Lily Sabol
GU IMSD Fellow
2024 Cohort
I took the intro biology classes for fun, and while taking those classes, my professors saw my knack for science and pushed me to consider a different path. I am incredibly grateful to have listened to their advice.
The Georgetown University Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (GU IMSD) is designed to develop a diverse cadre of doctoral scholars prepared for careers in the biomedical scientific workforce. Our incoming GU IMSD Fellows share their interests, career goals, and advice for aspiring Ph.D. students.
About Lily
Originally from Hopkinton, New Hampshire, Lily Sabol is pursuing a Ph.D. in Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology at Georgetown. She earned her B.S. in Biology from Saint Michael’s College.
How did you become interested in your area of study?
I became interested in my area of study because the cascade of events from a molecular change to the progression of a disease is incredibly fascinating. I would like to study how we develop therapeutics to target the molecular mechanisms of disease.
What are you most excited about as you join the GU IMSD program?
I am hoping to gain practical skills that will help me develop into an efficient and resourceful student. I am also hoping to gain an appreciation from a variety of students from all of the different Ph.D. programs.
How have your previous experiences or background influenced your personal or professional development, interests, or career goals?
As a student who attended a very small liberal arts college with only a few master’s programs, I was able to be at the forefront of the research being conducted. I had the opportunity to conduct research with many of my professors, which allowed me to learn about new techniques very often. I also had the amazing opportunity to conduct research at the Jackson Laboratory for two summers, which helped nurture my interest in research and pushed me toward the Ph.D. path.
What advice do you have for applicants who want to pursue doctoral programs?
The best advice I could give is to make sure that you know the ins and outs of all the research you have done. It is important to understand the mechanisms you are investigating and to be able to understand why you used certain techniques to extract information. I also think that having very clear career goals is incredibly helpful and to think about all of the scenarios that may result from obtaining your Ph.D.
How has mentorship impacted your educational/career journey?
Mentorship has impacted me greatly throughout my educational journey. Going into undergrad, my plan was to actually go to Law school and become a prosecutor. However, I took the intro biology classes for fun, and while taking those classes, my professors saw my knack for science and pushed me to consider a different path. I am incredibly grateful to have listened to their advice. My research mentors have also made a huge impact on me and my career goals, if it weren’t for their belief in me, I wouldn’t be where I am today.