Salina Acharya
Hometown: Bhaktapur, Nepal
University: Winona State University
Major: Cell and Molecular Biology
HI Lab Placement: Chuanhe Yu’s Lab
Research Area: Epigenetic Inheritance
Growing up in Nepal, I saw firsthand the effects of limited access to technology and scientific resources. These experiences made me curious about how science works and how scientific discoveries can improve people's lives. As I learned more about biology and technology, my interest in understanding the mechanisms behind life and disease grew stronger, ultimately motivating me to pursue a career in science.
I wanted to participate in SURE because it gives me the opportunity to apply what I have learned in the classroom to real-world research. I was excited to work closely with a faculty mentor, gain hands-on laboratory experience, and contribute to a research project.
Through my SURE experience, I hope to learn new laboratory techniques and gain a deeper understanding of the research process. I also want to strengthen my ability to analyze data, think critically, and communicate scientific findings effectively to both scientific and general audiences.
Arwen Baer
Hometown: Brooklyn Park, MN
University: Gustavus Adolphus College
Major: Psychological Sciences, Philosophy
HI Lab Placement: Bin Liu Lab
Research Area: Molecular Structural Biology
Getting involved in science never really felt like a choice since it was the only subject that interested me the most. I enjoy learning how things work and am excited by the possibility of making discoveries that could improve people’s quality of life.
I wanted to participate in SURE since I have had limited exposure to molecular biology and I wanted to strengthen my knowledge in this area. My previous research experience has been relatively limited, and the opportunity to learn more advanced laboratory techniques and gain hands-on research experience excites me.
I am hoping to gain hands-on research experience to help me determine whether I would like to pursue a research career in the future. I also hope to develop my laboratory skills and ability to work in a lab setting to develop skills that will be valuable for my future endeavors.
Carlicia Conceicao
Hometown: Luanda, Angola
University: Luther College
Major: Biology
HI Lab Placement: Rahrmann Lab
Research Area: Metastasis
I’ve always loved to explore the world around me and science gives me an outlet for that passion, providing me with the opportunity to design, collect, analyze and interpret data. I’ve always gravitated towards science, both during the IB program and at college, where I had the opportunity to get involved with numerous projects my professors work with. During which time I had the opportunity to nurture and refine my interest in science. What I enjoy most about science is that I get to learn something new everyday and I get to ask questions about the topics I am passionate about.
I have previously had the experience of working with The Hormel Institute in a three-week-long program during the month of January, and I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent here. During that time, I was able to learn more about biomedical research. The SURE program gave me the opportunity to extend this experience while building on the foundational skills I developed through past experiences. What excites me the most about this program is the opportunity to connect with fellow interns who share similar interests and gain deeper understanding about the process behind impactful research at The Hormel Institute.
I hope to develop a strong set of skills related to biomedical research, become more comfortable wearing the skiing of a scientist and build lasting relationships..
Simran Dang
Hometown: Delhi, India
University: John Hopkins University
Major: Molecular & Cellular Biology and Neuroscience
HI Lab Placement: Kitange Lab
Research Area: Neuro-Oncology, specifically investigating temozolomide (TMZ, chemotherapy drug resistance) of glioblastomas (the most aggressive primary central nervous system tumor)
My love for science didn’t begin under fluorescent lab lights. It took root on bi-annual wildlife trips with my family where I would find myself enraptured by the forest’s synergy. I didn’t yet have the language for signaling pathways or gene regulation, but even then I was amazed by how life was intricately interconnected. That curiosity became conviction during my first research role as a Genetics Research Intern at LabAssure, studying prenatal chromosomal abnormalities. Publishing and presenting my results made biology feel not only fascinating but powerful--capable of changing lives.
What drew me to SURE was that it focuses not only on experimentation, but on helping students grow into independent scientists who can not only learn wet-lab techniques, but also learn how to ask meaningful questions and think critically. I was especially excited by the program’s emphasis on mentorship and scientific communication, because I believe those skills are just important as benchwork. Reading about past interns and their impactful experiences made the SURE community feel like the perfect place for me to begin my career as a cancer researcher.
Through SURE, I hope to become confident in cellular and molecular wet lab research because I want to build a career in genetic medicine. I also hope to learn from my mentors and the other interns - not only scientifically, but also from their experiences, advice, and perspectives on the long journey of becoming a cancer researcher. One of my biggest goals is to learn how to take a research question and develop it into a project of my own, especially one focused on how disruptions in cell signaling drive glioblastoma. More than anything, I hope to leave SURE as a more curious, independent scientist who is excited to keep asking difficult questions and searching for better treatments.
