“I am INBRE” Spotlights

"When I came to Furman University, I thought that maybe a pre-professional tract like pharmacy or medical school was for me. After my first summer doing INBRE-sponsored research in a molecular toxicology lab, I discovered my true passion. Two additional years of SC INBRE-supported summer research have reinforced this passion for research. I am a product of INBRE and I am so grateful for their continued support."

Erica Iris Williams was a biology major at Furman University. After graduating in May 2017, she intends to pursue a PhD in cellular/molecular biology. Erica's first connection with SC INBRE occurred during the summer after her freshman year (2014) when she completed a summer research project with Dr. Neval Erturk at Converse College. With a second summer of research under the mentorship of Dr. Erturk (Summer 2015), Erica presented her research at the American Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students (ABRCMS) in Tampa. In Summer 2016, Erica shifted her research focus toward cellular biology and completed a summer research experience with Dr. Adi Dubash (Furman University; INBRE Faculty Fellow). In December of this year, she will present this research at the American Society for Cell Biology's (ASCB) annual meeting in San Francisco. In addition to her presentations at each of these prestigious meetings, Erica will also benefit from attending the extensive graduate fairs that accompany these meetings. Her career goal (after obtaining her PhD) is to work in the field of translational research where she hopes to "narrow" the gap between laboratory research and medical interventions for patients.