Watching Cells Move
Meet biology major and sociology minor Nicole Li.
Hometown: Beaverton, Oregon
Thesis Adviser: Professor Derek Applewhite [biology]
Thesis: “Ouch! My Wound!—Interrogating the Effects of Microtubule Polarity Regulators on Cellular Migration in Drosophila”
What it’s about: Identifying possible protein targets that control or manipulate cellular motility. I’m looking at how we can change the behavior of cell crawl patterns and behavior by knocking down certain proteins. We used this awesome technology developed by the Ritz Lab called Proteinweaver.
What it’s really about: Watching cells move on a glass plate.
Challenges faced: I’ve consistently had to work 40-hour weeks to support my family. A lot of [my challenges] centered around how to balance what I wanted to gain from my academics, my relationships with this awesome community, and what I had to do to just survive. That was a challenge, but I feel like the Reed community has been very supportive of me.
Outside the classroom: I’ve been involved with the Peer Mentor Program my entire time here. With my background, I didn’t envision that I’d be here in the first place, and PMP helped me navigate the college space. Being able to then continue that legacy for other students as a mentor and co-coordinator was really fulfilling.
Cool stuff: Research with Professor Derek Applewhite was life changing. Going through the trials and tribulations of research, seeing when things work, and that moment when you see the cells light up on the screen, doing the things you want it to do, you’re just like, “Yes!” That energy can carry you for the whole week.
Financial aid: Reed provided a very generous amount of financial aid, and I wouldn’t be here or even maybe be in college if not for it.
Help received along the way: My mom. Being able to have that comfort, knowing she’s just right there, that’s really been amazing.
Fellowships and awards: The Goldwater Scholarship, the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, and the Center for Teaching and Learning Fellowship. That last one has continued to sit with me because I know in the future I want to teach in some capacity.
More cool stuff: I cofounded the Asian and Pacific Islander Student Union. We started out because we felt like there were individual identity groups, but we wanted to create a space for API students to all bond together, regardless of specific nationality or ethnic identity. That club has been really important to me—it’s kind of like my baby!
Favorite spot on campus: The J-Board office. The amount of meals I’ve had there, the amount of naps I’ve taken there, the amount of intense conversation or joy I’ve had there, it’s countless.
What’s next: I’m planning to take two gap years and then apply to MD/PhD programs. During the gap years, I’m working for Rahab’s Sisters, a day center for houseless folks.