Eve Simpson knows from experience scientific research doesn't always follow a linear path.

In the first of three student research episodes, the fourth-year biochemistry, microbiology and immunology student looks back at a summer spent decoding Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) in Dr. Anil Kumar's lab.

Simpson said she loved doing bench research, but felt frustrated in the moments where she hit setbacks and moments of doubt.

"I felt like I was letting everyone down," she said. "But everyone I spoke to said they'd been through that. It's part of being a researcher. That's what drives us to do better and keep being curious and learning."

Simpson realized those failures still tell researchers what doesn't work, and provide data for the greater scientific community.

She is now pursuing her honours degree, and plans to return to Kumar's laboratory as she looks at graduate studies, driven by curiosity and a commitment to public health.

"I want to do better. I want my research to help people and I want to do better for the world," she said.