My name is Eileen Oni, and I’m a sixth year PhD candidate in the Cell and Developmental Biology program at Rutgers University. I am a Central Jersey native (Yes, it does exist!), residing in South Brunswick Township. I began my academic journey under the simple notion of better understanding the development of living organisms, which drove me to pursue a higher degree in the sciences; more specifically within cell biology research. [caption id="attachment_1145" align="alignright" width="289"]
Society for Neuroscience Meeting, Chicago, IL[/caption] I received my bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences at Rowan University, gaining research skills in the labs of Drs. Patrick Crumrine and Cristina Iftode. Additionally, I participated in the Rutgers Research in Science and Engineering (RiSE) summer program in the lab of Dr. Ronald Hart. I applied for various PhD programs in molecular biosciences and ultimately joined the Molecular Biosciences program at Rutgers University. At Rutgers, I’ve continued my training in the lab of Dr. Hart. My current project involves understanding the molecular basis of addictive disorder genetic variants using adult stem cell derived neurons. During my time as a graduate student, I have found myself in a multitude of mentoring and training positions for undergraduates. This involved positions as a Teaching Assistant for General Biology and General Microbiology labs, where I honed my management skills by training undergraduates in the practical skills within a microbiology laboratory. [caption id="attachment_1146" align="alignleft" width="300"]
STEM on the Hill Advocacy meetings From Left to Right Eileen Oni, Representative Watson-Coleman (NJ-12), Yuanzhen Gu, Jennifer Therkorn Representative Leonard Lance(NJ-07)[/caption] Within the lab, I mentor and manage undergraduate students by training them in various techniques in the lab, with the goal of leading an undergraduate to achieve a first author publication. I am currently in the application process to become a mentor for the 1000 Girls - 1000 Futures program sponsored by the New York Academy of Sciences. I also participate as a category capitan judge for the North Jersey Regional Science Fair (NJRSF), where I review STEM posters and presentations from high school students and select finalists to participate in the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF). [caption id="attachment_1144" align="alignright" width="300"]
Seeding Labs Annual Volleyball Tournament![/caption] Having a heavy interest in politics and a strong belief in the power of the United States’ STEM initiatives through the maintenance of adaptive and efficient science policy, I plan to take my next steps toward a career in science policy. I began by participating in many Rutgers organizations – namely, the Rutgers University chapter of the National Science Policy Group (NSPG), where we discuss and learn about science policy and take a yearly trip to Washington, DC to advocate for sustainable science funding by participating in STEM on the Hill day. Also, I am the current president of the Rutgers Chapter of Seeding Labs: a group dedicated to fundraising and collecting lightly used equipment to help support developing countries establish their research labs. I have also attended many iJOBS phase I events including career panels, the SciPhD workshop, and others. I’ve recently completed the phase II of the iJOBS program within the science and health policy track, where I shadowed local congressman Leonard Lance of NJ-07 (I discuss this in a later post!). Post graduate school, I plan to apply for science policy fellowships like the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) Science and Technology, which places scientists within government agencies to understand policy making at the federal level. Overall, I hope you all enjoy my perspectives in the forays into a career in Science Policy. I would like to keep the Rutgers community updated in this field.
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