Sophia Owutey

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

My love for research inspired me to pursue graduate school so I could deepen my scientific training and grow into an independent researcher. I also chose this path because I aspire to become an industry lab lead and wanted a program that would prepare me strongly for that career goal. I chose FSU Biomedical Sciences because of its outstanding research opportunities and high-quality training, which I believe will position me well for success in my future career.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

I study how a specific protein modification regulates DNA damage repair. This research is important because it helps us better understand how cells maintain genome integrity, which is critical for preventing mutations that can contribute to cancer development.

Career aspirations

My career goal is to build a successful career in biomedical research, with the long-term aim of becoming an industry lab lead. I hope to use strong scientific training and research experience to contribute to discoveries that improve human health.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Be sure you are pursuing graduate school for a reason that truly matters to you, because the journey requires commitment, resilience, and a genuine passion for learning and discovery. Also, choose a program and mentors that align well with your long-term goals, since the right training environment and support system can make a major difference in your growth and success.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I am most proud of contributing to two recent papers from the Yanchang Wang Lab, as well as having multiple opportunities to present my work and mentor undergraduates and a medical student. Mentoring has been especially meaningful to me because it has allowed me to support the growth of others while also strengthening my own skills as a scientist and leader.