Anna Myers is a senior pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Biology who embodies the spirit of a passionate researcher driven by curiosity and a love for discovery. Over the years, her academic and professional journey has been marked by significant milestones, groundbreaking research, and meaningful connections that have shaped her path in science and her aspirations.
From the moment Anna stepped foot on the IU Indianapolis campus as a freshman, she was drawn to the ground-breaking world of research. Her first step in this direction was through the Diversity Research Scholar Program and the Bepko Scholar Honors Program, which have provided her with invaluable support and opportunities. In fact, the Diversity Research Scholar Program became a cornerstone of her undergraduate experience, pairing her with a principal investigator and immersing her in a community of like-minded individuals. “It really helps you prepare for grad school, connect with other people, and grow as a scientist,” she shared, reflecting on how the program reaffirmed her passion for research.
Anna’s dedication and passion for research became evident through her commitment to Dr. Marrs’ lab, where she has worked since her freshman year. During a full-time summer internship at the Simmon Cancer Center, Anna delved into the complexities of pancreatic cancer research. Her project explored the combination of a lab-developed drug with vitamin C to assess its efficacy in targeting cancer cells. The work, which bridges translational and basic research, focused on the drug’s ability to infiltrate the DNA of cancer cells, causing a buildup of hydrogen peroxide that ultimately destroys them. This hands-on experience not only deepened her technical expertise but also gave her a front-row seat to the rigors and rewards of cancer research. Yet, Anna admits she does not see herself as a cancer researcher long-term. “I want to leave my work at work,” she explained, envisioning a future in research within the industry, where she can continue exploring her love for hands-on experimentation without losing balance in her personal life.
Anna’s diverse research endeavors extend beyond cancer biology. Working alongside Dr. Patrick Milder, she conducted micro-injections to modify the RNA of zebrafish, inducing epilepsy to test anti-epileptic seizure drugs. With approximately 30% of current drugs proving ineffective, the research held the promise of advancing treatments for epilepsy. The diversity in her research projects has allowed her to acquire invaluable technical skills, which she fondly describes as an amazing opportunity. One of her takeaways from her experience within the lab has been able to use expensive and cutting-edge technological scientific devices.
On the other hand, Anna not only shines inside the lab. Myers’ academic journey has been marked by opportunities to present her research on national stages, thanks to the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists. As a sophomore, she presented in California; as a junior, in Phoenix, and as a senior, in Pittsburgh.
These conferences not only enabled her to share her findings but also inspired her through exposure to groundbreaking research. A keynote speaker’s discussion on gut microbiomes and fecal transplants left a lasting impression. Learning about the potential of these treatments to address food allergies is something that deeply resonated with Anna as someone living with celiac disease. This moment reinforced her interest in microbiology, a field she is eager to explore further in graduate school.
At these conferences, she had the opportunity to engage with scientists from various university graduate programs. Her impactful research caught their attention, prompting them to share business cards and discuss opportunities to bring her work to their universities.
Throughout her academic career, Anna has been motivated by the people around her—peers, mentors, and even those outside of the scientific community who admire her dedication. Among her biggest influences are her professors, Dr. Marrs and Dr. Slayback-Berry. Dr. Marrs’ commitment to student success, through extra credit opportunities and accessible office hours, has been a source of encouragement. Meanwhile, Dr. Slayback-Berry’s ability to tailor her teaching to student interests and provide in-depth resources has left an indelible mark on Anna’s educational experience.
Of course, Anna’s path has not been without its challenges. Research often involves trial and error, requiring resilience and perseverance. Yet, these challenges have only fueled her determination. She takes pride in her ability to learn new techniques and adapt to complex experiments, and she credits her lab experiences with preparing her for the demands of a research career.
“Research is very interesting, but it is very frustrating because you do the same thing over and over and just kind of hope for the best results.”
As Anna looks ahead to graduate school and a future in the research industry, she remains open to exploring different areas of study, with a strong inclination toward microbiology. Her journey, defined by hard work, curiosity, and an unwavering commitment to science, serves as an inspiring example of how passion and perseverance can lead to extraordinary accomplishments. For Anna, the thrill of discovery and the opportunity to make a meaningful impact continues to drive her forward—one experiment, one breakthrough, and one conference at a time.