Julia Doppelhammer
Hometown: Rochester, MN
University: Iowa State University
Major: Biology
HI Lab Placement: Kang Lab
Research Area: Prometastatic Tumor of the Liver and Paracrine Interactions Between Cancer Cells and Hepatic Stellate Cells
When I was sixteen years old, I was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and I spent much of that year in and out of hospitals. That time in my life completely changed the way I view medicine and science. During my treatment, I received a chemotherapy regimen that had only recently completed clinical trials and been approved for use. Because of this, my chances of survival were dramatically increased. Knowing that this advancement was only made possible through research and the work of dedicated scientists has inspired me to pursue cancer research myself.
What stood out to me most about this program was its focus on teaching students how to conduct research rather than expecting them to already have extensive experience or learn everything on their own. I was also drawn to opportunities like the “Lunch and Learn” sessions and the poster symposium, which seemed like a uniquely meaningful way to learn from researchers and showcase the intern projects. Most importantly, I like how hands-on the program is, with each intern working on a project and actively participating in experiments and lab meetings. The combination of these factors is what made me want to participate in this program.
Through my SURE experience, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of the research process and what it means to contribute to a project from start to finish. I also hope to develop new skills, strengthen the ones I already have, and learn from faculty mentors who can help me identify gaps in my understanding that I may not even be aware of yet. I look forward to connecting with other interns, hearing their advice, and learning from their experiences as well.
Ellen Ekins
Hometown: Austin, MN
University: UCLA
Major: Pre-Med Track, Theater
HI Lab Placement: Bielczyk-Maczynska Lab
Research Area: Genetics and Regulation of Metabolism
I grew up very curious about the inner workings of our universe, and that curiosity has continued to fuel my scientific journey through college. In particular, gaining a more developed understanding of the genetic domain — whose microscopic interactions have such significant impacts on human life — has become an interest of mine.
I volunteered in Dr. Bielczyk-Maczynska’s lab summer of 2025, and it was such a positive introduction to the research environment that I was so excited to return to the Institute through the SURE internship. SURE is a phenomenal opportunity to continue participating in research beyond the school semester.
I want to spend more time at the bench, broadening my working knowledge of discrete experiments. I want to connect with my fellow interns and collaborate on projects together. I want to experience the process that goes into creating and presenting a rigorous scientific poster.
Olivia Hagestuen
Hometown: Andover, MN
University: Gustavus Adolphus College
Major: Biology
HI Lab Placement: Zhang Lab
Research Area: Skin Cancer and Primary Cilia
I’ve always been a really curious person, and science allows me to explore that curiosity every day. I also find it fascinating because science is something that is so fundamentally human, yet it's unbelievably complex. This chance to keep learning and uncovering new questions is what drew me to science.
I want to work in the biomedical industry because it has such a rich history and has profoundly affected every single person alive. My ultimate career goal is to improve the lives of others through biomedical research. The opportunity to help develop new knowledge and technologies that address human health challenges is what inspires me to participate in SURE.
I am hoping to learn more hands-on research techniques and hone my science communication skills. I want to continue to grow as a scientist by learning from mentors and collaborating with other researchers. Most importantly, I am excited to take on new experiences and challenges!
Connor Johnson
Hometown: Mantorville, MN
University: Gustavus Adolphus College
Major: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology
HI Lab Placement: Verma Lab
Research Area: Immunology and Immunotherapy
As a kid, I was always fascinated by science and the way things in our world worked. I took higher level biology and chemistry classes in high school, and I found myself really enjoying them, so I decided to major in STEM. I met a lot of interesting students and professors who inspired me to consider a career in research.
I was talking to seniors at my college about internships, and they strongly suggested The Hormel Institute. They told me how The Hormel Institute is a tight-knit community, and that everyone really cares for each other, including the interns. They also said that interns get a lot of individual attention and freedom, which was alluring. With connections to the U of M, Mayo Clinic, and other institutes, The Hormel Institute seemed like it would be a very enriching place that would be a great foundation to my research experience.
I hope to gain valuable research experience, including how to have good lab techniques, how to work well independently, and how to communicate with scientific language. I also hope to meet people who will inspire me for my future career.
