“My name is Rishika Podarala, and I am currently a sophomore studying Microbiology and Cell Sciences pursuing a minor in Health Disparities in Society and am a recent Beyond120 scholarship recipient. The Beyond120 Scholarship program supports students like me to explore various interests beyond the scope of the classroom. For me, research has been an integral part of my academic career as it allows me to apply the knowledge learned in the classroom to solve real world problems. This award allowed me to continue gaining experience and knowledge in the lab, and dedicate time to pursuing an independent research project in studying sexual dimorphism in stress resistance of C. elegans, without the financial obstacles. My research experience has also enriched my character development by teaching me the skills of problem-solving, perseverance, communication, and time management along with technical lab skills. Having this opportunity has greatly supported my academic and professional career by allowing me to earn research credit and diversify my academic portfolio. I strongly encourage my peers to take a chance and apply! Thanks to this opportunity, I now work as a research assistant in Dr. Keith Choe’s Lab in the Department of Biology. The Beyond120 program has gone above and beyond in providing me a platform to pursue my passions which has elevated my college experience.”
– Rishika Podarala, Independent Research Project
April 4, 2023
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