Two undergraduate integrative biology majors gained research experience and explored different scientific fields through the NSF INCLUDES: SEAS Bridge to Ph.D. Program this summer.
The NSF INCLUDES: SEAS Bridge Program aims to enhance participation of students from underrepresented in STEM through opportunities for research experience and mentorship. This year, the program was held from June 26 – 30, 2023 and was hosted by the University of Maryland Center for Marine & Environmental Science.
“My experience with the Bridge to Ph.D. program was really great, I had so much fun and I met a lot of new people and I’m so glad I got the opportunity to go out there,” said Raianne Quichocho, a 2022 NSF SEAS research fellow.
Over the course of their trip, they visited the Chesapeake Biological Laboratory at the University of Maryland, toured the Smithsonian Institute, and connected with members other hubs of the NSF SEAS Islands Alliance from Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“This experience has taught me to not give up on my future as a scientist,” said Lynn Galang, a 2022 Guam NSF EPSCoR student researcher. “Talking to the graduate students has made me realize that even if I’m struggling with chemistry now, it doesn’t mean I’ll struggle with it later.”
