The smooth red leatherette of my bachelor's diploma slipped easily into my hands, offering no hint of the years I had dedicated to reaching this moment. It felt similar to spending four hours preparing a meal, only for it to be devoured in five minutes. As I sat in that hard chair, listening to the speakers deliver their encouraging words, my mind raced with thoughts of what the future would hold. Although I had been offered a place in a graduate program at King’s College London, I decided to graciously decline the offer, as I was not entirely sure the program was right for me. It’s a decision I reflect on, but I don’t regret it, even though living in London would have been an incredible experience. It felt important to consider my path more before committing to something so costly. I wanted to gain more experience and truly understand where my passion and heart reside.
I enjoyed studying biology, particularly molecular genetics and coding, but I also thrive in creative, collaborative environments. In addition to my biology courses, I explored a variety of subjects, especially games, animation, and film. While conducting research on plant metabolism and immunity, I also worked on personal creative projects—mainly 2D animations.
After graduating, I faced a wall of uncertainty. Throughout my undergraduate degree, I often questioned whether I was on the right path—something I feel we all do; it’s only human. Although I found the classes interesting, I didn't feel fully connected to the material unless I incorporated a creative aspect into my learning. For example, I would create games to study for my courses or develop animations and visual designs to break down complex topics. I knew in my heart that storytelling and building interactive experiences were ingrained in how I thought, learned, and shared ideas.
It was for this reason that I decided to take a year to explore opportunities in both STEM and art, continuing to engage in personal creative projects. That is when I found a Biotechnology Research Fellowship at Disney World’s Epcot Center with the USDA-ARS. At first, I thought it couldn’t possibly be real. Disney? Research? Wasn’t Disney just an incredibly magical place for rides, shows, and expensive food? To my surprise—and maybe yours—Disney is involved in various STEM research areas and partnerships beyond the spectacular architecture and imagineering/engineering that underpin every attraction, ride, and animatronic. Including a biotechnology lab at the Living with the Land boat ride attraction through a partnership with the USDA .
Finding that fellowship was like striking gold —a place where I would be surrounded by STEM and artistic atmospheres. Still, this opportunity seemed too good to be true. For days, I investigated every aspect of the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE) website, where this opportunity was posted. I also spoke with professors and advisors to gather as much information as possible about this organization. Something I suggest everyone should do before applying or committing to anything. Research, research, research.
And so, I began the application process, battling the dreaded Blank Page. Eventually, coming out of the musty, battle fog with Blank Page’s head in hand and a completed application in the other. However, the battle wasn’t completely over; the interview loomed in the shadows. Interviews are terrifying, a skill that needs to be developed and fostered. Still, I can never get over the anxiousness I feel, and the moments after an interview where I replay every moment in my mind, scanning for anything I said wrong or perhaps a weird face I made. After completing my interview with the lead researcher and lab manager, this nervous habit naturally occurred. Later, when the lead scientist asked to have another online meeting, I was shocked to learn I had gotten the position and would need to figure out how to move across the country within a month.
After driving for thirty-six hours to reach the Sunshine State, it didn't truly feel real to me until I stepped into the backstage area of Epcot and entered the biotechnology lab. Although the lab is not easily visible from the ride, it is a fully functioning research facility, staffed by both Disney cast members and USDA employees. Disney is working on its tissue-culture production, Disney Mickey’s Mini-Garden, which visitors can purchase at the ride's exit. My favorite mini-garden is the Vanilla planifolia.
The next year would be full of amazing opportunities and creative explorations. This opportunity to work with the USDA and its partners, such as NASA, was both insightful and rewarding. By attending meetings and observing the process behind research aimed at improving agricultural processes on Earth and in space, I grew as a collaborator and project manager. Furthermore, it was amazing to get to know the cast members who work hard to maintain the plants and create the magic behind all that you see during the Living with the Land boat ride, which really does produce a bountiful harvest. If you ever get the opportunity to do the Behind the Seeds Tour, the fresh cucumbers they grow are excellent.
