Graduate spotlight: Merricka Livingstone, PhD '18

Graduate Spotlight

 

female student smiling

Merricka Livingstone, PhD '18

Hometown: Palm Bay, Florida, USA

Research: MicroRNAs in aflatoxin-induced hepatocellular carcinoma

  • What really defined your time at JHSPH?

My relationship with my adviser really defined my time at JHSPH. His mentoring style allowed me to come into my own as an independent scientist. I wasn't afraid to fail or bring up new ideas. I could just talk science with him. That helped me to develop the confidence I needed to drive my research project.

  • What's your advice for prospective students?

Have a vision for yourself, where you want to go or what you aspire to be and hold on to it. Along the journey to that goal, celebrate the small victories and embrace the challenges. Surround yourself with the things or people that will help ground you.

  • What's the one thing you couldn't have done without?

My squad. Friends that I've made during my time at JHSPH and the memories we've made.

  • Next steps? 

I will be starting a research associateship at Walter Reed Army Institute of Research.