It was not long ago that GiGi Searle was undecided about her academic path, but that all quickly changed when she joined the EschLEAD program.
Established through a generous donation by Robert Esch (’75 BS, ’78 MS) and Katherine Esch, the EschLEAD (Learn, Experience, Apply, Deliver) program is pioneering initiative — open to WSU undergraduate students from all backgrounds, experiences, and academic disciplines — designed to provide undergraduates with immersive, hands-on learning in real-world research environments in the college’s leading labs. EschLEAD combines skill-building, real-world applications, and mentorship to empower students to explore, grow, and create their own paths to success.
The program gave GiGi the chance to learn and work in the lab of Dr. Ryan Driskell, who is head of the Fibroblast and Skin Regeneration Laboratory at the School of Molecular Biosciences. The experience helped to ignite her passion for science and research. She has since declared as a genetics and cell biology major and has of pursuing a PhD after she graduates in 2027.
What sort of projects and research have you been involved with as an EschLEAD scholar?
I am involved in histology in the Driskell Lab. Last school year, I worked on a project analyzing how mouse whiskers are a more analogous model for human hair than mouse back skin fur. Over the summer and continuing into this year, I’ve been involved in a project investigating the role of Lef1, a gene that influences hair growth and skin development, in dermal architecture. I plan to continue histological research while expanding into computational biology as well.
Has participating in the program changed how you view science and research?
I felt immediately welcomed by Dr. Ryan Driskell and his lab. The EschLEAD program’s focus on promoting accessible research made me feel confident that I could succeed. Being involved in research and gaining knowledge and mentorship from my PI, Dr. Driskell, and my graduate student mentor, Sean Thompson, helped me realize my passion for histology. I went from being an undecided major to pursuing genetics and cell biology, with the goal of someday earning a PhD. Not only has research grown my academic confidence and motivation, but it has also given me a home at WSU. I look forward to going to the lab every day, where I feel challenged and excited. My experience in the EschLEAD program has truly changed my life by giving me the opportunity to explore and find my passion.
What has been the most valuable experience in the EschLEAD program so far?
The EschLEAD program has provided me with academic enrichment and mentorship, but, perhaps even more importantly, it has given me a sense of belonging. I am naturally more introverted, and the Driskell Lab has given me a home at WSU where I feel comfortable opening up to others. The EschLEAD program and the Driskell Lab community are full of encouraging, kind, and funny individuals who have made my college experience very meaningful.
How has EschLEAD helped you develop new skills that are valuable for your future career?
In my current role as histology project manager in the Driskell Lab, I lead a team of roughly 10 other undergraduate students through the process of data production (sectioning, staining, and imaging), while also quantifying the data they produce. Through this, I have gained experience in training, scheduling, management, mentoring, and quality control. As I transition into a more research-focused position, these skills will help me produce data efficiently in future projects.
How do you see the EschLEAD program shaping your future career goals?
The EschLEAD program has enabled me to work closely with Dr. Driskell and PhD candidate Sean Thompson. As a result, I have not only discovered my passion for tissue biology but also developed clear goals for the near future. I aim to publish my own paper during my undergraduate years and then attend graduate school to earn a PhD. I anticipate that the next two and a half years in the EschLEAD program will help me refine my goals even further.
What are your plans after graduation, and how is the program helping you prepare for them?
After graduation, I plan to pursue a PhD. The EschLEAD program is helping me get there by providing experience in project management, professionalism, data production, and analytics. Dr. Driskell has given me opportunities to meet with other professors, including those at institutions outside WSU, allowing me to network and learn about projects across the country. Support from Dr. Driskell and the EschLEAD program through presentation opportunities like SURCA, the EschLEAD donor lunch, and the CVM Symposium has helped me build confidence in my public speaking and scientific communication skills.
What advice would you give to future students interested in undergraduate research and/or joining the EschLEAD program?
Take advantage of the amazing research opportunities WSU has to offer! There are so many knowledgeable mentors who will go to great lengths to help undergraduate students succeed. Be proactive in communicating with principal investigators and graduate students. As with many things in life, undergraduate research is ultimately what you make of it!