My experience with the UChicago CON program has been both enriching and transformative. One of my proudest achievements was winning the Rita Levi Montalcini Scholarship by the Dompé Foundation, awarded to select graduate students pursuing neuroscience research in the United States. Additionally, I received the Donald Steiner Award, a research travel grant that allowed me to work at the Byrd Alzheimer's Research Center under Dr. Gopal Thinakaran's guidance. This experience was invaluable in acquiring the skills and techniques necessary for my Ph.D. project.
The CON program greatly enhanced my ability to think critically and analyze scientific literature, facilitating my seamless transition to immunology and cancer research. I am deeply grateful to my committee members, especially Dr. Gopal Thinakaran, my committee chair, Dr. Peggy Mason, my advisor, Dr. James Mastrianni, OGPA, and Elena, Dan, and Lili, for their guidance and support throughout my Ph.D. journey. Additionally, the support from my family, friends, mentors, and the broader UChicago community made my experience so much more enjoyable. Finally, leading and being involved in several organizations, including the Graduate Council, Dean's Council, GRIT, and the International Graduate Student Advisory Board, were all incredibly enriching experiences that fostered my personal growth.