Robert Wigfall has been studying Biotechnology at the University of Chicago this summer. As a high school freshman attending a college level course, Robert describes his experiences at the University of Chicago as “life altering.”
“After completing my first of three weeks in this program, I can safely say this is and will continue to be an experience that I will never forget. Over this past week the rigor of my course, interactions with instructors, and introduction to the city of Chicago have proved to be components of this trip I will never forget. As the main reason for my venture to the Immersion program at UChicago, I intend to pursue a career in biological sciences. Therefore, as I participate in this Biotechnology course at UChicago, I can develop a clearer sense of who and what I want to become,” Robert says.
“In my course, we conduct daily labs and lectures attempting to cover the vast world of biotechnology. In addition, we are also given readings to complete outside of class, the knowledge from which is used to conduct a student-led discussion. The concepts we are tasked with understanding are ones familiar to me, as they are grounded in basic biology, however, the extent of the labs and reasoning behind them are the true challenge of this class. Furthermore, my class is extremely diverse regarding age, being a mixture of rising sophomores, juniors, and seniors. However, with much questioning and research I believe that I can fill the gap between the difference in experience between some of my peers and me, allowing us to learn and cooperate as a whole,” Robert adds.
“Going into my second week at UChicago, I am focused on doing all that I can to maintain the same level of academic excellence I always attempt to instill. In my biotechnology class, my instructor, Dr. Bhasin, is assisted by two undergraduates who serve the role of a teacher assistant. Throughout my week in this course, the TAs and Dr. Bhasin have been incredibly helpful, being open to questions, emails, and even scheduling office hours to compensate for the difficult material. Moving forward, I have no doubt that they will continue to be great resources regarding my success in the program,” Robert reports.
When he is not in class, Robert has been enjoying the campus and the city of Chicago.
“In addition to the academic aspects of this experience, I have also been fortunate enough to see more of the great city of Chicago. Over this past week, I have explored our beautiful campus, shopped at chain stores, and visited many local shops. Furthermore, there are several more activities that are planned for us, all of which I look forward to. I’m truly having a wonderful time at the University of Chicago and I hope I was able to convey that,” Robert adds.
As Robert continues his studies at the University of Chicago, he has been growing academically while experiencing the differences between high school and collegiate level courses and expectations.
“College instructors and professors require you both answer the question at hand, while also displaying your awareness of the concepts and basic knowledge that allowed you to draw that conclusion. Though it may seem like something I should already be doing, they expect each answer to every question to be as if I was explaining the subject matter to someone who was completely unaware of anything relating to biotechnology. Therefore, as I became accustomed to this and supplied each of my answers with an excessive amount of detail, my scores began to rise. Even if I was unable to provide the correct answer, my displayed thought process and knowledge of relevant subject matter allowed me to salvage partial credit. And though, of course, I strive to answer each question correctly, being able to collect some points (as opposed to none) has continued to encourage me to dive deeper into the subject matter and overall field of Biotechnology. Using the strategy of over-explaining, I was able to raise my grade by almost 10% in the last week and receive one of the top scores on our first exam. Over the past week, I believe that I’ve proved to be resilient, as I’ve endured challenges of this experience, but am now thriving in their presence,” Robert explains.
“Regarding the specific subject matter, there are a broad range of fascinating topics. In this past week, we have learned about CRISPR/Cas9, a gene editing method naturally found in bacteria that has been exploited by humans to produce certain phenotypes (physical traits), with the possibility of using it to prevent and cure human disease. We’ve also sequenced our own DNA, using a method called gel electrophoresis, which allows one to see the distance between each of their genetic fragments on a given strand of DNA and discover their genotype (gene representation). From this, we are to analyze the data to discover if we can taste PTC, a substance that is bitter to some and tasteless to others. Furthermore, we have also introduced double stranded RNA (dsRNA) to a species of small bacteria-consuming worm. This process will result in RNAi (RNA interference) and cause a change in the worm’s movement,” Robert adds.
In addition, Robert has had the opportunity to meet and form friendships with students from a variety of diverse backgrounds.
“I’ve met various people in this program, such as those in my course, other courses, my house (conjoined dorm floors), and other houses. I’m utterly amazed at how many students from different ethical backgrounds, states, and even countries have come together in one building with the ultimate intention to absorb as much knowledge as they can at this great university,” Robert says.
“When I am not studying or completing class work, I have fun partaking in various activities with my friends, both within and beyond the limits of campus. Just recently, we took a trip to the Art Institute of Chicago, toured local shops, went to several diners, played games of soccer and basketball. I am having a magnificent time at UChicago, learning as much as I can though the advanced and challenging programs, while also socializing and exploring the great city of Chicago,” Robert adds.
While immersed in the program, Robert was able to experience a more rigorous study of Biotechnology.
“Throughout my time at UChicago, I became more familiar in a professional scientific lab, surrounded by advanced and cutting-edge technology working with complex processes, such as PCR, CRISPR, DNA sequencing, and fermentation. I learned how to use equipment I’d never seen or heard of before, however were instrumental in the discovery of the knowledge I’d learned in my freshman biology course. I dove deeper into the world of biology and was challenged by the ranging age of my peers. I feel incredibly grateful to have met my instructors who have provided me with the knowledge to build and grow throughout this course. Through guest lectures, extracurricular activities, and general interaction with people, I believe I have grown throughout this course and have the resources to continue to do so,” Robert reports.
“I had a fantastic time at UChicago and would trade this experience and the self-growth that came as a result for nothing. I am so incredibly grateful for all the GFF has done to allow me to visit UChicago’s amazing campus and learn from its fantastic instructors. This experience is one I will never forget, as there are a plethora of details and knowledge that I absorbed throughout my time. I truly believe that this program revealed more of who I am to myself, knowledge irreplaceable in value as I continue to define my path in life,” Robert adds.
We are so proud of you, Robert, for taking on this challenge, and are happy to hear that you have enjoyed your experience in Chicago. Keep up the good work!
>> Read Robert Wigfall’s final report (PDF file, 51 KB).
>> Learn about other students’ experiences in the GFF Scholarship Program.