Alexandra Nabers from Montana State University in Bozeman has gained confidence and valuable hands-on experience through NISE, particularly in laboratory procedures, equipment operation, research communication, and asking meaningful research questions. Through the program, Ali has developed skills in biomedical research techniques while building connections with other researchers. One unexpected highlight has been the opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary lab, combining biochemistry research techniques with engineering-based data analysis and computational methods. Ali has also gained experience with flow cytometry, a technique that was new to her before coming to New Mexico. She hopes to carry the knowledge, skills, and connections gained through NISE into her research at her home institution and future academic and professional pursuits.

Audree Vigil a second year NISE participant from Eastern New Mexico University  is gaining valuable research experience through NISE that is helping prepare her for future doctoral studies and a career in psychology. Through the program, she has had the opportunity to explore her interests in psychology, neurology, and cognition while building her academic portfolio and developing meaningful connections with researchers and mentors. Audree has also gained hands-on experience in the research process, including developing a study concept, completing CITI certification, preparing an IRB proposal, and conducting academic writing for research studies. She hopes to use the research skills and experience gained through NISE to support her future goal of obtaining a PsyD.

Coralie Ahrenskeaff from St. John’s College is using her NISE experience to step outside her academic comfort zone and explore the hands-on side of science. Through the program, she has gained practical research experience while learning how to follow an experiment from beginning to end over an extended period, giving her a deeper understanding of the scientific process. Coralie has also developed skills in preparing for experiments, working efficiently, and organizing research results. Beyond the technical skills, she hopes NISE will give her greater confidence in asking questions, trying new things, and exploring different fields without fear of judgment.

Devyn Ericksen from Eastern New Mexico University is gaining valuable insight into graduate-level research through NISE, helping prepare her for the academic environment and expectations she will encounter in the future. Through the program, Devyn is developing a broader skill set by gaining hands-on experience with laboratory techniques and instrumentation that are not available at her smaller home institution. She is also strengthening her skills in software, academic writing, and professional networking. One of the most valuable aspects of her experience has been learning how to apply laboratory techniques to real-world issues, while developing a better understanding of how to formulate meaningful research questions and approach them through scientific investigation.

Finn McManus from Dona Ana Community College is gaining valuable research and laboratory experience through NISE while exploring potential paths for graduate school and their future career. The program has given Finn different perspectives on research and industry, along with hands-on experience planning and conducting experiments using established procedures. They have especially appreciated working alongside others who are dedicated to research and gaining a better understanding of what it is like to work in a laboratory on a regular basis. Through this experience, Finn has also gained greater clarity about their interests, discovering that while they enjoy research and lab work, they are more interested in studying larger and more complex organisms rather than microbes.

Isabella Quay from Eastern New Mexico University has gained confidence and valuable hands-on experience in a laboratory setting through NISE, helping her feel more certain about her goal of pursuing a career as an MD while also opening her to the possibility of earning a PhD. Through the program, Isabella has developed new laboratory techniques, gained experience using research equipment, and expanded her knowledge of microbiology. She has especially enjoyed conducting research independently and learning the purpose behind different techniques and procedures. NISE has also helped Isabella discover that she genuinely enjoys laboratory research and has encouraged her to consider future opportunities such as an MD/PhD or pursuing a PhD after medical school.

Karla Benitez from Eastern New Mexico University is gaining confidence and valuable hands-on experience in the laboratory through NISE, becoming familiar with basic and commonly used research techniques. Although she did not have specific skills in mind when joining the program, Karla has found the experience engaging and has enjoyed learning new laboratory procedures. She was especially surprised by how approachable techniques such as preparing different types of agar and DNA samples could be. NISE has also helped her become more confident in performing techniques independently and successfully while giving her the opportunity to explore whether laboratory research is something she would like to pursue long-term.

Katelyn Powers from Nevada State University is gaining valuable wet-lab experience through NISE while exploring her interest in pursuing graduate school and a future in research. Because wet-lab work was an area where she had limited experience, Katelyn has enjoyed developing her laboratory skills and gaining a better understanding of what a research career could look like. Through the program, she is building confidence in the lab and becoming more certain about her potential path toward graduate school. She has also developed a strong interest in microbiology and bacteria, learning about topics she had little prior experience with and finding them especially fascinating.

Kylie Jenkins from New Mexico Tech is gaining valuable hands-on laboratory experience through NISE, developing skills in conducting research, documenting findings, and working effectively in a research environment. She hopes to strengthen her ability to independently conduct research and confidently present her findings. Through the program, Kylie is also building confidence in sharing her ideas and learning how to communicate and collaborate with others in a professional laboratory setting. One of the most unexpected aspects of her experience has been discovering how different an independent research lab can be from a traditional classroom laboratory, giving her a deeper understanding of what research is like in practice.

Manny Estrada from Dona Ana Community College is gaining valuable laboratory experience through NISE that has broadened his perspective beyond what is typically available within his degree program. Through hands-on experience in microbiology, Manny is learning about the processes and skills involved in working in a research laboratory while exploring whether a career change may be right for him. He is also building professional connections with colleagues, mentors, and research leaders while developing the skills needed to succeed in a laboratory environment. As someone new to this type of setting, Manny has embraced stepping outside his comfort zone and discovering something new each day.