Research as a Career & Going to Graduate School

I have been asked many times by others regarding the question of post-college plans. At first, I had a vague sense of what I want to do for my future. However, engaging in undergraduate research labs made me realize doing research and performing experiments are actually very fun. It matches my learning styles and fosters me to become an independent learner. I developed important bench techniques, useful notes-taking and critical thinking skills. Moreover, my creative capability and knowledge about science were also expanded. In my opinion, research is process of learning; it is the matter of coming up with a question, applying the known concepts to experiments, and discovering new theories.

Through reading the book The Emperor of All Maladies, I was extremely inspired by the never-give-up spirits of all scientists. Although cancer has the worst history out of all diseases, researchers are still trying different approaches to treat and cure it. If it’s not for research, there won’t be any chemotherapies or drugs that are currently saving millions of lives.

Research really has a huge impact in the world.

Thus it gave me a solid reasoning to go for graduate school to receive more trainings and dedicate my career in science and research.

–Zhiying Zhu, CCNY