Miranda Stratton
Miranda Stratton is a Stanford Biosciences PhD student in the biology, cell and molecular biology track. Her long-term career goal is to become a professor and mentor to the next generation of scientists.
My research focuses on the centrosome, an important organelle, that is responsible for organizing the cytoplasmic microtubules and making a primary cilium in most animal cells. Centrosome and ciliary disfunction is linked to an array of disease states, including polycystic kidney disease and cancer. I am interested in characterizing the centrosome and its function in trophoblast giant cells (TGCs), a differentiated cell type in the placenta.
My long-term career goal is to be a professor where I can mentor students, impact science education, and perform important basic research. I valued the mentoring and scientific training that I have received thus far, and look forward to enriching my mind while enriching the minds of others. I would also love to be able to bring science to underrepresented communities, through both national and global efforts. I chose to attend Stanford because it was the program where I felt that I would receive the most support and best scientific training. I was determined to find the right community and mentors that would support my educational growth and development as a scientist, as well as my other identities.
During interview weekend, I interacted with many current graduate students who became part of my primary support network, including my diversity student host. I also met many faculty members who demonstrated a strong commitment to performing innovative scientific research, mentoring, and supporting graduate student education, while advocating for diversity in STEM.
Diversity means that every voice is present and respected to foster a dynamic, creative, and innovative collaboration. Without diversity, insightful perspectives and opportunities for growth are lost.
Miranda Stratton, Stanford Graduate Student