The RMI Spotlight series features our current and former students involved with the UC Santa Cruz Genomics Institute’s Research Mentoring Internship (RMI) Program, where students gain real-world work experience as researchers in a supportive laboratory environment! This week, we are catching up with former RMI student Joe Dahl as he discusses how RMI has impacted his research interests. (Photo of Joe Dahl)
Interview by Krizia Chambers
Can you briefly describe your experience with RMI? And what did you gain from participating in the program?
I was an RMI Fellow in 2013-14. RMI provided an opportunity for my research to take the forefront early in my doctoral training, with financial and professional support through grants and a variety of development opportunities. RMI laid stones in the professional foundation I now stand upon.
How did RMI help with your professional development?
The financial support helped me cover the costs of manuscript submission, conference attendance, and tuition. Providing for essential components of STEM student success. Professional development opportunities offered by RMI were outstanding. Looking back, my academic program did little to develop soft skills. The panel discussions and networking events gave me a unique opportunity to participate in high-level conversations that reflect professional meetings.
What conferences did you attend when in RMI?
I attended the Gordon Conference: Nucleic Acids where I was awarded an outstanding poster presentation.
What was your favorite memory in your RMI cohort?
We did a photo shoot to generate RMI collateral. Working alongside my peers with a professional photographer was a unique and memorable experience.
Is there a single event, memory, or experience you had with RMI where you felt connected to the group?
Every day, walking on Science Hill or in the classroom, seeing my RMI peers reinforced that I was not on my scientific journey alone.
What do you wish you knew about the program before starting?
The value of developing soft skills for non-academic career paths.
What advice would you like to lend to the new cohort of RMI students?
Show up and take in everything. The RMI program cultivates professional development in active and passive ways. Participation is key.
Now that you have graduated from RMI, can you tell us about your next steps?
I was a fellow in 2013-2014. My next steps were applying for and receiving an NSF GRFP fellowship.
What are you doing now? How did what you learned in RMI help you get where you are?
I currently manage the advanced R&D program for a genomics biotech. Before that I was a post-doctoral fellow at the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences. The most important thing I took away from RMI was networking and accumulating mentors, who become peers and allies. As well as becoming a mentor and peer to others.
What advice would you give to current RMI students?
Show up and take in everything. The RMI program cultivates professional development in active and passive ways. Participation is key. When you network with alumni, reach out after and cultivate that networking opportunity whenever possible.