"Because UIC is a major research university in a leading urban center, there are tremendous opportunities here for undergraduates interested in doing significant research."- Haley Naik, GPPA student

After graduating from the Illinois Math and Science Academy, Haley Naik came to UIC with the intention of studying English literature before entering medical school. However, a class in genetics that focused on specific breakthrough experiments inspired her to pursue research in that area.

As a sophomore, Naik landed an internship with Carol Westbrook, a renowned cancer researcher at UIC.

"I used publicly-available human genome sequence information generated by the International Human Genome Project to help uncover the tumor suppressor gene responsible for a rare type of cancer, therapy-related acute myeloid leukemia," said Naik.

"I was attracted to UIC because of the diversity of the campus environment: diversity in age, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds," Naik explained. "But I also discovered that UIC allows students tremendous opportunities to be involved in cutting edge research that is not only relevant to the field of clinical medicine, but also has direct implications for society. The work I do in the lab could potentially affect the lives of many who suffer from very serious diseases."