Parnian Vakili
- Senior, Biological Sciences and Neuroscience majors with a Pre-Med track
I am honored to join Phi Beta Kappa, marking an incredible chapter of my life at UWM. When I first arrived with the goal of pursuing medicine, I never imagined how the amazing people I met would enrich my journey.
From conducting research with Dr. Claire de la Cova, using CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing to generate mutations in C. elegans that model those found in human Noonan Syndrome patients, to working with Dr. Nikki K. Lytle on pancreatic cancer research at the Medical College of Wisconsin, investigating the role of liver-derived Midkine signaling in promoting pancreatic cancer metastasis to the liver, I have had invaluable opportunities. I am deeply grateful to my professors, principal investigators, and the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Beyond the lab, I have had the privilege of taking classes with honors professors who expanded my perspective on art, social sciences, and more. Their encouragement pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and embrace new experiences. Through my involvement with various departments at UWM, such as the Honors Association for Research and Publication, I have found a community of inspiring friends, and I am forever grateful for all the opportunities UWM has given me.