Help Kaira, Bella, Cody, and Dr. Dye Publish!

Hi!

This is Kaira Thevenin, Bella Tieche, and Cody Di Benedetto. We have been conducting research with Dr. Dye for the past 1 - 3 1/2 years while also taking courses for our undergrad in Health Sciences at Stetson University, with our goal after graduation to pursue a PhD (Kaira) or MD (Bella and Cody). Performing research alongside Dr. Dye investigating how viruses (Merkel cell polyomavirus) cause cancer (Merkel Cell Carcinoma) has had a tremendous impact on our lives both in and outside of the laboratory. Through reconducting numerous failed experiments, to reserving 8-20 hours every weekend solely for lab, we have learned many life skills, including patience, resilience, determination, and problem-solving. After years of 30-hour weeks in lab, we have finally finished our project and are ready to publish our findings in a peer-reviewed journal. Publishing our findings is the finish line we have fought towards for years and will greatly increase our competitiveness in medical and graduate school applications. Unfortunately, as publishing is expensive, we are asking for help from our friends, family, and colleagues to accomplish this goal. We appreciate anything you can offer. Thank you!