BDBS Program Student Experience & Insights: Rachel Richards

"Completing the BDBS program enabled me to build my research skills, develop professionally, and expand my research portfolio to be a competitive applicant for PhD programs."
Headshot image of Rachel Richards

Rachel Richards, a graduate of the Building Diversity in Biomedical Sciences Summer Research Program for Undergraduates (BDBS) at Tufts University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, shares her journey through the program and how it has shaped her path to becoming a PhD student in biomedical research. In this conversation, Rachel discusses her research, the impact of Tufts' BDBS program, and her vision for the future. Read on to learn more about her experiences and the advice she has for prospective students interested in pursuing a career in biomedical sciences.

Why did you choose to pursue a future in biomedical research?

"I chose to pursue a future in biomedical research because I wanted to do impactful work for a large group of people, not just individuals. Furthermore, research presents the opportunity to collaborate and work with persons from different backgrounds to encourage more student participation in research, engage the community in becoming educated in scientific advancements, and lobby for increased funding or support for specific research endeavors."

What inspired you to apply to the BDBS program at Tufts?

"I applied to the BDBS program at Tufts through the Leadership Alliance based upon a recommendation by my scholarship advisor at North Carolina A&T. I spoke to various persons from the Boston area as well as persons with connections to Tufts and was encouraged by the positive reviews, as well as the various resources and opportunities this particular program offered its participants."

Can you tell us about your research focus and the questions you're trying to answer?

"I am investigating the human macrophage response to non-typhoidal Salmonella infection, alongside conducting epidemiological studies to identify potential risk factors or associated factors that may play a role in driving non-typhoidal Salmonella colonization of food products and hosts, as well as may contribute to severe outcomes from human infection. Macrophages play a critical role in the initial response and prevention of systemic disease caused by Salmonella, but the mechanisms by which they control Salmonella infection are poorly understood. I hope to answer questions regarding how specific immune pathways regulate the human macrophage response to Salmonella infection, the potential impact of the macrophage innate immune response, and what are potential bacterial-associated risk factors in Salmonella pathogenesis."

How would you describe your experience in the BDBS program at Tufts?

"My experience in BDBS was amazing. I was one of the younger members in my cohort and I received so much helpful guidance, kindness, and support from my peers that shaped my approach to working in a professional space. The program coordinators were very supportive and shaped how I screened potential graduate programs in terms of seeking supportive mentorship. The coordinators worked very hard to provide a well-rounded experience in professional development with weekly seminars, networking opportunities, and one-on-one mentorship with current students. Furthermore, the extracurricular excursions to Harvard and other places in Boston enabled us to find time to bond and get acquainted with Boston, providing memories I still hold dear to this day. I associate this experience as being a positive predictor for my determination to obtain a PhD in biomedical research."

What was your favorite aspect of the BDBS program?

"My favorite aspect was meeting the amazing faculty, staff, students, and other BDBS participants at Tufts."

What is your proudest academic or professional accomplishment while at Tufts?

"I was recently invited to give a talk at the S2P2 Symposium in August 2024 on my journey in science and my experience in BDBS. Getting to mingle with students who are in the place I was in 2019 gave me a great feeling of accomplishment and pride that I am continuing along the path I set out upon at an early age."

How has completing the BDBS program helped you advance your professional goals?

"Completing the BDBS program enabled me to build my research skills, develop professionally, and expand my research portfolio to be a competitive applicant for PhD programs. Furthermore, the research I participated in exposed me to key cellular and molecular biology techniques and the ability to practice being an independent researcher, akin to what I do now in my PhD program."

What do you want prospective students to know about Tufts?

"Tufts is keen on creating a welcoming environment that enables trainees at any level to feel supported in their personal and professional goals. If you ever are in need of support or guidance, there is no shortage of persons at Tufts who are eager to provide. Moreover, there is a wide breadth of research opportunities at Tufts and collaboration opportunities to allow you to pursue rigorous and high-impact research projects."

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