Rabia Siddiqi

Bioengineering Major
University of California, Berkeley
SRTP Project: HIF-1a expression in Astrocytoma cell lines
SRTP Faculty Mentor: Tracy McKnight, Ph.D.

How did you hear about the SRTP?
I had discussed with my faculty advisor the best way to get involved in research related to brain tumors at UC Berkeley or UCSF, and he had given me contact information for faculty at both institutions. While looking up details about their research on the UCSF website, I came across information about SRTP and decided to apply.

What were your expectations going in to the program? Did the program meet these expectations?
My only expectations were that I would get a stipend and a nice place to live while I worked in a lab, but the program gave me much more than this. The seminars were very informative, and I especially learned a lot about the process of applying to grad schools. In addition, the activities like the Scavenger Hunt and SA nights were a nice break from the daily routine. Spending time with the other SRTP Researchers gave me the opportunity to make lasting friendships.

What did you learn / what skills did you acquire? Did you learn anything unexpected?
I knew almost nothing about brain tumors when I started my lab work, and now I can talk about them for hours. I had also never worked in a lab, so I learned lab rules and sterile technique. The basic science seminars gave me an understanding of some of the research that UCSF professors are doing, and the general seminars helped lessen my fear of the grad school application process. I had assumed that I would learn about oral presentations mostly from the seminar and from my lab group. But unexpectedly, I learned most of my presentation skills from practicing with the other SRTPers and getting feedback from them.

What did you think of the learning environment?
The learning environment at SRTP was great. The two month duration gave us just the right amount of time to learn about a topic and complete a project on it. The SAs were helpful in making sure that everything was going well. Also, being surrounded by researchers gave us the opportunity to discuss our projects with them and learn about their projects.

What are your future plans? Did the SRTP have any influence on these plans?
Next summer, I plan to apply to MD/PhD programs and in the future, I would like to do both clinical and research work. Although I had this plan in mind for several years, the SRTP experience helped reinforce the idea. Also, the MD/PhD seminar was helpful in providing information about the application process and the curriculum.

Would you recommend SRTP to other students in your field of study?
I would recommend SRTP to anyone in biological or behavior sciences. In fact, I have already started telling other students about it. I am sure that anyone who spends their summer in SRTP will have a valuable and rewarding experience.

Do you have any additional comments about the SRTP that you'd like to share with students interested in applying?
If you are interested in research, definitely apply to this program. It is a chance to explore San Francisco, make new friends, and work with professors and student at one of the best medical and graduate schools of the country. It will be a summer you will never forget.