Daphine Mugayo '15

Daphne Mugayo with Senator Tom Harkin of Iowa

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Hometown: Kampala, Uganda

Majors: Biochemistry and Economics

Extracurricular Involvement:

  • President, Multicultural Greek Council (MGC)
  • Secretary, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
  • Co-President, African Society
  • Student Recruitment Committee
  • Volunteer at Stonewall Carillion Hospital
  • WLUR DJ

Off-Campus Experiences:

  • Intern at Uganda Cancer Institute, 2013
  • Shepherd Program Intern at PACT Therapeutic Nursery, 2012
  • Washington Term Program Intern with Senate HELP Committee, 2014
  • Baylor College of Medicine SMART Program Intern 2014

Why did you apply for the Johnson Opportunity Grant? As I hoped to embark on two totally different internships this summer, I had insufficient funds to achieve my goal.

How did your work under the grant apply to your studies at W&L? When I enrolled in POL 105 in my sophomore year, my sole intention was to fulfill my FDR courses. I totally loved the class and the professor, but demands of my double major in economics and biochemistry restricted my capability to enroll in more politics classes. Luckily, as the Washington Term program is a Spring Term course, I was able to pursue my unquenched thirst for politics not only in a class setting, but also in the field.

In the Biochemistry major, research is key to the learning process. My work with Baylor College of Medicine, a leading institution in this field, allows me to extend my knowledge acquired in class to a more lively and real situation. It exposed me to top notch research techniques and furthered my desire to pursue medicine.

What was the most unexpected aspect of your grant experience?

Washington Term experience: In a small bubble like that of W&L, one is to a large extent blinded from the reality of politics. I was personally oblivious of the extent to which the media has contributed to the dysfunctional politics in America today until my enlightening experience in D.C.

Baylor College of Medicine Research Intern: In research, there are higher chances of failing than succeeding. However, for a researcher, every experiment offers some more information. Coming to terms with this notion--especially at a top notch lab--was definitely challenging for me, but showed me the power of positive thinking and never giving up.

Post-Graduation Plans: I will probably be returning to Baylor College of Medicine to continue lab research for one year. I hope to start medical school after that year.

Please answer at least one of the following:

Favorite Class: While at W& L, I have immensely enjoyed two classes, POV 101 with Professor  Pickett and Washington Term with Professor Connelly. Both these classes have provoked my thoughts and enhanced my knowledge far more than I ever thought. In fact, outside the W&L bubble, they have enabled me to add my voice wisely in many conversations

Why did you choose W&L? Personally, I feel that the better question to answer is, would I have chosen W&L if I had to make the choice again? Yes, Yes and Yes would be my answer. The campus, in its small, neat community has helped me develop my own character and identity. I've developed friends and networks in a diverse array of fields, and above all, W&L has fully exemplified the notion that one's educational experience should not be limited by their resources.

Advice for prospective or first-year students? Each year of college counts in terms of both grades and social life. One year spent heavily exercising social life will require the next to be spent heavily immersed in upping your grades and this will be true vice versa. It's a choice to keep your scale balanced or tipping on either end.

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Thanks to the Johnson Opportunity Grant, I was privileged to engage in two different internships this summer. The first one was under the W&L Washington Term Program, where I worked with the Senate HELP Committee. The second was with Baylor College of Medicine SMART Program doing oncology research. The medley of these experiences has greatly enhanced my college learning and enabled me build crucial relationships for my career plans. But above all, this summer has enabled me to mature as an individual, both in terms of career goals as well as personality, training me on how to face the challenges of the working class and more generally the real world.

The Washington Term Program was a well-balanced learning and working experience. Monday-Thursday, work began at 9 a.m. at the Hart Senate building. My classmates and I used the Metro system to get to and from work. Not only was it a convenient transportation system, but it also exposed us to the people and environment of the United States' capital, adding to our learning experience. During my time with Senator Harkin's Health Office, my daily duties included fielding calls, compiling health policy clips, bills and measures, the federal register and attending various health-related hearings. These hearings very often featured individuals with significant expertise on particular issues who advocated for different public interests and advised the Senators and Representatives.

Fridays were dedicated to classroom learning and site visits to various mediating institutions like the media and lobbying firms. This setting gave us the chance to share our experiences as a class as well as reflect on our individual encounters from work. Washington Term Program also cultivated our reading and writing skills through weekly assignments. The combination of learning and working allowed us to make the most of our time in Washington D.C. Personally, it increased my knowledge of the law-making process, especially within the health field, and enabled me to critically analyze the American political system and its strong Constitution as well as its inherent weaknesses. Over the weekends we had some free time, which we used to explore the attractions in Washington D.C. such as the museums and monuments. These activities allowed us to develop stronger relationships with each other and added fun to the experience.

As this was my first high-caliber job in a field I was barely experienced in, it was a great training experience that prepared me for the job market. Beginning with the acquisition of a more official wardrobe, to phone and email etiquette and customer service, this internship was a timely opportunity considering my current status as a senior at Washington and Lee. It bolstered my work ethic, which I believe has helped prepare me for the transition from college life to the working world.

At the end of May I completed my Washington term internship feeling well-accomplished, and headed out to Houston, Texas. Spoiled by the highly furnished apartments we occupied while in D.C., I arrived at the dormitory housing provided by Rice University completely unprepared. With no bedding, no Metro system and already one week late for the SMART Program, I was off to a rough start. While to some this would mean a tarnished summer, I decided to make up for my rocky start by working twice as hard. As a SMART Program intern, I was honored to work within the Center for Cell and Gene Therapy (CAGT) in Dr. Nabil Ahmed's lab. This particular lab primarily focuses on the application of Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T-cells in cancer immunotherapy. In addition to the lab work, the Center gave me the chance to volunteer at Texas Children's Hospital as well as attend the frequently held lectures and presentations by experts in various areas. These experiences came together to make my summer an exhilarating learning process that confirmed my desire to pursue a career in the medical field.

The lab consisted of six Ph.D. and M.D. students, two of whom were my primary mentors. This setting added diversity to the expertise and knowledge I received as each worked on a specific aspect but also allowed me to focus on two projects with my primary mentors. Within the two months in the lab, I was able to fully grasp a number of scientific research techniques including Flow Cytometry, ELISA, Cytotoxicity assays, Transduction and Transfection.

The friendly and open-minded environment within the lab and the center as a whole fostered easy learning and sharing of experiences, advice and ideas. Relationships went beyond that of co-workers or mentors. I recall one time when we were at lunch and I casually mentioned that I would need housing for my last week with the program. I immediately received two offers. Rather than competition as would be expected in a center with a number of labs, CAGT promoted collaboration amongst the different labs. At the same time, it encouraged us to take on challenges. When I began with the lab, I was tasked with two main projects that at first seemed impossible, but by the end of my time with the lab, thanks to the step-by-step guidance I received, I was able to make a well-informed presentation.

Working in a leading research center exposed me to state-of-the-art technology, ideas and techniques of scientific research. The exciting learning environment inspired me to continue fighting to reach my goal. The experience also fostered the creation of strong relationships with various individuals in the Texas Medical Center that will sure come in handy as I progress in my career.