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When first stepped into the as a , she didn’t expect to be listed as second author on a major scientific paper just a few years later. Her journey—from a curious high school student to a published researcher and future graduate student—is a powerful example of how opportunity, mentorship, and perseverance can shape a career.
Adamaris’s interest in science began early. She attended a STEM-focused charter school where she took every science class available—from anatomy to environmental studies. “I really liked the hands-on aspect,” she says. “That’s what kind of sparked it.” Encouraged by a high school teacher, she applied to the , a decision that opened the doors to hands-on research and mentorship.
Once accepted, Adamaris was placed in the McMahon Lab, where she was mentored by . “They made me feel really comfortable,” she recalls. “Everyone was super nice. If I had a question, I could ask anybody.” That sense of support and collaboration gave her the confidence to ask questions, learn quickly, and contribute meaningfully.
Adamaris’s work focused on , a protein mutated in about 8% of human cancers and nearly half of cutaneous melanoma cases. Adamaris helped identify a new interaction between BRAF and the tumor suppressor p53—an insight that could lead to new cancer treatments.
“Adamaris is , which is really impressive for an undergraduate student,” says Kayla. “We have been so lucky to have her in the lab. She’s been such an incredible asset… we often refer to her as the ‘backbone of the lab.”
Like any researcher, Adamaris faced setbacks. “Sometimes the experiments wouldn’t work, and I’d have to repeat them,” she says. But she learned to embrace the trial-and-error nature of science. “In science, it’s not always going to work the first time. It’s trial and error.”
Although she started college on a pre-med track, a conversation with Kayla helped her discover a new passion: speech-language pathology. “I had a little crisis,” she laughs. “I didn’t know what to do after undergrad.” With encouragement and guidance from Kayla, Adamaris realized the field combined her love of science with her desire to help people. This fall, she will begin graduate studies in speech-language pathology at the
Adamaris credits much of her success to the mentorship she received through PathMaker and from Kayla. “She’s always been so supportive,” Adamaris says. “She helped with everything—from lab work to grad school applications. I don’t think I would’ve had a mentor like that without the PathMaker program.”
As , reflects: “When Adamaris first joined my lab, she was quite reserved and quiet. It has been a delight to watch her mature into a scientist over the two years she has worked with us. Moreover, I am delighted that she is following her interests in speech pathology into graduate school at the Ƶ of Utah. She has an incredibly bright future in front of her, and I am delighted that Kayla and I helped set her on a path to future success."
Adamaris’s story is a testament to the impact the PathMaker program. They don’t just offer lab experience—they offer belonging, mentorship, and a launchpad for future leaders in science.