Judy Shao

I find molecular biology complex and intriguing and loved it during undergrad. For me, lab work is more enjoyable, allows more freedom, and involves less workplace politics than any other job. A PhD is the natural start for a career in the lab.

The CSI scholarship is a great option for a PhD in cancer science. CSI has many highly achieved professors, a lot of funding, and students receive a lot of individual attention and guidance. Compared to institutes in many other parts of the world, CSI is more “chill” and in general is a less stressful experience.

The biggest challenge in doing a wet lab PhD is learning to accept failure. It was initially overwhelming how frequently experiments fail and how difficult it is to generate seemingly straightforward results. It takes a while but eventually you learn that this is a normal part of research and start to appreciate the small successes.