(WGHP) — Doing research in a lab is where Areli Velazco Lopez thrives.  It’s work that gets her closer to her goal of making a difference in people’s lives, “doing research in new ways to help these people like with illnesses, diseases, and make new formulations,” Lopez said.   Sh e developed a strong interest in science when she was a student at Cummings High School in Burlington.   Piedmont Triad student raising money for families in need in India Lopez graduated around the same time Alamance Community College’s Biotechnology Center of Excellence building opened.   “This, I think, is what really drew my attention over here just because if they have a whole building for it, they put so much attention to it,” she said.   Lopez is fascinated by the many ways biotechnology contributes to society, including in the pharmaceutical industry. However, she says it was personal experience that gave her the additional motivation to come to ACC and pursue a future in the field.   “Lately, I've been thinking about regenerative medicine. I had a little nephew … who had a heart transplant, and I saw how long he was in the hospital,” Lopez said. “… I think that really also gave me a push. I saw all these kids in the ICU. I think it changed something in my brain that made me see I want to help these people.”  Lopez will soon gain more knowledge in her field of study. She’s been selected to participate in the NIIMBL eXperience – a week-long biopharmaceutical workshop in Puerto Rico this summer.   Lopez is looking forward to meeting new people, seeing new equipment and getting more exposure to various career opportunities in the field.   Once she gets back from Puerto Rico, Lopez will graduate from ACC with an associate’s degree in biotechnology.   “I would describe it as a blessing, honestly. I think we have really great professors, especially in this building,” she said.   As the daughter of immigrants, Lopez says her family continues to inspire her to learn as much as she can.   “This is really important to me. I knew that I had to go to school to show them that they came here for a reason and that hopefully I get to represent for my people as well,” she said.  “… So just want to make my parents proud.”  Lopez will attend the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in the fall to pursue a bachelor’s degree in biology.   ...read more read less