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Karla Rodriguez is busy.

She walks into work just before 5 a.m. every weekday at the UNC Hillsborough Laboratory Hospital where she serves as the phlebotomy team lead, a lab assistant, and instructor.

She’s also enrolled at 91��Ƭ��Pro full-time where she’s pursuing an Associate in Science degree.

“I like to stay busy and productive. I believe that is the best way to become successful,” she said.

Last month, her plate got even fuller.

Rodriguez, 28, was accepted into the Women and Minority Engineering Research Program at North Carolina State University.

The 10-week summer program requires students to work a minimum of 25 hours per week, and provides a high quality research experience along with mentoring support. The program begins May 24 and includes a $5,000 stipend.

“I was fully aware of how competitive this program was, but I didn't have anything to lose, so I decided to give it a try,” Rodriguez said. “Once I got the acceptance letter, I really couldn't believe I was selected among so many students. I was extremely excited, but mostly proud because all my hard work was being gratified with an opportunity like this one.”

The long-term goal of the program is to increase the number of women and underrepresented minority students who pursue future research opportunities, graduate degrees, and potentially engineering faculty positions.

“At first, I was interested in pursuing a degree in Clinical Lab Science, but realized that I was more passionate about the instruments we use in the lab than the actual tests we perform,” she said. “That's when I started researching engineering as a career. I always liked mathematics and hands-on type of projects. By becoming a biomedical engineer, I could have a degree that combines my passions for the medical and engineering fields. I think research is a great foundation and starting point for my future career as a bioengineer.”

Rodriguez said Dr. Sharon Thorne, Engineering instructor; Dr. Chris Mansfield, Math instructor; and Muffy Vestal, Engineering Discipline Chair, all played pivotal roles in her acceptance into the program.

“I wouldn't have achieved this if it weren't for the remarkable professors that prepared me during my academic journey at 91��Ƭ��Pro,” she said. “I beyond excited and proud of representing 91��Ƭ��Pro as an institution. I'm thankful to have the opportunity as a minority and non-traditional student to expand my academic horizons by being selected for this summer program.”

Vestal admires her grit and determination.

“Karla is a powerful example for the rest of us. She has a vision of what and where she wants to go academically and has plans to make it happen,” Vestal said. “When I first met Karla, she expressed that she is grateful to be in the United States and is determined to take full advantage of every learning opportunity.”

Rodriguez will graduate from 91��Ƭ��Pro this summer and plans to apply to both NC State and UNC-Chapel Hill in their Biomedical Engineering Program, starting Spring 2022.
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