Win Rati (Bora) Oo

Major / Minor: Major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (BMB) with a Religion Minor

Area of Research: Neurobiology (Alzheimer’s)

Name of Mentor: Dr. Angela Ho

How did you get involved in research?

I became interested in research during the fall of my sophomore year while taking Molecular Biology of a Neuron (BI481), a graduate-level course that challenged me to read and present primary scientific literature. When we began discussing neurodegenerative diseases, I noticed that much of the material came directly from the work of our professor, Dr. Ho. Her passion for the topic and the energy she brought to each lecture were incredibly inspiring—I had never seen a professor so engaged in their own research. After class one day, I introduced myself and expressed my interest in her work. I followed up with an email detailing why I was drawn to her research and attached my resume. Soon after, I was invited to interview and had the chance to meet the graduate student I’d be working with. That moment marked the beginning of my research journey in the Ho/Beffert Lab.

How did you meet your mentor?

I met my mentor, Dr. Ho, through BI481: Molecular Biology of a Neuron, a course I took during my sophomore year. Because the class size was so intimate, she quickly became familiar with each of us, and I had the chance to connect with her more personally through attending her Zoom office hours. These conversations gave me a deeper appreciation for her approach to both teaching and research, and ultimately led me to seek out a position in her lab.

What has your UROP experience taught you?

My UROP experience has taught me that research isn’t always about getting perfect results—it’s about learning how to ask good questions, stay curious, and keep going even when things don’t work out the first time. I’ve also learned how to troubleshoot and think more critically, which has helped me feel more confident in the lab. It’s been exciting to be part of a team that’s genuinely passionate about what they do, and it’s made me even more excited about pursuing science.

How has this experience helped you with non-research related things at BU?

My research experience has really helped me grow in a lot of ways outside the lab. It’s taught me how to manage my time better, balancing classes, lab work, and other responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed. Working closely with my mentor and the rest of the team has helped me become more confident in communicating my ideas clearly, whether in class discussions or group projects. I’ve also developed a stronger attention to detail, which helps me stay organized and focused. Finally, research has boosted my self-motivation and discipline, knowing that progress takes consistent effort has pushed me to stay committed in all areas in my life and at BU.

What does a day in your research life look like?

I usually start my day with sectioning mouse brain tissue, which takes a couple of hours. After that, I take a break and enjoy lunch on the combination lawn, especially when the weather is nice. In the afternoon, I return to the lab to work on DNA extraction and run gels to analyze PCR products.

What advice would you give to someone interested in UROP?

My advice is to follow your interests and choose a research area you’re truly passionate about. When you truly care about the work, it makes the challenges easier to handle and the experience much more rewarding. I would also say to stay curious and ask lots of questions.