Leah Beraki is a third year biology major. She is an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Ryan Norris' lab. Her 2023 research project was "Reconciling evolutionary history with taxonomy in the root rats and bamboo rats in the subfamily Rhizomyinae (family Spalacidae)."
Norris lab: Leah Beraki
Dr. Ryan Norris and student Leah Beraki go over data in the Norris lab.
Question How has working together as a team helped your undergraduate research efforts?
Answer
Working together as a team helped me communicate with other students who are in the same place as me.
Question How do you think belonging to a close-knit group enhances your college experience either in the lab or beyond?
Answer
Belonging to a close-knit group enhances my college experience in the lab or beyond by preparing me to work with others in a professional way.
Question What is your favorite part of having labmates?
Answer
My favorite part about having labmates is that I can see other people's projects in relation to mine.
Question Do you spend time with each other beyond your labwork?
Answer
We spend time with each other at Norris Lab dinners where Dr. Norris invited us to eat together.
Question Have you made connections with alumni of the lab? How has that influenced your path or work?
Answer
I have made connections with alumni through Shivani Bhatt. She helped me with my International Mammalogical Congress poster last summer. It has influenced my path or work by preparing me for my thesis.