Meda M. Higa

Field: Oncological Sciences
SR-EIP: Brown University (1997)
Undergrad: University of California, Santa Cruz (1998)
Graduate School: University of Utah (2006)
Current: IRACDA Postdoctoral Fellow, UPenn School of Medicine

Could you talk about any memorable experiences from your summer research at Brown?

It was my first research experience. I appreciated the chance to be in the lab, working with other people. What I remember most is how I grew with regard to being able to present my research.

My cohort was a really tight-knit group. It was my first time on the east coast, and it was exciting to visit the various places here; i.e. Boston, Martha’s Vineyard, etc.

What skills were you able to apply to your collegiate work upon returning to your undergraduate institution?

I think that the research experience gave me a better understanding of the classes I took upon returning to my undergrad institution. The hands on experience helped me to better understand the course material. It made me more confident over all.

Can you talk about how your summer experience prepared you for graduate school?

This experience was the turning point at which I decided that grad school was what I wanted to do. It was helpful to have some of the techniques that I learned to translate over to graduate school. I feel I had a leg up with regard to knowing the ins and outs of the lab. I had a realistic view of what grad school would be like and how grad students worked and scheduled their time. It was also helpful in giving me the courage to ask questions of other grad students. I found that it’s often better to go beyond one’s immediate resources.

Can you talk about the role of mentorship in your career?

I think that you should do for others what has been done for you. For postdocs, the responsibility of mentoring varies per lab. I, personally, welcome and actively engage in the responsibilities of mentoring students. In my lab, I work with a graduate student and an undergraduate. Outside of the lab, I have been involved with SACNAS, which gives me an opportunity to mentor a broader group of students.

The one thing that I’ve learned is that, no matter where you are in your career, you need to have mentors. They don’t always act as your boss or PI. A mentor could be anyone who is interested in seeing you succeed and can guide you through your work effectively. For example, my post doctoral position also involves a teaching component. I have a mentor, aside from my research mentor, who has been influential in helping me navigate that field.

What advice would you give to this year’s Leadership Alliance participants?

I would say that you should be true to yourself. Be receptive to advice from whomever you can get it, but make sure that the decision that you make is truly yours. Take advantage of ALL resources, both people and opportunities. Be in charge of your destiny.

I also think it’s important to have fun. Remember that the goal may be to get the degree, but you shouldn’t forget that having fun is a part of the journey toward the degree.

Is there anything else that you would like to mention?

The Leadership Alliance has given me a lot of great opportunities, and I am grateful to the staff that made the experience great. I would encourage people to stay in touch with the Leadership Alliance because new opportunities always come up, and it has been great to be a part of it.