July 20, 2015, Filed Under: 2015, cancer, graduate school, texas4000Letter to Texas 4000 Rider: Joey Dominguez Hello Joey, After reading your bio I realized that we share many things in common. Your vibrant explanation of our Mexican-American culture demonstrates how we are hardworking and vibrant people, that love life and are willing to share that passion with the rest of the world. We both demonstrate to have a passion for biology and the various aspects of the subject that make it a challenging journey but also one filled with knowledge and wonder. As for this summer, we both are committed to a new journey that will allow us to demonstrate our unity and knowledge towards our cause. You have demonstrated your commitment towards the fight against cancer via your participation in the Texas 4000 bike ride. As well as forming part of a community of riders that emphasize the importance of a supportive community when fighting against cancer. I want to thank you as well as all the riders for committing to this journey. Source: Peaceproject.com As for me, I am a traveling research scholar visiting from California committed to biomedical research. UT Austin and the people I’ve met here have made my research experience a great and memorable one. Just like you and the riders I also form part of a community of scholars who are committed to cancer research and motivated to initiate a better understanding of cancer. We are all studying various aspects of cancer research within the biomedical engineering field. Every week we devote our time to lab and our summer project which adds a piece to a puzzle of knowledge. So far I have learned many things in lab and I am very motivated to purse my graduate career in biomedical research. I am very fortunate to have experience Texas and its unique culture, as well as, experiencing the Texas 4000 with you all has been an amazing experience. We are united for the same cause, to fight against cancer. Always remember to finish strong and never forget that “Si se puede”, we can do it. Sincerely, Alejandra Preciado, UC Merced Joey Dominguez is a UT Austin Plan II and Biochemistry student, and Texas 4000 rider currently on the Ozarks Team!
June 18, 2015, Filed Under: 2015, cancer, graduate school, reflections, researchResearch 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
