, but I have recently joined my dissertation laboratory and am excited to begin applying to conferences very soon. I have not yet accessed my discretionary funds, but I plan to spend a portion on a research computer with a large processor – my work involves a fair amount of imaging techniques, so this will hopefully allow me to handle large files and data sets faster and more efficiently.
Gabrielle Childers
Theme: Immunology
Mentor: Ashley Harms, Neurology
The AMC21 scholars program was one of the main factors in my decision to come to UAB, not just for the stipend support and extra discretionary funds, but also for the extra support from a committee of outstanding research faculty. While I have not used my discretionary fund yet, I am already excited at the opportunities a fund like this has opened up for me. I plan to utilize the funds to expand my training and networking opportunities throughout my graduate career here at UAB by attending additional conferences and taking the AAI Advanced Course in Immunology.
Jennifer Fisher
Theme: Genetics
Mentor: Brittany Lasseigna & Elizabeth Worthey, Pediatrics
I am a first-year student in Dr. Lasseigne Lab, applying machine learning approaches to uncover biomarkers for drug repurposing, liquid biopsies, and chromosomal instability.
I am already seeing the benefit of being a part of the AMC21 scholar’s program. Faculty recognize AMC21 scholars as creative, motivated students, and I was able to rotate in the top and most interesting labs on campus. Additionally, AMC21 stipend support benefits my current lab. Within the program, a network of outstanding faculty and students provide advice, feedback on fellowship applications, and answers to science-related questions. In the future, I plan to use my discretionary funds for conferences and a short course at another institution.
Chanelle Hunter
Theme: Cancer Biology
Mentor: Benjamin Larimer, Radiology
The main advantage of the AMC21 scholars program is the network of faculty, staff, and scholars that students are able to form early in their graduate studies. Being an AMC21 scholar also provides the opportunity to improve your public speaking, interpersonal communication skills, and receive guidance from those who are excelling in both research and academia.
As a new member of the AMC21 program, I am planning to use my discretionary funds for travel purposes to present my research at both national and international conferences, as well as purchase any supplies/technology that I may need to conduct data analysis for my research project efficiently. Since joining the program, I have been accepted into the NSF-Funded Bridge to Doctorate program at UAB, a fellowship program designed to address the shortage of researchers nationwide from underrepresented groups in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM).
Julia Ziebro
Theme: Immunology
Mentor: Ryan Miller, Pathology
In my opinion, the primary advantage of being an AMC21 scholar is having access to amazing faculty with different perspectives and areas of expertise for help with networking and career development.
As a first year student, I have not yet had the opportunity to explore the use of my discretionary funds, but I plan to use them to potentially purchase a computer for my bioinformatics-based project, and to attend conferences which will contribute to my training plan and networking opportunities.
