Meet Sarah Tsuruo ’21, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador (PRA) majoring in Biological Sciences and minoring in Women’s, Gender & Sexuality Studies and Molecular & Cell Biology.

What is the focus of your research?

My research focus is looking into the endocrine-immune interaction and trade-offs in the host parasite system in the threespine stickleback fish. I’ve also done work on starting and maintaining cell culture lines.

Why did you get involved in research?

I was motivated to become involved in research to really delve into scientific interests and projects knowing I would build essential foundations for my future career.

What advice would you give to incoming first-year students?

Make your own opportunities and don’t give up if you’re told no. Stay resilient, network and trail blaze your own path, because you can 100% do it if you stay determined.

What is your greatest accomplishment so far?

One of my greatest accomplishments so far would be my resiliency — I’m known as a “tough cookie” to close friends and family. Besides that, one of the things I’m very excited about is the STEM enrichment initiative I created and implemented at a Domestic Violence Crisis Center with the support of the OUR Change Grant.

What are your plans after graduation? How has involvement in research influenced your plans and prepared you for the future?

After graduation I plan on working as a clinical research coordinator before I attend medical school! My involvement in clinical research definitely influenced my decision to be involved in clinical research as a physician and my current research experiences have introduced me to the world of poster conferences, publications and collaboration.

Click here for more information on Sarah and other OUR Peer Research Ambassadors.

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