Simon Lab Spotlight! Aidan Vera
Aidan Vera, Summer Intern, from Long Island, NY
Currently Studying Human Biology at Hunter College
Q. Cats or Dogs or Other?
A. Dogs 100 percent!
Q. What sparked your interest in virology research or led you to join the Simon and Mulder Lab?
A. It first started with a two-week summer program at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory where I was introduced to virology and research. I was then connected to Dr. Simon through Dr. Carol Carter at Stony Brook University, who also does fascinating research.
Q. What is the most interesting part of your job?
A. I would probably have to say to be able to process samples from the APOLLO Study; it was one of the many studies here at the Simon and Mulder Lab that I worked on. The APOLLO (Antibody Panels Of Longitudinal Levels of cOronavirus immunity) study aims to better understand COVID-19 immunity through the collection of cross-sectional samples that represent the New York City population.
Q. What is your favorite spot in all of New York?
A. Midtown Manhattan or Jackson Heights in Queens.
Q. How did the COVID-19 Pandemic impact your position on research and virology?
A. I was a freshman in high school when the pandemic hit, so I was mostly remote and at the time my aunt was working as a nurse, and she would tell us a lot of what was going on in the hospitals. I think being exposed to so much made me realize the need for and importance of research.
Q. What does a day in the lab look like?
A. It starts with checking my emails first. Then, I usually message whoever I am interviewing that day for the Simon lab Spotlight Series (which I also help out with) to coordinate a time. Then in the afternoon I typically process APOLLO samples and towards the end of the day I transcribe and organize the interviews.
Q. Aside from being a great Summer Intern, what would you describe as your personal superpower?
A. My work ethic – being an athlete you need to have a good work ethic, and I think that translates very good over to other endeavors in your life.
Q. If you could share one piece of advice with people interested in research, what would it be?
A. I would encourage them to explore different areas within research; there are so many fields to discover, so if you have any inclination to try working in research or to join a study, then I would suggest that you go for it and don’t be afraid to try something new.
Aidan learning to process samples with the help of our Clinical Research Coordinators!
Thank you Aidan for both sharing your story and also for helping with the Spotlight Series!