Another year is almost done. The flowers are blooming around campus and finals are in full swing. Plus the graduating seniors are almost ready to depart. As I say every year, this is such a bittersweet time for me. I love that the students are off to the next stage in their lives, but I will miss them. In tradition as well, I like to highlight the graduating seniors of the lab on the blog where they reflect on their time doing research and being a student at Richmond.
This year the Pollock lab is only graduating one senior – Paxton Mills. Paxton is a BMB major who has been involved with many activities during her time on campus. She is a Richmond Scholar, an active participant in the ReThink Waste campaign, a member of the President’s Advisory Board, a writer/editor for the science magazine, Osmosis, plus more! In addition, she is a fierce advocate for people with blood disorders. Paxton plans to go to medical school in the future and to research in the field. She has been a leader in my lab for the past couple of years. Let’s hear what Paxton has to say about her time in the lab.
Q: Why did you decide to join the Pollock lab?
Paxton: I chose the Pollock lab because of the clear applications of our science to the real-world. I was intrigued by the idea of using molecular level experimentation to ultimately inform macro-level processes downstream, such as gathering data on possible therapy targets for breast cancer.
Q: What was your favorite part about your research experience?
Paxton: Once I got my bearings, it was very empowering to achieve independence in the lab. Being able to carry out complex techniques and obtain meaningful results was exciting and made me want to do more.
Q: What do you plan to do after graduation?
Paxton: I am interning with the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services and currently applying to medical schools. I will continue to volunteer with CrossOver Healthcare and the National Bleeding Disorders Foundation.
Q: As you reflect back on your time at University of Richmond, what advice would you give to an incoming student who was interested in your career path?
Paxton: Find what you love and prioritize it. There’s almost certainly a way to incorporate it into the next step along your career path!
Paxton – You are a remarkable scientist and person! I cannot wait to see what you do in the future. Also, I promise that getting your paper out is a top priority for the summer so please respond to my emails. Thank you for your leadership and stay in touch always!
~jap
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