Alumni spotlight: 2018 winning team
While carrying out research on the ISS means conducting groundbreaking science, our proudest achievement is in working with the bright and curious students who participate in our program. Today, we're catching up with our 2018 winning team: David Li, Rebecca Li, Michelle Sung, and Aarthi Vijayakumar.
GiS-6 alum David Li
Current role: Senior majoring in electrical engineering and computer science at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Career goal: To pursue bioengineering in graduate school
"Genes in Space gave my team a chance to do meaningful research as high school students. The launch will always be my favorite part of the experience, and I'm very grateful to the Genes in Space team for such an amazing opportunity."
GiS-6 alum Rebecca Li
Current role: Junior majoring in molecular, cellular, and developmental biology at Yale University
Career goal: To pursue a master's in public health and eventually go to medical school
"My favorite memory is visiting Kennedy Space Center with my team and the Genes in Space family – it was so exciting to present our experiment at the 'What's on Board' briefing!"
GiS-6 alum Michelle Sung
Current role: Junior majoring in public health and psychology at Johns Hopkins University
Career goal: Physician. "I'm not sure what specialty yet, but I'm excited to explore the options."
"Genes in Space was a huge stepping stone into science, and I really appreciate the fact that I had the chance to interact with so many scientists and engineers during our project. It gave me a better idea about how the science community works and how genuine, ambitious, and excited people can be in this field."
GiS-6 alum Aarthi Vijayakumar
Current role: Junior studying molecular biophysics and biochemistry at Yale University
Career goal: Physician
"It's always great to be reunited with the Genes in Space family, including at ISS R&D Conferences, spontaneous trips to Boston, and our launch at Cape Canaveral. I've met the most incredible people and scientists through this program and that will always be my favorite part of the experience."
