Honestly, FRI was part of the reason I chose to come to UT, but I had no idea what to expect. Getting the opportunity to work in a lab, especially as an undergraduate, is an amazing opportunity that not everyone can say they’ve gotten to experience. I chose DIY Diagnostics specifically because it’s so up and coming. We are the future of research. First semester was an introduction into many different avenues, from PCR to coding to 3-D printing, there’s something for everyone. Second semester lets you take what you learned first semester, and what you enjoyed about first semester, and make it bigger and better. Being able to say I am working on my own research project, and knowing all the ins and outs about it, is such a satisfying feeling.
I never thought I would ever call research fun, or exciting – the first things that came to mind were boring and lonely, but DIY changed my mind completely. Plus, I’ve made some great friends through the stream, and many of us taking future classes together too. Being part of something bigger than yourself, part of a community like this, makes being at UT less overwhelming and I feel like I have found my place.