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She began her research almost by accident but she soon realized it was the direction she knew could make a difference in peoples' lives. "The opportunity to contribute to improving the quality of life of those affected is very moving and highly motivating," she said.

Nat Ato Yawson successfuly defended his dissertation

Her expertise as department office manager involves nearly every aspect from arranging meetings, coordinating Dr. Anne Dorrance’s calendar, helping students feel at home, and ensuring everyone has what they need when needed. "Everybody needs somebody like her in their corner," Dr. Dorrance said.

Marguerite Christian and Kacie Caldwell became friends while working at Charles River Laboratories and eventually decided to enroll in the MSU program at the same time to further their careers. It's been well worth the journey.

Carlye Szarowicz successfully defended her dissertation

Her research last summer studying how the proteins BAFF and Granzyme A impact the liver and kidneys in humanized mice was a breakthrough for her both personally and academically. "I’m very glad that I took that risk in the end,” she said.

Romina Gonzalez-Pons successfully defends her dissertation

With the assistance of the 2024 MSU Owen/Willard Student Entrepreneur Scholarship and a master's degree, the long-time gamer and engineer has a vision for the future. "I might as well be the one start it,” she said. “Being there at the right moment is the key.”

Times has changed and so has the responsibility of mentors in their relationships with mentees. Dr. Anne Dorrance has been a mentor trainer for 12 years and stresses a key point. "If we want to train new scientists who can inspire the generation that comes after them, we need to be better mentors.”

Brianna Finn and Sera Sermet want to take what worked last year and add their own touches to an organization that continues to grow. "With the sequel, we're really excited to get more of the word out and rally more people to events," Finn said.