Some comments from past participants in the Undergraduate Diversity program

Jeremy Hsu, senior majoring in Organismic and Evolutionary Biology , Harvard University (October 2010): "Attending the Evolution 2010 conference (and the International Conference on the Biology of Butterflies right afterward!) really opened my eyes at the breadth of the field, and talking and listening to professors and graduate students cemented my desire to attend graduate school in evolutionary biology next year. The experiences at both conferences reaffirmed my decision to enter graduate programs, a choice that will allow me to continue my passion for research and understanding the natural world around us."

Jennifer McCreight, Senior, Purdue University (March 2010): Because of my experiences at Evolution, I knew graduate school was the right choice for me. I loved speaking with other scientists and hearing all of the exciting research; I could tell academia was something I wanted to remain a part of. The experience of presenting my own research prepared me for graduate school more than a class could. Being able to discuss science comfortably and confidently is an essential skill that helped me during interviews and will continue to help me long into the future. I also still talk with other students from the diversity program, and that networking will probably last long into our scientific careers.

Aida Miro, graduate student in the Genetics and Genomics Graduate Program at the University of Florida (February 2008) : “I'm compelled to give you an update and restate my appreciation for that opportunity [of the UMEB program], because it was truly one of the most important moments of my academic/professional career.  It was at this conference that I discovered the field that could encompass all my interests: molecular anthropology, and where I came in contact with a professor that would guide me as I learned about the field and decided where I would continue graduate school.  Currently, I'm a first year student of the new Genetics and Genomics PhD program at the University of Florida working with Dr. Connie Mulligan and recipient of an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship.  I'm really happy with what I'm doing, and it might not have happened had I not gone to that [SSE/SSB] conference. So thank you, for my experience and for giving undergraduate students the opportunity to experience the world of academic research.”

Former program participant, 2008: "I cannot thank you enough for giving me this opportunity to attend Evolution 2008. Thank you, thank you, thank you so very much! I had a fabulous time and learned so many invaluable things, especially what to do during presentations and poster sessions and how to convey my research to people who have never heard about it before. I got offers to participate in summer research programs and was even invited to obtain a master's degree after college already! Also, I've always been on the more introverted side, but through attending this conference, I think I've become much better at meeting new people, which, I think, better prepared me for going to college more than anything else. Years later, I will probably look back on this experience and see this as one of the most life-changing events ever. This experience has reconfirmed my love for biology and has given me a glimpse of what I want to do and who I want to be in the future."

Jeanine Abrams, graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin (January 2007): “After taking two-years off to teach, I decided to pursue this degree [PhD at UT Austin] and my experiences at the 2001 and 2002 Evolution meetings were key to my decision.  Having the opportunity to present my research and to learn what was going on in the field meant a lot to me.  However, the support and encouragement that I received from you and your staff was the most valuable resource.  Not only did you encourage me, but you also informed me of the importance of diversity within this field. Being the sole African-American in the entire Integrative Biology department has further opened my eyes to the need for greater diversity in evolutionary biology.  Thank you…” 

Felix Araujo-Perez (June 2005): "I just wanted to thank you for the great opportunity of being part of the SSE/SSB Diversity Program. I would never imagine that I would travel to Alaska, let alone get to know some many cool people that are focused on projects. Keep the great work going.... I want to leave by saying that this experience led me to become part of W. Owen McMillan's laboratory at the University of Puerto Rico, as a graduate student. [Prof. McMillan is now at North Carolina State]. This experience gave me the assurance I needed to make my decision....Thanks,

Joseph Bahlman, graduate student, Brown University (July 2005): "I want to take the opportunity to thank you for the wonderful opportunity in Fairbanks. I had a great time and I know the experience was invaluable. I met many people who could be useful contacts in the future, and talked with many graduate students from different programs I'm interested in applying to. In was able learn a lot about different grad programs from the students' perspective, and the individual labs and professors. I am also grateful for the chance to see so many topics from different areas within Evolution. I particularly enjoyed the talks on Evo Devo and I now want to learn a little more about that as well."