Meet Vitaly Ievlev
Graduate program: Biomedical Science (Cell and Developmental Biology)
Undergraduate institution: St. Olaf College
Hometown: Syktyvkar, Russia
Why did you choose the University of Iowa to pursue your graduate degree?
The Carver College of Medicine is a local biomedical hub with lots of opportunities to do clinical translational research. Additionally, Iowa City is a very friendly and pretty town, which makes a comfortable environment for productive and relatively stress-free life.
What type of research are you performing?
I am currently rotating in a lab that studies stem cells in the lungs and their involvement in pathophysiology of obliterative bronchitis—a devastating lethal disease that occurs in most patients within five years after lung transplantation.
What do you hope to do after you earn your degree?
I am hoping to get a postdoc position that would lead to a job in the biomedical industry.
What is something that surprised you about the University of Iowa or your graduate program?
I was pleasantly surprised by the collaborative learning environment. Most labs have joint lab meetings with other labs in related fields. In such meetings one can get useful suggestions and experimental approaches from people who use slightly different tools than you do. Overall, this supports collaborations and the exchange of ideas.
What is your favorite part about being a graduate student?
Free food at different events.
Who is your biggest role model and why?
Mario Capecchi—2007 Nobel prize winner in physiology and medicine (for a successful in vivo knock out in mice). I went to his talk in October and he told an absolutely fascinating story of his scientific career. He fought against the odds and never stopped believing in what he was doing. His determination and unyielding spirit enabled him to reach his ambitious goals.
What are some of your personal interests?
Active tourism (cycling, trekking, climbing), cooking, and boxing.
A piece of advice for incoming graduate students:
Talk to people and make connections early on with your peers, faculty, and staff. You are new to this place—this is a perfect conversation starter. The more connections you make, the easier your life as a graduate student will be. People are very nice and helpful around here.