Iddris Larry
Hometown: Greater Accra, Ghana
University: Gustavus Adolphus College
Major: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology
HI Lab Placement: Gradilone Lab
Research Area: Cancer Cell Biology and Translational Research
Growing up in Greater Accra, Ghana, I witnessed firsthand how limited access to healthcare and scientific resources can affect people's lives. Those experiences sparked my curiosity about how diseases develop and how research can lead to better treatments. I was inspired to pursue science so I can contribute to improving healthcare, especially for underserved communities.
I wanted to participate in SURE because it provides the opportunity to work alongside experienced researchers while contributing to meaningful scientific discoveries. The program allows me to strengthen my research skills, explore cancer biology in greater depth, and prepare for a future career as a physician-scientist.
I hope to develop stronger laboratory and critical thinking skills while gaining a deeper understanding of biomedical research. I also look forward to learning from my mentors, collaborating with other student researchers, and building a strong foundation that will help me pursue medical school and a career in academic medicine.
Teagan McCarty
Hometown: Richfield, MN
University: Gustavus Adolphus College
Major: Biology; Minors i Chemistry, Statistics
HI Lab Placement: Reddy Lab
Research Area: Structural Virology
I love to solve problems and investigate topics in-depth. I’m interested in biomedical research because I want to utilize those skills and interests to make contributions to meaningful discoveries.
I attended the symposium last year and I was fascinated by the projects I saw! The Institute has amazing resources and there are countless opportunities for interns to learn new skills and develop professional connections.
I am hoping to develop my public speaking and scientific communication skills. I’m also excited to explore a variety of interesting niches in biomedical research through participation in lab meetings, journal/data clubs, and conferences.
Mauricio Mendoza
Hometown: Austin, MN
University: Riverland Community College
Major: Biological Sciences
HI Lab Placement: Rahrmann Lab
Research Area: Breast Cancer Metastasis
I suppose it’s something I’ve always had some kind of interest in. Especially leaning more towards the environmental science branch, since when I was much younger I wanted to study animals and nature in general.
I was part of the STEP program for the past year and a half, where I began my time here as a research assistant in late October 2024. I then remember hearing about the SURE internship since, last summer we had some of those interns here. I thought it would be a good opportunity to challenge myself and solidify any lab skills I acquired during my time here.
I would like to be able to communicate effectively with my lab colleagues, especially with my presentation skills. While also trying to formulate my own ideas or experiments, since I’ve been doing mostly a lot of shadowing, I would like to be able to start, run, and end experiments.
Nicholas Mulder
Hometown: Blaine, MN
University: University of Minnesota Duluth
Major: Chemical and Mechanical Engineering
HI Lab Placement: Alam Lab
Research Area: Structural Biology (ABC Transport Proteins)
I was inspired at an early age by my parents, who are both engineers themselves. Throughout my schooling, I have been fortunate to learn under mentors who helped to develop my reverence and knowledge across a variety of STEM fields. Finally, my lived experience has driven me to leverage my skills for the betterment of humanity, so that future generations will not face the hardships of today.
I was encouraged by my mentor and PI Victor Lai, PhD, to apply to this program to develop my research skills. I was also interested personally in the program due to its affiliations with cancer research. I, like many, have personal experience with cancer and would love to expedite its departure as a terminal disease.
Through the SURE program, I hope to gain valuable insight into research techniques and methodologies. Beyond the technical skills, I hope to leave excited for the promise of tomorrow, where everyone has a chance to live a healthy life.
Serena Orupabo
Hometown: Elk River, MN
University: University of Minnesota Rochester
Major: Health Sciences
HI Lab Placement: Hilakivi-Clarke Lab
Research Area: Nutrition and Women's Health
My high school chemistry teacher inspired me to get involved in science. I enjoyed learning about the formulas and equations, and I have always been interested in how they were discovered and tested.
I participated in the STEP program at The Hormel Institute, and the mentorship I received was exceptional. I participated in the SURE program to expand my knowledge of scientific processes.
I’m hoping to gain more experience that would help me become an informed scientist and physician. I want to gain knowledge on the intersectionality of medicine and research.
Miller Pan
Hometown: Shanghai, China
University: University of Minnesota Twin Cities
Major: Biology
HI Lab Placement: Clarke Lab
Research Area: Metabolic Reprogramming of Breast Cancer Cells
The major reason is tied to existential questioning, because I grew up seeing a lot of people working just to pay bills and survive, stuck at a job without much sense of accomplishment from teen age to retirement. I wondered what I wanted to devote the largest part of my life to, and I hoped to pursue something that offered novelty, contribution, and lasting value. Being the key tool humans rely on to understand the world around them, science seemed like the right choice. To produce knowledge that could outlast the individual and become building blocks for the future of our species: how romantic.
