MDI Biological Laboratory
Summer Student Spotlight

SURF2026: Meet Joyce Quiñones-Fernandez

  • July 24, 2026
From learning new laboratory techniques to experiencing Maine's quiet beauty, Universidad Interamericana de Puerto Rico student Joyce Quiñones-Fernandez's summer reflects the hands-on research and supportive community that define the 2026 Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program.

2026 Spaulding Lab, photo courtesy of Joyce Quiñones-Fernandez

What drew you to the SURF program at MDI Biological Laboratory?

What drew me to the SURF program was the diverse topics each lab had and the concept of working in an actual work force laboratory rather than helping at a university lab.

What’s something you’ve learned that you didn’t expect to learn?

I would definitely say that I did not expect to learn how to work with, or microinject, the C. elegans nematodes.

What’s something about Maine or MDI Bio Lab that surprised you?

I’d definitely say the tranquility of the area was a very pleasant surprise.

I was also very surprised at the work dynamic that MDI Bio Lab has because it’s not every day you see such a healthy work environment.

What’s the best advice you’ve received from a scientist this summer?

I have been working in the Spaulding Lab, focussing on marking a special protein to glow red under the fluorescent microscope. My favorite advice has been, “Science is like that. Sometimes all you can do is sigh and try to figure out what went wrong.”

What’s one thing you’ll take with you when you leave MDI Bio Lab?

I’ll definitely take the skills, friends and connections back home with me!