In the laboratory, I worked on various tissue culture and plant projects, which taught me the value of patience and structured problem-solving. Throughout the experience, it was essential to think critically about the projects I completed week to week and their alignment with the USDA-ARS core mission. Attending conferences to share the lab’s research with both researchers and non-researchers highlighted the importance of networking and engaging in meaningful conversations with individuals outside of one’s field.
Throughout my fellowship, I realized the importance of sharing research with the community and being open about the its purpose and potential. If you’re ever on the ride, near the end is a big glass window that peers directly into the lab occupied by both USDA and two Disney cast members. There, you can see the researchers doing actual research, whether they are working in the biological safety cabinet (BSC) or at their computers, entering data. At times, we would also be cleaning out or pollinating the plants in the Environmental Test Chambers (ETCs) at the very front of the lab, visible to all the riders. You can read more about these chambers on NASA’s website, which provides a more detailed description.
It was amazing to be able to show visitors on the Behind the Seeds Tour how we were doing plant tissue culture, and to have them witness me in the BSC following sterile technique to avoid contaminating the cultures. If you are familiar with cell cultures, a clean lab is absolutely necessary, and contamination is extremely easy to introduce if protocol isn’t followed to the letter.
During my free time, I dedicated myself to self-studying and developing my creative ideas. I continued to explore my creative pursuits, focusing on learning animation and other skills—such as coding, Korean, and design. These experiences ultimately led me to realize that I want to build a career that combines my passions for management, research, and storytelling. A space where I can collaborate with people, continually learn and improve, create immersive media, and ultimately tell stories. By the end of my fellowship, I not only forged lifelong connections but also gained valuable experiences that shaped my approach to conducting research and managing collaborative projects.
In the end, it was difficult to say goodbye. I will truly miss the serene walks through Epcot, the cast members I spent time with, and waving at boat riders as they passed the lab. I even find myself reminiscing about the frequent rainstorms that graced the skies every morning and night, despite the fear of being struck by lightning while walking outside–believe me, those storms can get intense!
If you’re considering applying for the Disney Agricultural Services Professional Internship Program, I highly recommend it. Although this program is different from the one I participated in, which was through ORISE and in partnership with Disney, it also offers unique opportunities. All of the interns I worked with also enjoyed their experience, and it is an excellent way to learn more about agricultural research in aquaculture, biotechnology, entomology, and plant science. You can also keep a lookout on their careers website if you aren’t able to apply for the internship.
However, if you are unable to apply, visiting Epcot and riding Living with the Land is still a fantastic way to experience innovations in agriculture. Although it is a brief overview of agricultural projects and processes, it is a creative way to reach the public about these topics. The attraction features a living, controlled greenhouse that continually seeks to innovate and share research with the community.
"We keep moving forward, opening new doors, and doing new things, because we're curious and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths"
— Walt Disney
To conclude, I'd like to share my favorite quote from Disney—one you may have heard before. It also appears in the movie Meet the Robinsons, which was one of my favorites as a child. No matter what challenges you face—whether it's an opportunity that seems out of reach or a shift in your life's direction—always remember to “keep moving forward.” Staying curious about the world and learning new things can reveal paths we never could have imagined.
I understand how frightening it can be to try something new. When I accepted this opportunity, which required moving all the way across the country and being far from my family, it was one of the scariest choices I've ever made. I was filled with anxiety, worrying about every possible outcome and how I would manage being away from what I had known for so long. However, I can confidently say that I don't regret it at all—even when it got tough or I had to confront challenges like public speaking and networking in unfamiliar settings.
If you take away anything from this post, let it be the importance of making the most of your life. Embrace chances that seem impossible, continue learning, and never stop being curious. Keep moving forward to that great big beautiful tomorrow that you continue to envision for yourself and others.