The opportunity was introduced to me by my academic advisor at the university. This seemed like a good option, because I was looking for participation in decision-making and experimental design as well as general lab experience.
I hope to get more familiar with the common lab techniques and better understand how research projects operate. The decision-making after results of an experiment, the planning of future experiments based on data collected, the collaboration of a lab group. Through SURE, I hope to develop both practical lab skills and a stronger sense of how independent scientific research is planned and carried out.
Clara Paolucci
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
University: Hamilton College
Major: Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
HI Lab Placement: Hafenstein Lab
Research Area: Structural Virology
I used to get a lot of injuries as a competitive gymnast, so I became very interested in the human body, what hurts it, and what heals it. I have also always been fascinated by biology and chemistry and wanted to find a way to connect it with human health by doing research.
I thought medical research would be a great way for me to connect my interests in biochemistry and human health. I was also already specifically interested in virology because of my undergraduate research.
I want to learn more about the scientific research process and if this would be something I’m interested in pursuing later in life. I also want to refine my scientific presentation skills.
Oyinade Togun
Hometown: Lagos, Nigeria
University: Fisk University
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
HI Lab Placement: Hafenstein Lab
Research Area: Structural Virology and Host-Virus Interactions
My interest in science started from personal experiences that made me curious about genetics and the molecular basis of disease. As I learned more about how research can lead to new therapies and improve lives, I became fascinated by the impact science can have on people and communities. Over time, what began as curiosity developed into a genuine passion for research and a desire to contribute to discoveries that can make a meaningful difference in human health.
I wanted to participate in SURE because of the opportunity to gain hands-on research experience while learning from outstanding scientists. What really stood out to me was the strong sense of community and the amazing people behind the program. Even through my interactions before arriving, I could already feel the warmth, support, and genuine enthusiasm for helping students grow, and since coming here, I have experienced that firsthand. Seeing how welcoming and encouraging everyone has been has made me even more excited and motivated to make the most of my summer at The Hormel Institute.
I hope to learn and strengthen my research and critical thinking skills while developing a deeper understanding of molecular and structural biology. I am also excited to build lasting relationships with my mentors and connect with the amazing community of students in the program. As someone planning to pursue a PhD in genetics, I hope this experience will provide a strong foundation for the next stage of my journey.
Nawras Zaki
Hometown: Austin, MN
University: Carleton College
Major: Biology
HI Lab Placement: Gradilone Lab
Research Area: Primary Cilia
I’ve always been curious about science and learning more about the world around us. I’m also interested in medicine and learning more about the ways we can treat different diseases and problems in the human body.
I wanted an opportunity to develop my lab skills, learn new techniques, and connect the concepts I’m learning in my science courses to a real-world research project with an impact.
I hope to gain more skills and knowledge about working in research, connect with other individuals in the scientific field, and be able to complete a project and share my work with others.
SIAM
The SIAM-Simons Undergraduate Summer Research Program takes place across five chosen U.S. sites every year. For eight weeks, two students work closely with a faculty member at each site as students participate in collaborative research in areas related to cardiovascular diseases.
Darrell (DJ) Beason III
Hometown: Oklahoma City, OK
University: Amherst College
Major: Mathematics
HI Lab Placement: Guinovart Lab
Research Area: ODE Modeling of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
I love solving problems that can be both theoretical or applied. It gives me a sense of fulfillment to see my work and know that others can not only learn from it, but be inspired to create their own work.
While I do love working in theoretical mathematics, there's something quite satisfying with working with applied mathematics. Knowing that any result I come up with or discovery is used to build something or create something greater that is applicable to the world is pretty breathtaking. Thus I looked for internships/research that would give me the chance to do just that.
Isabella Purnell-Amáez
Hometown: Brunswick, ME
University: Smith College
Major: Mathematics on the Applied Track
HI Lab Placement: Guinovart Lab
Research Area: Creating a Mathematical Model of Pulmonary Vascular Remodeling
In middle school, I was assigned a research project on any scientific topic of my choosing. I chose to learn more about gene editing technology and my project led me to email scientists, watch recordings of TEDTalks, and read countless articles. I was fascinated that people had discovered how to manually change genetic information within our bodies to try and prevent diseases, which sounds more like a science fiction novel than real life. That project made me want to continue learning about scientific topics that stretched my imagination of what was possible.
