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What is the G.A.T.O.R Program?

When I firsted joined the G.A.T.O.R program as an undergraduate, I went through an interview process to find my mentor, a graduate student of the Physical Therapy departement, Barbara Smith. I worked with Barb all summer long with my peer undergraduate developing my own research topic, branching off of the main studies in Barb's lab. I learned a variety of skills including how to write scientifically, patient privacy, operation of the Biodex system, familiarization with a cryostat and an overall supplement to my knowledge of the research process.

The G.A.T.O.R Program stands for Group Advantaged Training of Research, and that is exactly what we do. Over ten different labs gather together weekly to discuss contemporary lab and research project struggles as well as critique the experience of our mentor to mentee program. We have various pertinent assignments due in class such as finding an article which cited a research study, locating that study and comparing/contrasting the interpretation and presentation of the research within an article.

And what has it given to you?

HHMI’s G.A.T.O.R Program has provided me with the ultimate experience as a researcher. It has completely revamped my thought process to mimic that of a scientific process and to constantly question my surroundings. I truly felt the anguish and frustration of a graduate student but also the sweet pump of victory when the experiments worked out. I have gained so many skills through this program; I never even knew what a 'literature review' was until I became a G.A.T.O.R. I would reccommend this experience to any undergraduate remotely interested in research; it is a program that allows you to feel exactly what it would feel like as a graduate student.

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