In the midst of writing my college applications and supplemental essays, I wrote a lot about my experiences volunteering with individuals with Alzheimer’s disease and how I wanted to pursue Alzheimer’s research in college — ultimately leading to a career in medicine working in neurology and geriatrics. As I was writing, I knew these goals were real and meaningful, but I truthfully doubted if I could actually accomplish them as an undergraduate. Participating in medical research seemed like something that would take a bachelor's degree and years of networking to pursue. 

But then, I started at Rice. 

In my first few days on campus during O-Week, I met so many passionate and inspiring students who told me about their research in the Medical Center and the amazing internships and opportunities they had found. I quickly learned that having the Texas Medical Center essentially in my backyard meant research was much closer than I expected — just a 15-minute walk away!

At the end of my first semester, I began scouring the websites of PIs across the Med Center and sending emails to introduce myself. I quickly found multiple labs willing to take me on, and I began working shortly after freshman year. What had initially seemed like a distant dream in my college applications became a reality because of the support and resources at Rice. From upperclassmen happy to share tips to Biosciences department guides on cold emailing PIs, I was provided with everything I needed to succeed without asking.

I have loved every minute of my research, and pretty much everyone who knows me has had to listen to me talk on and on about my lab. I’ve learned to work with mice, how to culture and purify microglia cells, and many other interesting lab techniques. More importantly, I have experienced being part of a research team contributing to meaningful work I have cared about for years.

One of the best parts of my research experience has been the connections I’ve made. Every mentor and colleague I have met has been so supportive, encouraging, and always willing to answer my numerous questions. 

What has meant the most to me is realizing that I don’t have to wait to pursue the things I care about. Rice gave me the ability to turn goals written by a nervous high school senior applying to college into a reality that has far exceeded my expectations.

-Lexi O., Baker ‘28 (Published on 9/22/26)