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KS-LSAMP

RiPS2014 Student Spotlight: Aaron Ortiz

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What is your hometown?
Garden City, KS

What is your current school?
Garden City Community College

What are your hobbies?
Gaming, running, archery, and martial arts.

Are there any other fun facts you would like to share?
I’ve run three marathons and always towards the end ask myself “why am I running this again?”

How did you get interested in STEM?
I had always thought science was insane so taking part in this program seemed interesting.

Why did you want to do research?
To help people with disabilities.

Tell us about your research project.
The research project is focused around mutating genes of the fruit fly.

What advice would you give your past self regarding school? How about for other students interested in STEM?
For myself, I’d say “Work harder at school because it will come back to get you.” As for others I’d say “take every opportunity to learn as much as possible.”