The Young Scientist Spotlight series features our former students involved with our Treehouse UCSC Bioinformatics Immersion (TUBI) program, where students gain real-world work experience as researchers in a supportive environment, contributing to Treehouse bioinformatic projects! This week, we are catching up with former TUBI student Kathryn Echandía-Monroe as he talks about how TUBI has impacted her research interests. (Photo of Kathryn Echandía-Monroe)
Interview by Krizia Chambers
How did you get introduced to TUBI?
I found out about TUBI by browsing through the MCD faculty website. I came across the Vaske lab, and the group’s mission of improving treatment and diagnostics for childhood cancer really resonated with me. Looking to get involved, I found TUBI and decided to apply, and I was accepted. I have found some of the most impactful opportunities I have had in undergrad through my email or on a web search, so don’t take those resources for granted!
Can you briefly describe your experience with TUBI? What did you gain from participating in the program?
Throughout TUBI, not only is your time spent troubleshooting code, but you also spend a few sessions learning about the biological concepts necessary to understanding the purpose of your project: Validating an RNA-sequencing variant caller. In addition, guest speakers, such as other faculty and graduate students, were brought in to talk about their journey in research. While I learned many technical skills from TUBI that I still use, the greatest realization I gained was that everyone’s journey through research is not a linear path and that there is a place for every kind of person in research. Overall, being a part of TUBI inspired me and gave me the skills necessary to join the Vaske lab, where I could continue the important work in advancing diagnostic tools necessary for childhood cancer.
What advice would you like to lend to the new cohort of TUBI students?
Upon joining TUBI, I was apprehensive because I had never taken any coding courses and did not have scientific research experience. I wish I had known that this level of knowledge was not expected or needed. TUBI is meant to give students a full introduction to what it means to have a research project and teach the basics of coding in the command line. Because the work is partially independent, you can work at the pace that is best for you. Overall, the only thing you need before joining TUBI is an interest in science and a passion for helping those affected by cancer.
Recent Comments