ADRIAN GARCIA, Genetics & Genomics, Senior, 2021

Undergraduate Faculty Mentor:  Dr. Siobhan Brady
Three words to describe me: Persistent, creative, and collegial

What are your future plans and/or goals?

I plan to pursue graduate school to further do research in the field of genomics.

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

Undergraduate research has given me a meaningful and rewarding opportunity to better understand how the scientific process works. As someone who transferred into UC Davis, research has also allowed me to refine my academic and career interests in ways that a classroom setting is not always able to provide. Being part of the Brady lab has also made me realize the civic value that research can have and the meaningful impact it can have on everyday life for people across the world.

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

My research will examine the bacterial interactions that is happening in the soil of two different breeds of sorghum. The hopes are that understanding these interactions, will give us a better idea of how a parasite is being so successful. Knowing this would provide evidence that will potentially lead, or support, to an effective way to eradicate this destructive species from its plant host.

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

When I was in community college, I was determined to do undergraduate research and began to seek out opportunities at local universities. I was able to first do research at Cal State University, Northridge in a herpetology lab where I got my first real experience doing field work and data collection. It made me realize that I wanted to do more research so I decided to look for another opportunity. The summer before I transferred into UC Davis, I was able to do research at the University of Oregon's marine biology campus through the NSF-REU program. During my time at Oregon, I was able to realize the research potential of genetics and I was able to cement my desire to pursue graduate school.

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

Research is for everyone! As a first-generation, Latinx student I can honestly say that research has given so much fulfillment and direction in my life. It can feel intimidating to start out, but don't let it discourage you! Everyone is welcome, and it takes doing some research to figure out what you do and don't like.