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Rodrigo Gallardo

Major:Intended Major: Biology
Mentor:Brian Hayes, Kraig Abrams, Beverly Torok-Storb, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center

Contact: rodrig5@uw.edu

Current research project: Introducing gene edited plasmid DNA into ML3 cells to differentiate using cell marker antibodies

 

 

 

​​Senior at the University of Washington. Having research experiences during his high school career at the “Center for Infectious Disease Research” studying Malaria, and in the summer of his freshman year working under the Alva Genome Project where he had an opportunity to do research at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, developing a new way of combating cancer by taking advantage of NK radiation resistance and eventually moving on to gene editing and transplanting plasmids into different cells cultures. And now moving towards research into the mental health of incoming college students, comparing the well-being of first-year students from each year. Was their well-being consistent over those years – did student well-being diminish? What sense can we make? You could support the sense-making of the qualitative data. Still keeping an open mind to new research techniques and disciplines so he discovers ways he can most effectively help underrepresented communities.

Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance
Understanding the quality of mental health of college students through a long term study can give great insight on how new therapies and preventative care can be put in place to better assist students in the journey through academia.

When, how, and why did you get involved in undergraduate research?
Putting myself out there to research opportunities during high school has allowed me to network and find willing mentors who were able to guide me into the right direction. Without the support of mentors and peers I wouldn’t have found myself in a position in where I am surrounded the tools and resources I have grown so passionate about.

What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research?
I know its cliché but you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. As long as you give it your best shot then you shouldn’t regret putting yourself out there. You can say with confidence that you at least tried. Failure is a part of life and will only make you stronger so don’t fear it!