
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 Diana Reyna as she discusses how RMI has impacted her research interests. (Photo of Diana Reyna)
Interview by Krizia Chambers
Can you briefly describe your experience with RMI? And what did you gain from participating in the program?
I became part of the RMI in 2021 in my second quarter after transferring from community college. Being part of this internship allowed me to gain exposure to science research and helped me find resources and mentorship. I had struggled to find it as a first-generation immigrant student. My mentors Sofie and Gary were very supportive of my project and journey in general and I learned so much about the value of academic research which only strengthened my aspirations to be part of the scientific community and contribute to science.
How did RMI help with your professional development?
When I became an RMI scholar, I had very few technical skills. Due to the pandemic, most of my classes at UCSC were remote and we were not able to come to the lab for any lab classes. When I joined the RMI, I had the opportunity to work in a lab and learned so many molecular biology lab skills that I was able to transfer to internships I joined after graduation, and to my current job. I also learned how to present data findings to my team and give poster presentations, which are crucial skills for many fields. The program also helped me feel more confident to pursue a graduate degree and continue exploring the science field.
What are you doing now? How did what you learned in RMI help you get where you are?
I am currently a lab technician in a biotech company in the Bay Area and applying for a master’s degree at UCSC, San Francisco State, and San Jose State for the Fall of 2025. The program encouraged me to pursue grad school and gave me the tools I needed to believe that Latinx first-generation students can also succeed in STEM, despite a lack of representation in the field. I had applied to grad school for the fall after my graduation, however, I didn’t get into the programs I wanted so I decided to get some experience in the industry before re-applying. Having worked in developing a point-of-care diagnostics device for the last 2 years, I felt inspired to continue this route in my career so I researched and found master programs that would allow me to pursue this dream.
What advice would you give to current RMI students?
Being that this was one of my first experiences in research and working in a lab with such smart, accomplished people, I know I felt a bit intimidated being part of that environment at first. My advice to new RMI students is don’t be scared to ask questions, inquire, make mistakes, and be creative. People will support you and guide you through every step of the way. You may not be as experienced and knowledgeable as the rest, but if you are driven and passionate about research, you’re closer to becoming a scientist than you think!