For most students, spring break meant a much-needed week of rest or a fun trip with friends. For Honors student Shelby Jackson, however, it meant stepping into the scientific community.
Jackson spent her break at an international conference of scientists in Chicago, Illinois, attending presentations about how fruit flies are used as model organisms in scientific research. The conference, the Genetic Society of America’s 67th Annual Drosophila Research Conference, covered a wide range of topics within this overarching subject, from sleep rhythms to CRISPR technology. Jackson had the opportunity to hear from scientists from all over the world, which she said was both inspiring and eye-opening.
“One of my favorite moments was getting to speak with researchers from other nations, including Taiwan and Switzerland,” she said. “It is amazing to hear how people have dedicated their lives to discovery in different parts of the world.”
Jackson is majoring in biological sciences and environmental and sustainability studies. She spent six months conducting research under Wayne Wang, a post-doctoral research associate in the School of Biological Sciences. The two presented at the conference.
“It was amazing getting to share our hard work with others and receive feedback,” Jackson said. “I even got to present to one scientist that I had previously read and cited work from.”
Jackson said that Honors has pushed her to step outside of her comfort zone and take advantage of the opportunities given to her, even if it is intimidating. The support she has received from Honors faculty and staff has encouraged her to go above and beyond in her education. Part of that involves communicating the impact of her research with the broader community.
“People often ask me, ‘How did you get the opportunity to do this?” she said. “The answer is simple. I sent an email, and then I worked hard.” Her experience in Honors has led her to be willing to reach out and capitalize on the connections she forms.
