Zoe Vaz, COL ’25, Hartford, Connecticut
This summer funding played a crucial role in helping me have an amazing experience at the Mullins Lab. It provided me with the essential support I needed to not only afford rent and food but also to explore a multitude of career paths that I might have otherwise missed out on.
Career Services summer funding was the lifeline that enabled me to navigate this new experience with confidence. Covering my rent and ensuring I had nutritious meals, the funding eased the financial burden that often accompanies such experiences. With my basic needs met, I was able to fully immerse myself in the Mullins Lab, where I not only honed my laboratory skills but also discovered a passion for genetics research I hadn’t known existed. The funding truly provided the stability I needed to focus on my work and extract every bit of knowledge from my time at the lab.
Perhaps the most invaluable aspect of my summer experience was the exposure to diverse career paths that Career Services’ funding facilitated. Interacting with fellow researchers and professionals in the Mullins Lab opened my eyes to the vast array of opportunities within the realm of genetics and beyond. From academic research to biotech startups, I was able to witness firsthand the various avenues that my career could take. This exposure allowed me to make informed decisions about my future and ignited a spark of curiosity that continues to guide my academic and professional pursuits. Looking back, it’s clear that without the support of Career Services, I would have missed out on this eye-opening experience, potentially limiting my career trajectory and personal growth.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2023 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
