Julia Graff Email & Phone Number

My interest in science began with a microscope I received in third grade. I was fascinated with viewing objects up close, sparking my interest in how the world works. Throughout my primary and secondary schooling, science remained my favorite subject. As a junior in high school, I was honored to join Dr. Neil Christensen's lab at the Gittlen Cancer Research Foundation at the Herhsey Medical Center. My love of science has continued into my college career. I am very interested in clinical and bench research, specifically in the fields of biochemistry, molecular biology, and genetics.As a second year student at the University of Virginia, I am fortunate to continue my research as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Anindya Dutta’s lab through the Undergraduate Student Opportunities in Academic Research (USOAR) program. In his lab, I have been working to characterize the interaction between minichromosome maintenance complex 7 (Mcm7) and high-risk HPV. I have gained experience performing western blots and transfections. Additionally, the USOAR program features a class that assists participants in furthering their understanding of and experience with the aspects of research that is not always learned by working in the lab. This class focuses on research ethics, writing proposals, designing independent research projects, and presenting research. I look forward to continuing my work in Dr. Dutta’s lab my third and fourth year at the University of Virginia.I hope to apply my skills and experience to my goal of attending medical school with an MD/PhD degree. Through this, I hope to be able change the lives of patients through both clinical work and research.

Listed skills include Cell Culture, Western Blotting, Immunoassays, Cancer, and 4 others.