Maryanne Oketch

Maryanne Oketch
Home Institute:McMaster University
Supervisor: Lori Frappier

Hello all, my name is Maryanne! I was born in Karlsruhe, Germany, but raised in Canada. I have lived in many cities in Ontario, including London, Toronto, and Kingston, but I currently call Hamilton home, and attend McMaster University for Integrated Science with a Biochemistry concentration! When entering university, I thought that I was going to focus my research in bacteria, but I decided to focus on something a little smaller –viruses! This past semester, I was able to work in the Mossman Lab at McMaster, and I am excited to continue for my thesis after this summer opportunity! If I am not in the lab, you can find me either in the pool swimming, or playing some sort of Nintendo system!

One thing that I am looking forward to in the summer research position is learning how full-time research is. Currently, I have only performed wet lab research during the school year, so I have had to divide my focus between my research and my academics. Being able to research in a full-time capacity will give me the experience that most scientists have, which I am very excited for.

The Amgen Scholars Program is a good opportunity for me because it allows me to interact with scientists from the University of Toronto. In addition, I will be able to meet other young scientists from across Canada and the United States, which will give me the opportunity to learn more about other people's passion in science and meet the future leaders of different scientific fields.