Dr. Kieran Koch-Laskowski, currently enrolled in the Combined D.V.M.–Ph.D. Program at Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, has had aspirations of pursuing veterinary school since childhood. Her innate love of animals and desire to help them steered her toward an undergraduate program at the University of Pennsylvania to earn a B.A. in the biological basis of behavior (neuroscience).

Since her childhood, Dr. Heather Shive (Figure 1) has been interested in working with animals. This interest, combined with a love of scientific inquiry, led her on the path to becoming a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) who specializes in anatomic pathology, as well as a cancer researcher.

Dr. Corbin Schuster’s interest in biomedical research began during his undergraduate training, when he completed a 10-week internship at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in Bethesda, Maryland. According to Dr. Schuster, after that experience, “My interest in biomedical research—particularly in the study of microorganisms and infectious diseases—just grew.”

An environmental toxicologist, principal investigator, and director of the Warrior Aquatic, Translational, and Environmental Research (WATER) Laboratory, Dr. Tracie Baker (Figure 1) has long had an interest in studying aquatic animals, an interest that eventually led to toxicology research and the opportunity to lead a Florida Everglades research expedition.

Mosquitoes are pervasive around the globe, with more than 3,000 species across all continents except Antarctica. Many people regard these insects as...

For much of his life, Mr. Mirindi Kabangu has held a passion for learning. As an undergraduate student, this passion led him to the laboratory of Dr. S. Randal Voss, Professor and Director of the Ambystoma Genetic Stock Center (AGSC) at the University of Kentucky.

As an immunologist studying HIV, latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI), and possible treatments, Dr. Riti Sharan (Figure 1) has been intrigued by the human body since high school, particularly the complex and varied mechanisms by which it defends itself against pathogens.

Mr. Corbin Schuster’s interest in biomedical research began with a 10-week internship at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases in Bethesda, Maryland. According to Mr.

For as long as she can remember, Dr. Xuan Pan had dreamed of a career in veterinary medicine. A long-time animal lover who grew up with pets in her household...

Dr. Mauricio Martins has long been fascinated by the complexity of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its relevance to public health. “The virus…is able to overcome the most sophisticated defenses in the immune system,” Dr. Martins explained. As an immunologist, he is interested in developing new ways to harness the immune system to eliminate HIV.