Ammee Amboya

Biochemistry Major
Mount Saint Mary's College
SRTP Project: Drug Development to Facilitate Inhibition of HIV-1 Maturation
SRTP Faculty Mentor: Thomas James, Ph.D.

 

How did you hear about the SRTP?
I learned about the UCSF SRTP from my MARC advisor.

What were your expectations going in to the program? Did the program meet these expectations?
I applied to the program hoping to experience life as a full time researcher in order to prepare myself for my future career in science. I expected to get the best hands-on training and guidance from professionals, which this program met.

What did you learn / what skills did you acquire? Did you learn anything unexpected?
The program provided a community dedicated to advance science and with that environment, I acquired skills such as professionalism, networking, independent thinking, efficiency, lab etiquette and skills, communication, and better time management. Being in this program, I did not expect to learn so much about me. The program helped me grow as a person and scientist. I have a profound sense of curiosity and interest to science, which makes me want to be a proficient scientist.

What did you think of the learning environment?
The learning environment is very professional and has an array of resources, which allows students to be independent through making choices that are suited for their own interest.

What are your future plans? Did the SRTP have any influence on these plans?
My experience with the program made me realize that I have so much more to learn, and so I just recently double majored in Biochemistry and Biology in order to better prepare myself for PharmD/PhD.

Would you recommend SRTP to other students in your field of study?
Definitely! I believe that the SRTP prepares students to be proficient scientist/ researcher. Being in the STRP is a great learning experience, both academic and personal.

Do you have any additional comments about the SRTP that you'd like to share with students interested in applying?
The SRTP is a great way to network and make new friends. It's one of my best experiences!