The SIAM-Simons project descriptions stuck out to me when I was doing research on different internships. Almost all of the projects were related to people and communities whether that be through epidemiology, disease modeling, or social justice work. The SIAM-Simons program has built in opportunities to meet other professional and aspiring applied mathematicians and gain a better understanding of what the applied math field actually looks like while working on meaningful projects.
I hope to gain a better understanding of what potential career paths look like in applied math research as well as improve my presentation and scientific writing skills.
InSPIRE - American Heart Association
The Innovative Summer Program of Intensive Research Education (InSPIRE), supported by the American Heart Association, is an immersive 10-week research experience that fosters interdisciplinary learning and builds on students' foundational knowledge and practical skills needed for pursuing graduate studies and careers in science and medicine.
Cyrus Anderson
Hometown: San Diego, CA
University: Carleton College
Major: Biology
HI Lab Placement: Ewa Bielczyk-Maczynska Lab
Research Area: Metabolics
From a young age I’ve possessed a fascination with the world around me and an unreasonably persistent curiosity to understand exactly how everything works. As I’ve grown up, this interest has evolved into a passion for life sciences. Through the study of science, I have deepened my understanding of the molecular processes that make up the functioning world by engaging with these processes firsthand.
I want to pursue a career either in biological research or medicine. The InSPIRE program’s focus on innovative cancer research aligns with my interests while providing exposure to biological research I am unfamiliar with. I also was drawn to the opportunity to collect my own data, analyze it, and present my findings. This experience would develop oral presentation skills that would be valuable for a future in research while also allowing me to explore my ideas more freely, helping me build confidence in my ability to manage my own research and results.
By participating in the InSPIRE program, I will gain valuable research experience and more insight into working in a lab setting while developing valuable critical thinking skills and independent research and technical skills needed to succeed in the field. I hope to use the skills I develop from my InSPIRE experience throughout my career.
Lucas Bell
Hometown: Lima, Ohio
University: Ohio Northern University
Major: Biology pre-med
HI Lab Placement: Babicheva Lab
Research Area: Pulmonary Hypertension in Hypoxic Conditions
I’ve always enjoyed it more than any other subject, especially in human biology.
I intend on becoming a cardiologist one day, and this experience will allow me to have a greater understanding of the type of research that goes into learning more about cardiovascular and pulmonary conditions.
I’m looking forward to gaining research experience that will allow me to have a better understanding of the systems within our bodies and how we learn more about conditions that affect us. I’m also hoping to be a more rounded physician in the future, as I’ll have a better grasp on the research world, instead of just knowing about the clinical one.
Kezia Lemke
Hometown: Houston, MN
University: Winona State University
Major: Biochemistry
HI Lab Placement: Tan Lab
Research Area: Lung Fibrosis
After I took chemistry in college as a PSEO student, I knew I wanted to have a career in science. Chemistry was just so interesting to me, and it made me realize that understanding how people and the world function can be explained by understanding how they work at the microscopic and molecular level. I also wanted to use science to be able to help people with their health. This was especially important to me after experiences in my own family with my sister being diagnosed with type 1 diabetes at age 9 and my grandpa suffering through a ruptured aortic aneurysm and a stroke.
I was aware of the biomedical research that The Hormel Institute was conducting, and because this is the type of research I want to do in my future career, I was eager to get experience with it now through this internship. In addition, my friend, Celeste Remolina, was also an intern here last summer, and she gave me a tour of the Institute. I thought the labs and the facilities were so cool, and it had been my goal ever since then to be able to participate in one of the summer internship programs at The Hormel Institute.
I’m hoping to learn how to do experiments that are often used in biomedical research, as well as to learn to do them independently. I am also excited to learn about how to structure experiments and to plan them myself, as well as to learn what experiments need to be done to investigate a question I’m interested in.
George Moussa
Hometown: Rochester Hills, MI
University: University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
Major: Business Administration, Biochemistry
HI Lab Placement: Hoeppner Lab
Research Area: Vascular Permeability
Ultimately, my passion for research stems from a desire to improve outcomes for those who are ill. All the therapies I enjoy as a patient, from topical antibiotics to my life-saving insulin, originated in a research lab. This has motivated me to take part in the research process and contribute to developments that can change lives down the road.
As though The Hormel Institute being a world-renowned name in the biomedical research field wasn’t enough, I certainly couldn’t turn down an opportunity to participate in a program supported by the American Heart Association!
In addition to familiarizing myself with new research techniques and forming relationships with the exceptional researchers at the Institute, I hope to gain exposure to the experimental design process and learn how to independently create and test a well-supported hypothesis.