Hannah
Wilkins
Hometown: Hurdle Mills, NC
Major: Biology and Hispanic Literature and Cultures, with a minor in Chemistry
Research Interest: Bioengineering; virology
“The CSS program supported me 100% in every single opportunity that I pursued at UNC-Chapel Hill, and even when times were difficult, the program always had my back.
WHAT DREW YOU TO THE CSS PROGRAM?
The shared passion between CSS scholars for STEM, research in STEM, and a true genuine understanding in the value of diversity attracted me to the CSS program. I immediately knew within minutes of interacting with the program faculty and other members of my cohort that they were going to be my main “village” of supporters and friends at UNC-Chapel Hill.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE CSS EXPERIENCE SO FAR?
My favorite CSS experience thus far has been traveling to Anaheim, California to present at the ABRCMS 2019 conference with other CSS scholars. It was a fantastic experience to support other scholars in their research, have intercohort bonding, and share new experiences with one another.
HOW HAS CSS SHAPED YOUR CAREER GOALS?
My experience with CSS program allowed me to discover my true passion for research and pursuing a PhD by creating numerous opportunities that allowed me to explore this passion, such as internship programs at Johns Hopkins University and funding to attend national conferences. The CSS program supported me 100% in every single opportunity that I pursued at UNC-Chapel Hill, and even when times were difficult, the program always had my back.
WHAT IS YOUR PRIMARY RESEARCH INTEREST?
I am interested in biomaterials and bioengineering through Dr. Ronit Freeman’s lab, as well as virology and HIV-1 latency with Dr. Robert Siliciano.
AWARDS AND HONORS
- CSS Distinguished Scholar Award
- Tom and Elizabeth Long Research Award (Department of Biology)
- Tri Beta (Biology Honors Society)
- Alpha Epsilon Delta (pre-health honors society)
- Department of Molecular Biology Scholars Program at Princeton University
- ABRCMS Students Travel Award
- 2019 Summer Undergraduate Pipeline Research Symposium Poster Award