My dissertation is to interrogate the mechanisms of germ granules uncovering how cells in the germ line repress somatic development and proliferation. Understanding the functionality of germ granules could provide means to repress the proliferation of cancers cells. UMFK provided me a general understanding/application of basic techniques necessary to be a successful graduate student candidate. Small class size allows for professors to become far more involved in the student’s education making the learning experience more meaningful. Furthermore, I wouldn't be in the position I am today without the networking I was able to do during my time at UMFK.