Jazmine Cheek

My early passion for science, which began with my high school chemistry classes, naturally led me to seek out experiences in college laboratories. These experiences deepened my appreciation for the structured yet innovative environment of a lab. I enjoyed tasks like cleaning, maintaining equipment, setting up experiments, creating agar plates, and monitoring test results. These responsibilities required attention to detail and precision, which I found satisfying. Beyond the technical skills, what truly drew me to laboratory work was the opportunity to engage in independent tasks while also contributing to a collaborative team environment. In a lab, I could focus on my projects and experiments, which allowed me to develop a strong sense of ownership and initiative. Yet, at the same time, I was part of a larger team, sharing findings, discussing results, and coordinating with others to achieve common goals. This balance of independent work and teamwork is what I find most fulfilling about laboratory environments. It allows me to exercise my problem-solving skills while also benefiting from the insights and support of colleagues. The collaborative atmosphere encourages innovation and fosters a sense of community, making it an ideal setting for my professional growth and satisfaction.