Meet Nicole Mumbi
“PCR, gel electrophoresis, even the simple tools of like pipetting, all those technical skills that I got from BioBuilder, and the social skills as well, like being able to work in a team and always raising questions and being curious. I feel like that all factored into how well I handled my internship.”
In this episode Nicole shares her journey from Kenya to Boston and how she discovered her passion for scientific research through the BioBuilder Apprenticeship Program. Her story highlights the transformative power of hands-on science education and mentorship for young students, particularly those navigating cultural transitions.
This conversation covers Nicole’s
• move from Nairobi, Kenya to Boston in 2019 as a high school student
• initial interest in science during middle school through an atmospheric pressure experiment
• time in the BioBuilder Apprenticeship Program during junior year of high school where she developed an innovative at-home HIV detection project called “Break the Stigma” with her team
• recollection of the crucial laboratory skills she gained in the BioBuilder, including PCR, gel electrophoresis, and scientific presentation
• chance to leverage her BioBuilder experience to secure an internship at the prestigious Ragon Institute at MIT
Nicole is currently pursuing Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at UMass Amherst. She also works as a chemistry tutor through the Peer-Led Team Learning program. She is considering both research and medical career paths, possibly through an MD-PhD program.
Nicole encourages others to take chances and overcome imposter syndrome when pursuing opportunities