Elizabeth Solis

Elizabeth Solis

Class Status: Senior

Major: Biology- Ecology & Environmental Studies

Campus Programs/Involvements: STEM Scholars & LSAMP

Career Goal: Become a Biology professor & do research, specifically on spider venom.

Hobbies: Since the summer, I have been growing raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries. So far we’ve had lots of raspberry fruits. I also started doing yoga to help with my anxiety, and I ride my beach cruiser around the block with my dog every other morning. When I have more free time, I enjoy watching movies, specifically scary movies (especially during Halloween time), spending time with family, and catching up with friends (even if it’s virtual).

How has CSI³ helped you?
I have gotten tremendous support from the CSI³ team, and the resources they have provided us has been a huge help. Whether it was materials for courses, tutoring, or having a study area to get work done and print for free (before COVID), has truly made a difference for me as a college student. My most favorite events to attend were the STEM-Ups. The STEM-Ups have always prepared me for my chemistry courses, and have allowed me to feel more comfortable with the material that I would be learning in the upcoming semester. I also have been able to build new relations and/or reconnect with classmates whenever I attended these events.

What keeps you motivated and positive throughout life’s hardships?
When I experience hardships, I tell myself that everything happens for a reason, and this is only temporary. I like to think hardships give us strength, wisdom, and preparation for the future. What keeps me motivated is that I want to finish my undergrad, and move on to the next part of my education. I imagine myself moving on to new and greater parts of my life, and when I finally have my career, I want to be able to give back to my parents for everything that they have done for me.

What advice would you like to give to your fellow scholars?
I think your undergrad is the best time to experience new things, join organizations, build relations, learn about yourself, and find out what makes you happy. One of the most important lessons I have learned as an undergrad is having patience with myself, and looking at my setbacks as an opportunity for growth. I think many of us get caught up in feeling negatively when we deal with setbacks, and we forget to take a moment to look at how far we’ve come, and acknowledge the accomplishments we have made throughout our journey. STEM isn’t easy, and everyone is going to face their own set of challenges. You have no idea how many people are rooting for you, and are waiting for you at the finish line. You just gotta bounce back and keep going after what you want. “The best view comes after the hardest climb.”

What are your plans after graduation?
I plan to attend Graduate school, and study the structure and function of proteins in spider venom. My overall research goal aims towards drug discovery. I would like to find a way to utilize these proteins for medical purposes.