Abby Gonzalez
Undergraduate Reasearcher (Senior in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign)
Abby is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology at UIUC, expected to graduate in 2025. She intends to leverage her degree to pursue a career as a physician. Her field of study has provided her with the opportunity to build a foundation in areas such as molecular biology, genetics, and organic chemistry, all of which are essential to understanding the mechanisms of disease and treatment. Additionally, Abby completed coursework in psychology and ethics, giving her insight into patient care beyond the clinical setting, and emphasizing the importance of holistic treatment. Outside of the classroom, Abby partake in activities such as medical shadowing, internships, and volunteering to gain firsthand exposure to patient care, solidifying her commitment to becoming a physician.
Current Research
Abby’s primary research interest focuses on liver regeneration in adult mice. Though her direct research experience in these areas is still in its early stages, Abby is eager to explore how understanding the mechanism of regeneration can address the issues we see in the repair of certain liver disorders. She believes this work has the potential to contribute to both theoretical advancements and practical solutions in the field. The foundation of her research interests stems from her curiosity about how the body – both human and non-human – functions and repairs itself. Given Abby’s background in her field of study, she is especially interested in investigating how this research can be integrated within medicine to create interdisciplinary approaches that address complex problems. When it comes to research methods, Abby is keen to learn both the quantitative and qualitative approaches. She is interested in learning new techniques and refining her skills to help her achieve her goal. Additionally, she is excited about collaborative, interdisciplinary research that brings together experts from various fields to solve complex problems.
Outside the lab
Outside of her academic pursuits, Abby is deeply passionate about a variety of activities that enriches her personal life and contributes to her overall well-being. One of her primary interests is dance, it provides her with an outlet to express herself and it helps her remain balanced and energized. Abby also enjoys volunteering which provides her with the opportunity to give back to her community. While on campus Abby volunteer at the Daily Bread soup kitchen and at various nursing homes in the area. In her hometown, Abby likes to spend her time with patients in hospice and the dogs at her local animal shelter. In addition, she thoroughly enjoys cooking and baking and often experiment with new recipes.
Some of Abby’s hobbies include dance, watching competition shows like Dancing with the Stars, and hanging out with her friends and family.
Awards and Fellowships