Georgetown College. Georgetown University.

Cat Graves

Cat Graves, a junior at Georgetown majoring in Physics and Government, has been working in Dr. Jeff Urbach’s Dynamic Imaging Lab since the end of her freshman year. During her time with the lab, she has learned cell culturing methods and how to make collagen plates for lab projects at the National Institute of Health and with Professor Neale's lab, as well as working with post-doctorate researchers on their projects. She is also a Luce Fellow and co-authored a paper with Dr. Urbach in 2006.

“Last summer, my project became more centered on the biophysics project,” Graves explains. “We’re attempting to image neurons (specifically their growth cones) in three dimensions with the confocal spinning disc microscope in the lab.”

This is only one of the projects she is working on, however. Throughout her time at Georgetown, Graves has found numerous opportunities for research. “That's one of the strongest points about science at Georgetown,” says Graves. “I have had great opportunities to work in research lab as an undergrad. I've found that the Physics Department supports and encourages its students to do research, gain experience, and do other research programs that broaden the sometimes smaller undergrad experience in the field of physics.”

Graves attributes much of this to Dr. Urbach. “Whenever we had lab meetings, I felt that my opinion mattered and that meant to me that my work was valued. Having that confidence instilled in you as an undergrad while you're trying to figure out if you truly wish to research for your career is invaluable.”

Originally from Berkeley, California, Graves has lived in New Jersey, England, and New Hampshire. As she prepares for her final year at Georgetown, Graves is planning on going to graduate school and studying physics further. “Being able to experience what research is like solidified my decision to pursue a career in science, and specifically a career in research,” she explains. “Working for the lab and with a professor also allowed me to explore possibilities. I learned on my own and learned from others in the lab about things that would never come up in a classroom.”

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