We proudly introduce our intern, Kiera Chiu, a talented incoming junior from Aragon High School, who will be attending the Middle College Program at College of San Mateo this coming fall. She is driven by an innate interest in the complexity of science and loves to learn how parts work together, as well as the process of how we discover and figure things out.
She recalls a photosynthesis experiment in which she predicted a corn plant would not grow in the dark, only to find that it had sprouted due to the starch in the seed. “The more I learn, the more my mind gets blown!”
After enrolling in Biotech 1 at Aragon, Kiera discovered a whole new world of possibilities in the application of biology. She recalls BABEC’s Micropipetting Activities being a novel and fun experience that encouraged her interest in the world of biotech. Her determination to dive deeper led her to apply to the BABEC internship program, where she secured a spot for the summer.
Since joining the BABEC team in June, Kiera has been actively engaged in a wide range of tasks from organizing the warehouse and assembling kits, to making reagents and positive controls for various labs. The experience at BABEC has introduced her to new lab techniques and equipment such as PCR, which led her to draw connections to COVID PCR testing. Kiera spoke animatedly about seeing how the concepts she learned in AP Biology are used in real-world applications in biotechnology.
Outside the laboratory, Kiera is a multi-faceted individual with diverse interests. She finds joy in dance, hockey, lacrosse, baking, reading, and crochet. Among her passions, hip hop dance holds a special place, as it allows her to express herself freely through movement. Freestyling in particular has helped Kiera push the boundaries of her more reserved nature by forcing her to step outside of her comfort zone and embrace the unknown.
When asked about her future aspirations, Kiera shares that she intends to continue exploring her love for science by taking more science-related courses and keeping her options open for a career in the field of biology. A scientist at heart, Kiera embraces challenges with enthusiasm, curiosity, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We are delighted to have her as a part of our team at BABEC and look forward to witnessing her journey of exploration and growth.