Kimberly Lesly Maldonado, 5th Year, Pharmaceutical Chemistry, 2021

Research Program: MURPPS
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Andrew Fisher
Research Title: RNA Editing Enzyme Structural Studies
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Three words to describe me: Spiritual, Compassionate, Guatemalan-American

What are your future plans and/or goals?

My future goals include building upon my research skills including qualitative research and pursuing a phD.

In what ways has engaging in undergraduate research impacted your future goals and plans?

Without this undergraduate experience, my understanding of research would be very limited. This experience has solidified that I am capable of being the first in my family to pursue a PhD.

What contribution(s) will your research make to your field of study?

When the DNA editor became available as a tool, it was revolutionary and is now used within laboratories. The study of RNA editing enzymes is another tool that can be used to alter transcripts without invasively changing the DNA code. The structural studies of RNA editing enzymes will help to fully build upon limited knowledge of RNA editing enzymes.

What preparation and research experience did you have before applying to your research program?

I had experience in undergraduate research within Dr.Fisher's lab for over a year and had experience with conference presentations.

Personal achievements/accomplishments or other news and information:

I am learning about my cultural roots and deconstructing negative habits.

What advice do you have for other undergraduate students seeking research experiences?

Keep trying and persisting, research is for everyone.

What else would you like us to know about you?

Aside from research, I'm currently exploring Latinx spirituality and constantly figuring out how to take care of my mind, body, and soul. I'm really curious on the intersection of the soul and STEM if anybody out there would like to share some knowledge with me. Additionally, I am committed to social justice issues and I would love to find ways to explore this within STEM fields.