Derek Lake is Recognized for Research

Thank you for offering me the opportunity to write about my recognition as the College of the Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences Distinguished Senior of the Year. Receiving this award is an honor that reflects the hard work, dedication, and passion for academic and extracurricular pursuits within the College of Environment, Forestry, and Natural Sciences. My mentor, Jason Sahl, has been integral to my development as a scientist and bioinformatician, which positioned me for receipt of this award. He mentored me in bioinformatic data analysis and introduced me to the use of long-read sequencing and other cutting-edge genomic technologies. Jason has also helped fine-tune my presentation and communication skills, which gave me the confidence to apply for graduate programs in Pharmacogenomic Bioinformatics and several awards, including the CEFNS Distinguished Senior Award.

The journey to receiving this award was not without challenges. While serving as a Research Assistant, I initially faced setbacks while trying to incorporate wet lab and bioinformatics skills simultaneously. However, with Dr. Sahl, Chandler Roe, and Kristen Kyger’s guidance, I was able to assist in complex projects at the intersection of genomics and bioinformatics while incorporating emerging technologies, such as long-read sequencing and novel bioinformatic algorithms, into my work. Receiving the Hooper Undergraduate Research Award was a significant turning point in my academic journey. This award acted as a crucial test of my ability to manage complex projects and troubleshoot through difficult challenges. It prepared me for the CEFNS Distinguished Senior Award selection process, recognizing the achievements the Sahl Lab assisted me in achieving. It also has helped prepare me for graduate school and my current life’s goal, co-founding a Precision Genomic Medicine Clinic focused on expanding accessibility of genomic medicine. This award serves as a recognition of the steps I have taken toward that goal. Thank you for the opportunity to share my experiences and insights with your readers!