Students

Kaiya Grayson

Major and Degree Pursued: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, B.S.

Prospective Graduation Year: 2023

Current Position: Undergraduate Researcher, Timothy Miyashiro Lab, Penn State; Student Chemistry Intern, U.S. Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense

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What motivates you to do/pursue science and/or medicine?

My family has a hereditary genetic condition that increases the risk of inheriting specific types of cancers. That being said, I have seen loved ones pass away from cancer and want to be able to do something about this. Joining the health care field and helping to take care of others would be the start of helping to combat cancer as well as other heritable and acquired diseases.

What does Black History Month mean to you?

As a Black woman in STEM, this month helps to bring a spotlight to the important and vast involvement, accomplishments, and endeavors of the Black students here at Penn State and in general.