Taylor Kann

Where did you transfer from?

I attended Colorado State University prior to coming to the University.

Why did you want to come to the University of Minnesota?

As a pre-med student, I decided the University of Minnesota would give me a more challenging curriculum and offer more opportunities to gain entrance into medical school. I also had a few friends here who helped convince me to transfer.

What did you research?

My mentor and I studied autophagy in Drosophila, or fruit flies. I would perform genetic crosses on fruit flies and dissect and stain their tissue to determine the cellular activity of lysosomes in the autophagic process.

What did you get out of this experience?

It greatly helped me gain experience in the research field. I learned different techniques and protocols, and interacted with scientific faculty. Overall, it helped me to see what scientific research is really all about. This experience has helped me realize that I want to be involved with research during medical school. 

What are you interests outside of school?

I love to run, watch movies, and hangout with friends.

Do you participate in any extracurricular activities?

I have volunteered at a women's health clinic and a domestic violence program throughout my time as a student. I was also part of the Greek community my first two years of college.

What are you plans for the future?

I am graduating in May and have been accepted to Lake Erie College of Medicine for fall 2013. I am excited to start medical school and see what other research opportunities I can become involved in.

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