Testimonials
PSI 2025 Cohort
When I was growing up, I rarely saw anyone like me in science or medicine, and through PSI I saw myself represented in the scientific community for the first time and realized I was part of a community that truly belonged in science. Seeing scientists who looked like me reshaped what I believed was possible, and presenting my research at the PSI symposium made me feel a sense of belonging and empowerment unlike anything I had experienced before. PSI not only introduced me to research and what it means to be a physician-scientist, but gave me access to opportunities, mentors, and a community I otherwise would not have had.
What she learned >
Gianella
Prior to PSI, I was really interested in biology, but had almost no experience with research and did not know anything about the computational side of research. Through PSI, I got to learn about many areas I did not know existed from people actually doing the work. My favorite part was the summer internship at OHSU, where I gained exposure to both wet lab and computational research and discovered that I love coding and analyzing data, shifting my interests toward computational biology research. PSI has exposed me to completely new areas of biology and gave me skills like reading and writing scientific papers, allowing me to better understand topics I am interested in.
What she learned >
Swathi
My biggest doubt before PSI about pursuing research was that I didn’t have it in me to do well enough and succeed, but this belief quickly changed through the support of mentors who showed me that determination to learn and curiosity matter more than experience. PSI opened my eyes to opportunities in science and made me realize that science is not just one narrow path, but a broad field with many career trajectories. The moment that truly shifted my mindset was realizing that it is okay not to have everything figured out yet, and that exploring is not a sign of uncertainty, but rather of growth.
What she learned >
Vrasti
Before PSI, my biggest obstacle in pursuing scientific research was self-doubt, wondering if I truly belonged in a space that demanded both precision and creativity, but PSI filled that gap through supportive mentorship and hands-on experience that made science feel tangible and exciting rather than intimidating. Through the program, I explored neuroscience, learned lab techniques, and connected with professionals that helped me explore career paths in health policy. Since PSI, I’ve become determined to continue pursuing research and aim to contribute to meaningful change, both scientifically and socially, to advance research that makes a real-world impact.
What she learned >
McKenzie
PSI 2024 Cohort
"I've learned about fascinating fields such as regenerative medicine, computational modeling, and more, fields I would not have been exposed to otherwise. I truly feel that without this program, I would not have the same level of ambition to pursue science, because now I’ve gotten to experience real research, and I see it as a calling and viable career path instead of just a distant dream"
What she learned >
Sara
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What she thinks of PSI >
Naomi
"While it takes years to develop adept analytical and scientific skills, thanks to PSI I was able to learn from remarkable amazing researchers and students that helped me take those first steps. Before PSI, science was something confined in textbooks and classrooms, but now I see science as a collaborative effort involving mentors, peers, and students, and something I am excited to be a part of."
"I am glad I had the opportunity to go through the PSI program. It taught me and allowed me to practice my communication skills, as well as learn more about the medical and research field. The PSI program made it possible for me to get an internship with a radiologist! The PSI program was an enriching experience that is inspiring me to go into the medical field."
What he learned >
Ivan
Previous PSI Cohorts
Daniel
What he learned at PSI>
"I had never thought about working in a research lab in high school, and the opportunity to do so through the PSI program really inspired me to dive head first into the field neuroscience."
Ella
Why she Loves PSI>
"...the PSI program was incredibly helpful in that I was able to work in a lab setting and learn what came with working with animals and others in stressful situations."
Megan
What sparked her interest>
"I still remember being awestruck when I got to see a flow cytometer... [PSI] helped only strengthened my interest in the life sciences."
Gina
Advise for students>
"Take the time to get to know the faculty and learn about outside opportunities! I was able to help write a patient page that was published in a journal..."