Jingyi Li
Parent Lab
What brought you to the University of Michigan?
In my undergraduate period, one of my favorite professors graduated from Umich. He showed me upmost professionalism and rigorous scientific spirit.
Long term goals/aspirations:
In future, I would like to work in business development department in pharmaceutical companies.
Specific areas of research (how you chose this research, why it interested you):
I've always been interested in cancer pharmacology. Many different systems are involved in cancer progression. It is so intriguing to find the possible link between these systems and cancer.
What made you go into this field of study?
I want to learn more, not only detailed knowledge but also the design of the experiment.
What accomplishment, academic or otherwise, are you most proud of?
During this one-year studying, I have a better understanding of think independently and critically.
What has been your favorite part of the graduate school experience in the Department of Pharmacology/University of Michigan?
Student seminars help me broaden my mind, which is also an excellent opportunity to make friends with common interests.
What are you plans directly following graduation?
I am planning to gain more experience by working as a research assistant in the lab.
What advice would you give to incoming MS Pharmacology students in the future?
Please step out of your comfort zone and be brave enough to speak about your ideas.
Jacob Ormes
Ferrario Lab
What brought you to the University of Michigan?
After speaking with Dr. Fisher, the MS program in Pharmacology seemed like a really great and challenging opportunity that would allow me to pursue my future career goals.
Long term goals/aspirations:
Right now I am setting out to complete my PhD in Pharmacology in the Ferrario Lab.
Specific areas of research (how you chose this research, why it interested you):
I did my MS degree research in the Ferrario lab where we study neurobiological mechanisms of addiction and obesity. With my interest in neuropharmacology and neuroscience as well as my background in exercise and nutrition, the lab seemed like the perfect combination for me.
What made you go into this field of study?
As I began to prepare for medical school, I realized that I was more interested in drugs and how they affect the brain.
What accomplishment, academic or otherwise, are you most proud of?
I am honestly very proud that I was able to be one of the top academic performers to complete the MS program since it was created.
What has been your favorite part of the graduate school experience in the Department of Pharmacology/University of Michigan?
How open and willing everyone is to sit down with you and have a discussion - or simply to help out in any way.
What are you plans directly following graduation?
Enter into the PhD program in Pharmacology here at UM.
What advice would you give to incoming MS Pharmacology students in the future?
Talk to your professors. There is not only knowledge, but much wisdom to be gained.
Linwei Wu
Traynor Lab
What brought you to the University of Michigan?
The high reputation and good education quality of the university.
Long term goals/aspirations:
To apply my knowledge in my future job.
Specific areas of research (how you chose this research, why it interested you):
Positive Allosteric Modulation of the δ Opioid Receptor.
What made you go into this field of study?
An interesting experiment and love for science.
What accomplishment, academic or otherwise, are you most proud of?
Making good grades and preparing a great thesis.
What has been your favorite part of the graduate school experience in the Department of Pharmacology/University of Michigan?
The many seminars I have attended.
What are you plans directly following graduation?
After finishing up, I plan to start my job search.
What advice would you give to incoming MS Pharmacology students in the future?
Make sure to manage your time properly and work hard.
Julieta Bass
Gnegy Lab
What brought you to the University of Michigan?
Of course, I was interested in the University of Michigan for their dedication to academic excellence. I thought it would challenge me and provide me with an upper level of scientific training, which it has! I was also looking forward to the fact that the program also valued nontraditional routes and diverse life experiences.
Long term goals/aspirations:
I am in the process of applying to medical schools- so hopefully, medical school. I would prefer to work among communities addressing health disparities, whether local or within a developing country.
Specific areas of research (how you chose this research, why it interested you):
I did a literature review focusing on the mechanism of action of amphetamine. I specifically studied protein kinase C substrates that may be related to the action of amphetamine. Before starting the program, I was interested in the nervous system, so neuropharmacology has always been the first choice. Because of the impact of amphetamine use disorders on public health, the amphetamine mechanism is particularly interesting to me.
What made you go into this field of study?
My interest in pharmacology began with my own experience. Through this experience, I have witnessed a drug's ability to improve the quality of life significantly. Other activities, including an internship I had completed at a health department in which I was able to further curate my pharmacological and toxicological focus by attending workshops and discussions on topics surrounding chemical and biologic agents, also piqued my interest.
What accomplishment, academic or otherwise, are you most proud of?
I would have to say that I am most proud of myself for pushing through the obstacles even when it has been tough to remain perseverant.
What has been your favorite part of the graduate school experience in the Department of Pharmacology/University of Michigan?
The most rewarding part has been how open the faculty is to discussing material with you; the discussions that I had with professors have allowed me to learn more. Also, my MS cohort is a group of incredible students. I think this cohort really valued each other and is always willing to help each other and work together.
What are you plans directly following graduation?
I will be working as a Clinical Trials Coordinator at Michigan while I apply to medical schools.
What advice would you give to incoming MS Pharmacology students in the future?
To take the time each day to remind yourself that you can do it and that you do belong here. Also, don't panic after the first exam in 601.
Diamond Thomas
D. Jones Lab
What brought you to the University of Michigan?
This is one of the best R1 schools in the midwest! Plus, I am now a double alum!
Specific areas of research (how you chose this research, why it interested you):
My specific area of research during this program was cardiopharm. I choose this completely randomly. I was originally going after drug development labs. Then I stumbled into Chi-Chi, who told me about the amazing research going on in the Dave Jones lab. It is really interesting.
What made you go into this field of study?
I also personally had experiences with my dad having a sudden cardiac arrest after his surgery and it was due to the medication he was on. The clinical relevance of the antibodies studied in our lab can be cardioprotective and it is great!
Long term goals/aspirations:
Right now I would like to manage clinical research site and coordinate clinical trial studies. I am still thinking about the future, maybe MD-Ph.D or a Pharm.D.
What accomplishment, academic or otherwise, are you most proud of?
I am most proud of completing this program in its entirety, even the optional thesis defense DURING A PANDEMIC!
What has been your favorite part of the graduate school experience in the Department of Pharmacology/University of Michigan?
I enjoyed our Pharmacology department summit out by the lake during the first week of our program. It was a great introduction to how close and family like the Pharmacology department can be.
What advice would you give to incoming MS Pharmacology students in the future?
I would tell incoming MS students not to compare themselves to other people, make friends (inside and outside of MS program), and do not be afraid to ask for help (our professors are wonderful and definitely will help).
