TAYLOR BUSBY, Global Disease Biology, Senior, 2021

Undergraduate Faculty Mentor:  Dr Joanne Emerson
Three words to describe me: Persistent. Adaptable. Kind.

What are your future plans and/or goals?

I plan to start graduate school after completing my undergraduate career at UC Davis and continue to work in research that looks at community dynamics and potential conservation efforts

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

Working in research has solidified my confidence in knowing I will be a successful graduate student. I am grateful for having the opportunity to do this research because I know what I am good at and have been able to learn about what I will expect from future work. It has also helped me understand what I do not want to do so I am sure that what I have applied to as a graduate research project is going to make me happy and not be something I regret.

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

The research we are doing is supplying a baseline for future researchers to evaluate the dynamics of microbial communities in honeybees and how the viruses can influence the populations.

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

I did not have much preparation outside of schoolwork, although the clinical experience I have received working at a veterinary hospital have helped me understand the overall biology and basic processes.

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

Do not give up and do not take anything personally. We are in a crazy world right now and the possibilities are always changing. Something will open up for you, and even if it is not what you hoped for it can help you learn and move forward in its own way.

Taylor has this to say about the CAMP program:
"The CAMP program was vital to keeping me motivated and making me feel like I would be successful through my personal struggles. I am grateful that they took the time to listen to me and provide encouragement to do what makes me happy and not give up on myself."