Angelina Skedros and Professor (Lecturer) Emeritus, Mark Nielsen, looking for brine shrimp at the Great Salt Lake.Photo credit: Brenda Nielsen

How a U of U Summer Camp Experience Shaped My Path in Science

When I was 11 years old, I attended a comparative anatomy summer camp at the University of Utah. One day we toured the Olivera Lab where I saw venomous cone snails for the first time. That moment ignited my passion for science — I knew I wanted to pursue a career in research.

With a family history of U graduates, spanning disciplines from English to medicine, I was eager to follow in their footsteps. Being part of the College of Science has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my academic journey. I began research in my freshman year through the Science Research Initiative (SRI) and later joined the Gagnon Lab through a more traditional route: approaching Professor Jamie Gagnon after a lecture to request an interview. As a researcher in this lab, I discovered my passion for cell, molecular and developmental biology. My research focuses on DNA, leveraging next generation sequencing technologies to investigate fundamental biological questions. Inspired by my work, I later enrolled in Genes, Development, and Evolution (BIOL 5510) with Professor Mike Shapiro, a course that strengthened my ability to critically analyze scientific literature and apply these skills across disciplines.

Beyond research, my role as a College of Science Ambassador has allowed me to engage in science communication and outreach, making my research accessible to a broad audience. Through these experiences, I have developed a deep appreciation for the complexity of cellular processes — how a single cell gives rise to intricate biological systems remains one of the most fascinating questions in science.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I plan to enroll in a post-baccalaureate research program to further develop my skills and refine my research focus. This experience will support my long-term goal of pursuing a Ph.D. and contributing to the scientific community as a research scientist.

My advice to incoming freshmen: go after opportunities, take that interesting class, apply for scholarships, ask for that position. Do it! But also make time for fun. As a STEM student, I learned how to hip-hop, do reformer pilates and made time for backpacking in the desert and oil painting!

 —Angelina “Gigi” Skedros is a senior honors student from Salt Lake City majoring in biology, with minors in mathematics and chemistry.

 By:  Tanya Vickers, Communications Editor, School of Biological Sciences

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