I chose my project mainly because I wanted to experience what it is like to work independently in a research lab as well as to improve myself mentally and educationally. Gaining valuable laboratory education, will help me continue to discover new ways to utilize my scientific knowledge, in more than an academic setting. As college augments me, as a person and a more thoughtful individual, being in the scientific world will expedite my academic progress and the skills I will benefit from research in my undergraduate education, will be valuable to me for the rest of my life. My research focuses on two candidate genes, Agouti and Mc1r gene which have been found in mice, horses and humans to cause coat color change. The purpose of my research is to sequence these genes in bats specifically the Honduran White bat Ectophylla alba, in order to determine any mutations in the Agouti or Mc1r genes that might be responsible for their white fur. As a student aspiring to be in the research or medical field in the near future, working in this research lab as an undergrad will not only be a building block towards my future but also, it will allow me to acquire the necessary skills and experience I will definitely need in the near future. While I know the path ahead of me is very difficult and challenging, I know that with hard work, perseverance and my continued motivation, I will someday achieve these lofty goals