In the spring of 2017, I was a Biochemistry major looking to embark on the next step toward a graduate program. I applied to the PREP@UC Davis post baccalaureate program hoping to strengthen my research skills and apply to a PhD program.

The last ten months as a PREP Scholar have been quite the learning experience.

I started off by joining the lab of Dr. Elva Diaz. Her lab has a strong focus in biochemistry, molecular, cellular and developmental biology. I was interested in expanding the knowledge I already had as a biochemist while having the exciting opportunity to learn more about cellular and molecular biology.

I definitely learned a lot in the Diaz lab. I found techniques such as site-directed mutagenesis and immunocytochemistry to be not only fun but, also great tools for my research project. Everything I did there was new and exciting. On the career development side of things, Dr. Diaz provided me with a lot of public speaking opportunities by allowing me to present research progress and even journal article presentations during weekly lab meetings.

For the second half of my PREP experience, I worked in the lab of Dr. Philipp Zerbe. His lab studies the diversity of plant metabolism. In other words, terpenes! His lab is a biochemistry lab at the core and implements gas chromatography-mass spectrometry as a tool for metabolite identification characterization. In this lab, I learned more about plant metabolism and (believe it or not) cloning.

However, a PREP experience is not just about working in a lab. We had career development activities because there is more to a well-rounded scientist then just wet lab benchwork. Since, the purpose of the program is to help you enter a graduate program, the coordinators of the program: Dr. Carole Hom and Dr. Daniel Starr were always putting together workshops and activities.

The coordinators worked at getting the cohort members (as a unit and as the individuals that we are) connected to actual graduate students and mentors. In a way, there was a lot of networking: They encouraged our participation in scientific seminars, workshops, and enrichment activities with options such as taking undergraduate classes. Additionally, the coordinators were also aware of other important aspects that compose a well-rounded career development program, so they sat time aside for resume and curriculum vitae polishing.

Each PREP scholar also had an advisor. This connection served the purpose of having someone to talk to about both little and big things that were happening for each PREP scholar. It was very useful to have someone to talk to while you were working things out. My Advisor was Dr. JoAnne Engebrecht and she was always very supportive.

Surprisingly enough, I was lucky to have additional connections that carried longevity. After I had rotated out of the Diaz lab, Dr. Diaz continued to mentor me. Her idea was to meet twice a month for coffee and conversation about the progression of my PREP experience. She would always be very prepared. Right down to note taking! It was amazing to see just to what lengths a good mentor is willing to go.

Secondly, I had made an advisor-friendship. Dr. Silvia Carrasco was my instructor for an undergraduate cell biology class I took during my PREP experience. And the connection differed from that of my PREP advisor because it was outside of the scope of my activities for the PREP program. After the end of the quarter, Silvia and I would make lunch appointments quite frequently. During these meetings, she would help me by volunteering to be my audience for a practice chalk talk, presentation, or even just to talk about how things are going in lab. She was always more than happy to help trouble-shoot any aspect of my project.

It was nice to make have that last longer connectionsthan the commitment that linked them to me through PREP activities.

Now, I must admit, not everything always goes as planned. Fast forward ten months into my PREP experience: I found myself switching from a graduate program path to a job search. In my case, I did not continue on to graduate school. It feels unnecessary to state that it was hard to come to that halting realization. However, the idea was not to give up and take on any job to pay the bills. I saw the opportunity to take the smartest next steps and apply the education that I already had acquired and continue to develop my career. I saw employment as a way to contribute skills that I already have and keep on learning new ones.

However, do not misinterpret the message, I am happy to switch gears. Graduate school may or may not come into the future at a later stage in life. This is not because I do not want to do it or because I do not feel ready for it. It is simply because for now, I need an alternate route.  For now, I am happy to embark on a new beginning where I will most definitely will grow as a scientist.

Congratulations, Lynda! We're proud of you. Keep in touch! -- Dan and Carole