Gabrielle
Whiten
Hometown: Chesapeake, VA
Major: Chemistry, with a minor in Biology
Research Interest: Drug development
“The resources and community that CSS has cultivated on UNC's campus is like no other and is demonstrated authentically through the relationships between cohort members, staff, and members of the scientific community on campus.
GRADUATE/PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL:
New York University School of Medicine, Biomedical Sciences Program (PhD, Pharmacology)
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE GOALS?
I’m interested in exploring consulting work, the pharmaceutical industry, and the world of science communications.
WHAT DREW YOU TO THE CSS PROGRAM?
The Chancellor’s Science Scholars program was a unique opportunity to have a tight knit community of peers dedicated to a similar pursuit of excellence in STEM and/or medicine. The resources and community that CSS has cultivated on UNC’s campus is like no other and is demonstrated authentically through the relationships between cohort members, staff, and members of the scientific community on campus.
WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE CSS EXPERIENCE OR MEMORY?
My favorite CSS experience was serving as a Residential Program Assistant for the sixth cohort of scholars during Summer EXCELerator. It gave me the opportunity to give back to a program that gave me so much as an undergraduate student. Working with these students to help build their own cohort dynamic, grow as scholars and people, and experience just the beginning of what their Carolina journey would be was an incredible honor.
HOW HAS CSS SHAPED YOUR CAREER GOALS?
Prior to joining the Chancellor’s Science Scholars program, I was unfamiliar with the vast opportunity that comes with the pursuit and completion of a PhD. My participation in CSS shifted my entire focus from the healthcare field to the basic sciences and research-based careers.
WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY RESEARCH INTEREST?
My primary research area was drug development for the treatment of pancreatic cancer within the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy’s Center for Integrative Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery under the direction of Xiadong Wang in the Division of Medicinal Chemistry.
AWARDS AND HONORS
- Hayden B. Renwick Academic Achievement Award