b'and applying for grant money to fund the research. Dr. Abdus-Saboor says he so loves workingin his lab that sometimes he feels like a kidplaying around. He encourages kids to remain curious aboutthe world around them. He says all children are scientists at heart because they ask millions of questions. Why? Why? Why?Illustration by Edgar Moreno, sixth grade, Spring Garden Healthy Mission Dont lose your curiosity. If you keep that curiosity, it will drive you to a career in science, he says.After graduating from Central High, he completedGesny Amaya-Ramos, Andrew Baker,four years of undergraduate study at North CarolinaErica Berry, Madison Dukes, Fanny Lara,A&T State University, a historically black university.Marcus Lewis, Tayonna Melette, Edgar Moreno, He then did six years of study and research toLeslie Nolasco, Nijah Washington, Jasaan earn a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology fromWilliams-Clarke, and Jessica Zeng Penn. After that, he did six more years of post- Spring Garden Healthy Missiondoctoral training to prepare to be a researcherand professor and to learn how to run his own lab. Dr. Abdus-Saboor uses miceand before that,Tips for achievementwormsto study pain because their DNA orgenetic code is very similar to that of people. Its Be patient. Goals are achieved one stepalso possible to do experiments on mice, such as taking samples of brain tissue, that would beat a time.improper to do on people.Remember, everyone has self-doubtsat times.Be curious and ask questions.His lab is filled with all kinds of equipment, includ-Seek out a mentorsomeone who can give ing high-powered microscopes to examine brain cells and high-speed cameras to record the micesadvice or help you brainstorm ideas.behavior. A typical day for him involves overseeingSource: Dr. Ishmail Abdus-Saboorhis staffs experiments, writing research reports, 7'