Summer Research at Rice

This summer, Year 13 student, Maryam, had an opportunity to participate in cancer research under the tutelage of renowned scientist, Dr Natasha Kirienko and her team of graduate and undergraduate students at Rice University’s Biosciences school.

After 6 weeks of 8 hour days spent in a state of the art Biochemistry lab, Maryam, learnt about the patience and resilience required in the field of research.

The project oncology research aimed to identify a link between mitochondrial dysfunction and cancer with the goal of developing personalized cancer treatment to work alongside chemotherapy in order to make it more effective.

Maryam was fortunate, at the end of the 6 week program, to receive the honour of being invited to co-author and present a poster at the Rice undergraduate poster fair. This was an incredible learning experience that helped her develop not only my biological understanding of the topic, but also the softer skills required to publish research namely collaboration, observation, minute attention to detail and above all the perseverance and flexibility that must be second nature to a successful research scientist.

Maryam is grateful to Rice university for choosing me for the experience which allowed me among many other opportunities a glimpse into university life of an aspiring scientist.

At Rice, they believe nothing is impossible. They are in constant pursuit of wisdom and commit themselves to endless exploration. At the British International School of Houston we believe there is no limit to what our students will achieve! #NAEBeAmbitious #NAEducation #NAEAchiever