When dianne Soria moved from New York to New Hampshire, she found herself in a new city, far from home, and unsure where to continue her education. But a single campus tour changed everything. “I remember touring UNH Manchester after seeing an ad about it,” she shares.
“Not only did it feel welcoming, but it offered the program I was interested in and its curriculum was flexible enough to accommodate commuters and non-conventional students such as myself. The answer was obvious and I instantly applied.”
That decision set her on a path that would carry her from the labs of the UNH Manchester Millyard campus to cutting-edge research in Cambridge, massachusetts.
A Passion for Biotechnology
Dianne earned both her B.S.in Biotechnology (2021) and M.S. in Biotechnology: Industrial and Biomedical Sciences (2022) at UNH manchester. Her motivation came from a lifelong curiosity and desire to address real-world health challenges.
“There’s a deep-rooted curiosity of how the world works and excitement of exploring new ideas that is found in biotech,” she explains. “For me, wanting to provide non-invasive and personalized solutions to disease where what largely influenced me to want to study Biotechnology at UNH Manchester.”
dianne’s passion for innovation aligns perfectly with the opportunities offered by UNH Manchester’s biotechnology programs, which leverage the Millyard’s unique location and resources.
Hands-on Research and Mentorship
UNH Manchester’s biotechnology programs emphasize hands-on research experiences. Dianne benefited from this approach, working in the lab of Dr. J. Mark Reynolds, Associate Professor of Biotechnology.
“Dr. Reynolds was instrumental in my development as a scientist,” Dianne says. “He provided me with the chance to work on a research project focused on developing novel therapeutics for cancer, which allowed me to hone my skills in molecular biology, cell culture, and data analysis.”
This research experience proved invaluable when Dianne applied for and was accepted into a highly competitive research internship at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard in Cambridge.
From UNH Manchester to the Broad Institute
At the Broad Institute, Dianne joined the lab of Dr. Feng Zhang, a pioneer in CRISPR gene editing technology. She contributed to research aimed at understanding the mechanisms of gene regulation and developing new CRISPR-based therapies.
“The Broad Institute is a world-renowned research center, and I was incredibly excited to be a part of such a dynamic and innovative environment,” Dianne shares. “The skills and knowledge I gained at UNH Manchester prepared me well for the challenges of working at the Broad.”
Dianne’s internship at the Broad Institute was a resounding success. She co-authored a publication in the prestigious journal Cell, a significant achievement for a young scientist.
Looking Ahead
Dianne is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Biological Engineering at MIT, continuing her research in gene editing and therapeutic development. she credits UNH Manchester with providing her with the foundation she needed to succeed.
“UNH Manchester gave me the opportunity to explore my passion for biotechnology and develop the skills I needed to pursue my dreams,” she says. “I am grateful for the support of the faculty and staff, and I highly recommend UNH Manchester to anyone interested in a career in biotechnology.”
Key Takeaways
- UNH Manchester’s biotechnology programs offer a flexible and accessible pathway to a career in a rapidly growing field.
- Hands-on research experiences and mentorship from dedicated faculty are hallmarks of the program.
- UNH Manchester graduates are well-prepared to compete for top research opportunities at leading institutions.
