Ayokunle Olanrewaju, Ph.D., (left) addresses interns from UW Medicine, Fred Hutch, and Seattle Children's, as (left to right) panelists Lea Starita, Ph.D., Alpana Waghmare, M.D., and Riddhiman Garge, Ph.D. look on.
More than 40 interns from BBI’s three institutions – UW Medicine, Fred Hutch Cancer Center, and Seattle Children’s Hospital – gained new observations and insights July 15th on career trajectories.
The event was part of the annual BBI-sponsored intern forum-luncheon, providing undergraduates the opportunity to meet informally with principal investigators and faculty outside the classroom or lab.
“I really appreciated how their (the interns’) thoughtful questions hinted at an understanding of the typical trajectory of most scientists,” said Ayokunle Olanrewaju, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the UW Departments of Bioengineering and Mechanical Engineering. “They seem to have remarkable clarity and consideration of what lies before them in an academic career. I really enjoyed hearing about the varied career trajectories and interests of the other panelists, and how even though we've all arrived at our current positions in different ways, there are common threads that unite us.”
He was one of four speakers at the forum. The others were:
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Lea Starita, Ph.D., associate professor in Genome Sciences and co-director of the Brotman Baty Advanced Technology Lab
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Alpana Waghmare, M.D., associate professor, UW Medicine Division of Infectious Diseases, and attending physician at Seattle Children’s Hospital
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Riddhiman Garge, Ph.D., a post-doctoral researcher in the UW Department of Genome Sciences
“I was impressed with how excited the interns were about being in academia, and how aware they already were familiar with day-to-day workings of laboratories,” said Garge. “They were an inspiring and impressive group of potential young researchers.”
Clare Malhotra, a BBI intern and rising junior majoring Biology and Data Science at the University of Chicago, noted that her, as yet, uncertain career direction was affirmed.
“I enjoyed hearing about the many diverse paths a person can take towards research,” she said. “As someone who has always been unsure exactly what I want my career to look like, it is comforting to know that, regardless of what you decide to do in undergrad or directly afterwards, you have plenty of time to learn more skills and end up working somewhere that is perfect for you.”
Such uncertainty was overshadowed by the students’ enthusiasm, said Olanrewaju.
“I was really impressed by how thoughtful their questions were and the clear poise and confidence with which they navigate the increasingly competitive world of academia,” he said. “Their interests and enthusiasm really came across and I'm excited to see all that they will do."
