Quinn Beek is a biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology major from Lebanon, N.H. She recently received a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) to conduct research in the lab of Sarah Walker, assistant professor of molecular, cellular and biomedical sciences. Her research topic is “Identifying Inhibitors to Target BCL6 in Ovarian Cancer.”
While attending UNH, Quinn has become a nationally certified EMT and currently volunteers with McGregor Memorial EMS, whose station is located on the UNH campus. “Being a volunteer EMT has given me the opportunity to give back to this community that has given so much to me,” she says.
In addition to the SURF, Quinn has also received an Undergraduate Research Award, also through the Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research.
Quinn Beek: I chose UNH because of the scholarships I received which made going to college affordable. At the time I made my decision, I did not realize how many opportunities it had to offer. I am so glad I chose UNH because of the professors I have had, who have become my mentors, and under their guidance, I have participated in undergraduate research in their labs. I have also had the opportunity to be a Hamel Center student ambassador, so I have been able to share my experience with research at UNH with other students and prospective students and their families.
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Quinn: My major is biochemistry, molecular and cellular biology. What makes it so interesting to me is how complex the human body is. I also love how the field is constantly making advancements so there is always something new to learn about. There are so many different fields of study in biochemistry which allows for great flexibility.
Quinn: I am most proud of how involved I have been able to be on campus. I have been able to do undergraduate research and have my own project. I was able to apply for grants and receive funding which taught me about writing proposals. I was selected to be a coordinator for Peer Led Team Learning (PLTL), which has given me the opportunity to help other students like me learn difficult concepts. I am also a Hamel Center for Undergraduate Research ambassador; this has allowed me to meet with current and prospective students and their families and tell them about the many opportunities at UNH. I am proud of all these things because I have worked hard to get the positions, and in some way each position has allowed me to help someone else.
Quinn: I have been accepted into the biochemistry accelerated master’s program at UNH. So I will graduate with my undergraduate degree in 2023 and then will graduate with a master’s the following year. I plan to work for a biotechnology company for a few years after graduation and am considering going to medical school.
Quinn: UNH has prepared me to achieve my goals in every way possible. I am grateful for the professors that I have studied and worked under who have given me my own projects to work on in their research labs, which has allowed me to get hands-on experience and learn about my passion for research.
Quinn: What I love most about UNH is how many opportunities there are. I have had the ability to try so many things which has made me a more well-rounded person.
