Miranda Stratton
Miranda Stratton
MEET MIRANDA
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.
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.
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, graduate student in biology, cell and molecular biology track
STORY AND PHOTO COURTESY OF MIRANDA STRATTON AND STANFORD BIOSCIENCES
