Peyton Tovey, a senior at Arizona State University, found DNASU through her professional program at the Cronkite Agency offered at the Walter Cronkite School of Journalism and Mass Communication. DNASU was her client and she became so invested in her work that she decided to volunteer during the Spring 2024 semester.
Given her unique perspective, Tovey offers her advice for prospective volunteers and her experience at the DNASU lab.
Question: What does a typical day look like for you?
Answer: Every day looks a little bit different.
Right now I'm working on a big project of reorganizing a lot of our plates because, DNASU has one of the largest plasmid repositories in the world.
Scientists aren't always that organized. So I feel like I've been a big helping hand in the organization process.
Q: Can you describe your role and responsibilities as a volunteer in the lab?
A: As a volunteer in the lab, I just do what people ask me to do. They're usually someone with me, in the first day or two, as I'm trying to pick up something.
And then, I just complete that project on my own and then be ready for the next one.
Q: What is your advice for students who are interested in volunteering at DNASU?
A: My advice for people wanting to get involved is to reach out and not wait for an opportunity to be presented. Make the call yourself.
That's how I got involved and Mitch (DNASU Lab Director) always says things travel by word of mouth.
Q: Why did you want to volunteer with DNASU?
A: I wanted to volunteer with DNASU because I am planning on attending dental school in a few years. Working with DNASU in the Biodesign Institute looks highly preferable on my resume. Not to mention, I am interested in the biology and chemistry that happens in the lab.
Q: How did you become interested in science, and what inspired you to contribute your time as a volunteer?
A: My second semester of junior year I decided to take BIO 181, General Biology 1, just to see how I would do in the class and see if pursuing a career in dentistry might be feasible.
I fell in love with science and biology in this class and how much I felt like I could apply to the real world.
After I finished the class I immediately applied to be an Instructional Aide (IA) for BIO 181 and this is my second semester of teaching a 24-person, 3-hour lab per week.
Q: Which of DNASU's goals do you most identify with?
I appreciate how much time, energy and love they put into each project. Everyone is here because they believe in the mission.
Q: What is something unique about volunteering here?
A: I think something unique about DNASU is how small the team actually is. As a volunteer, I feel very appreciated because what I do actually makes an impact.
Q: Why are you passionate about working in DNASU?
A: I feel grateful to be here and to have this opportunity that a lot of people wish they could have. I feel passionate about working with DNASU because they took a chance on me and gave me this amazing experience.
Q: What skills or expertise do you contribute to DNASU as a volunteer?
A: As a volunteer you fine-tune a lot of your scientific skills like micropipetting, using the centrifuge, labeling and more. I feel like my organizational skills are being used to benefit DNASU.. I enjoy doing this so that everyone's lives are easier.
Q: Can you share any memorable moments or discoveries from your time as a volunteer in the lab?
A: A memorable moment for me is learning from Kristen (DNASU Lab Manager) everyday.. I love her attitude and she makes me excited to come to the lab.
Q: How has volunteering at DNASU impacted your academic or career goals, if at all?
A: I am totally embracing my inner nerd. I never felt like I was good enough to be involved with mathematics and science which is why I never originally attended school for dentistry. But I have learned that it is not about how smart you are, but rather how much effort and energy you put into it. I started showing up for myself and I have never felt like how I do now knowing that I am in the right place. Being surrounded by these people makes me want to work harder and be better. It encourages me to pursue my dreams.
Q: How does the lab environment foster learning and growth for volunteers like yourself?
A: I think it absolutely inspires learning and growth for not just volunteers but people like Mitch and Kristen are learning every day too. DNASU has real-life implications and situations and illnesses and being in an environment that is ever-changing means growth will accompany you.
It has taught me a lot about being independent but also asking for help. It has taught me that making mistakes is okay. Kristen always tells me that if I make a mistake she's already made the same one three times.
There is no negative energy here. The positive environment has been an enriching experience that I will never forget. I am always proud to tell people that I work in Biodesign and how awesome my team is.
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