Frank Veliz
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, OH USA
"There is a lot of trial and error in science and you need to be able to make adjustments and then optimize the steps that work."
Career Roadmap
Frank's work combines: Science, Medicine, and Problem Solving
See more careers and stories that connect to your interests.
Take Roadmap Quiz
Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Lancaster High School
Bachelor's Degree
Biology/Biological Sciences, General
University of California, Irvine
Graduate Degree
Physiology, General
Case Western Reserve University
Here's the path I recommend for someone who wants to be a Biochemistry Research Associate:
Bachelor's Degree: Bioengineering and Biomedical Engineering
Learn more about different paths to this career
Life & Career Milestones
I've taken a lot of twists and turns
1.
Graduated High School as an honors student and was accepted to UC Irvine
2.
Struggled in undergrad to keep up with the course loads and difficulty of my major. Although I struggled early on, I finished strong by making the Dean's list and graduating in four years.
3.
I wanted to go to med school, but I knew I needed to beef up my application. I volunteered in hospitals and worked in a medical clinic and laboratory in Los Angeles.
4.
I was accepted to a masters program in Medical Physiology at Case Western Reserve University. It was here where I learned that medical research is what interests me instead of med school.
5.
I became a laboratory manager for a biomedical engineering laboratory at CWRU focusing on cancer research and immunotherapies using plant viruses to target and eliminate cancer.
6.
I now work on studying the structure and interaction of proteins with cancer therapies and other proteins to discover or improve upon cancer treatments.
Defining Moments
How I responded to discouragement
THE NOISE
Messages from Peers:
Working in the medical sciences as a scientist is a waste of time. You will work long, hard hours for little pay, especially in academia.
How I responded:
The research you will be taking part of could potentially lead to new medical breakthroughs that will benefit society. Work towards what you are passionate about and all will fall into place. If you want to work in academia, do it. If you want to work in industry, do it.
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
My parents immigrated to the United States from Central and South America. They knew how critical education was to success, but often could not help with homework. Do not be afraid to reach out for help. Do not let your pride get in the way.