The "Eureka!" Moment...

It's what science students strive for. At Seattle BioMed, we invite our supportive community to help college students achieve the moment of discovery as they realize their potential to become global health leaders, infectious disease researchers and world-class scientists.

Meet the 2012 Global Health Interns

Thanks to the generous support of donors to Seattle BioMed's Breakthrough Fund, three talented and passionate undergraduates are working side-by-side with Seattle BioMed mentors in our research labs. Throughout the summer, Meredith Adamo, Wyatt Rodan and Alex Taipale will share stories about what it’s like working in an infectious disease research lab.

Meredith Adamo, on impact and enthusiasm in global health:

“I have a genuine interest in and affinity for research in the field of global health. My goal for this summer is to gain a deeper understanding of the biological sciences and global health issues by conducting research alongside faculty and students who share my same enthusiasm. With so many individuals around the globe plagued by diseases and inadequate healthcare, I believe that global health is the field in which I can truly have an impact.”

Wyatt Rodan, on post-graduate studies:

“I am trying to decide on my direction of postgraduate studies, and I believe that the opportunity to participate in a summer internship at Seattle BioMed that focuses on both medical and basic science-oriented research will assist me in choosing between going into a life sciences graduate research program or going into medical school. At the same time, it excites me to think that I could participate in research that may lead to new treatments, new uses for drugs, or even new methods of research for infectious diseases which affect millions around the world.”

Alexandra Taipale, on the importance of international collaboration:

“In the short term, I hope to apply my knowledge to continue to study viruses like HIV. In the long term, I hope to generate novel methods and approaches to vaccine development and virology studies. Working with a new group of experienced professionals will help me to grow as a scientist and learn new approaches and problem solving techniques. Research on widespread infectious diseases will allow me to pursue an international work environment and encourage worldwide collaboration because infectious disease research requires collaboration between international laboratories to reach maximum efficacy.”