Please introduce yourself.
My name is Lina Ariyan, I am a recently graduated Barnard Class of ‘22 Cell/Molecular Biology major and Economics minor. Being from right outside the city originally, I plan to stay in New York post-graduation. I am passionately Armenian and spend a large portion of my time volunteering for Armenian causes or raising awareness about Armenian issues. Some of my interests include cooking, fitness, and spending time with family and friends.
What drew you to the Miranda Lab? How did you go about pursuing an undergraduate research opportunity?
When I came to Barnard, I had no idea that science would become my passion and chosen career. After taking the introductory biology course sequence, I decided that biological research could be of interest to me. Upon looking into the publications and research of the Barnard labs, I was immediately drawn to the work being done in the Miranda Lab. I was lucky to be able to join the lab as an undergraduate researcher very shortly after!
Describe your research in the Miranda Lab -- what does an average day look like for you? What is something you've been most proud of resulting from being in the lab?
When I started my work in the Miranda Lab I definitely had an adjustment period that involved a lot of learning and being outside of my comfort zone. This time period was one of the most important in shaping my love for research and scientific discovery because, to me, being outside of one’s comfort zone and working to learn and close that gap is the hallmark of being a scientist.
My research in the Miranda Lab has focused on cancer-causing viruses, specifically Epstein-Barr virus and Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus , their mechanisms, cancer programs, and ways to inhibit these things. It is hard to describe an average day in the lab because in science, every day is unique! Some days will involve long, tedious experimentation while others will be days where the only task is to keep your cells healthy. Some days will lead to exciting outcomes, allowing next steps to be decided and others will lead to disappointment. Something I have been most proud of resulting from my work in the lab has been writing my junior paper/thesis during Guided Research & Seminar. My project focused on the interactions of the Epstein-Barr virus with the nuclear lamina and, through the course, I was able to produce a research paper about the project. Although I have had the opportunity to work on various exciting projects, this project stands out because it felt as though the research process was completed through scientific communication.
When I started my work in the Miranda Lab I definitely had an adjustment period that involved a lot of learning and being outside of my comfort zone. This time period was one of the most important in shaping my love for research and scientific discovery because, to me, being outside of one’s comfort zone and working to learn and close that gap is the hallmark of being a scientist.
What's coming up next for you in the lab/more broadly?
As my undergraduate research has come to an end due to my graduation, I plan to continue my research in the Miranda Lab over the next few months followed by potentially attending graduate school. Being a part of the Miranda Lab has been an absolute highlight of my college career and I truly could not imagine a better research experience to have found my passion through.
I hope to continue a career of cancer research that is clinically-focused.
How can students reach you if they have any questions about how to approach research opportunities at Barnard?
Students can contact me at linaariyan0601@gmail.com.
