Nate Vela

• Home institution: Centre College

• Year: Rising Senior

• Majors: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Anthropology

• Research Site: University of Kentucky

• What will I be researching this summer: This summer, my research consists of manipulating stem cell differentiation, testing to see if by adding a certain drug and manipulating their environment, can stem cells destined to become myocytes convert to neuronal cells in the Kikani Lab.

• Future goals: My future goals is to attend Medical School after my gap year and become a general surgeon or ER physician.

• Outside of the lab/classroom: My interest/hobbies include singing tenor for choir, dancing, and volunteering at the local hospital in Danville, KY. For extra information, I traveled to Spain for choir and performed at the Sagrada Família!