Reflection Paper #3: Significance of the Study

Introduction (Context)

The research module centered on the significance of investigating the effects of microplastics on nerve conduction in mice, specifically examining potential peripheral neuropathy across low, medium, and high dose groups. Activities encompassed designing the experiment, administering microplastic doses, monitoring mice, and preparing for nerve conduction studies. This is aligned with four program outcomes: (PO1) Clinical Competence, (PO4) Engage in Research Activities, (PO7) Engage in Personal and Professional Development, and (PO10) Practice Social Accountability. These outcomes shaped our approach to conducting rigorous, ethically sound, and socially impactful research.

Body (Experience, Reflection, Action)

Participating in this module was both challenging and transformative. Observing the meticulous process of handling mice and administering precise microplastic doses heightened my awareness of ethical considerations in animal research, fostering a sense of responsibility. I felt excitement and purpose contributing to a study with potential public health implications, though the experiment’s complexity was occasionally overwhelming. The activities that directly tied to the program outcomes are the following: PO1 was evident in mastering technical skills for microplastic preparation, dosing, and nerve conduction assessments; PO4 was achieved through designing and executing the research protocol; PO7 emerged as I grew in teamwork, problem-solving, and self-reflection; and PO10 was reflected in our aim to address microplastic pollution, a critical environmental and health issue.

This experience deepened my appreciation for research as a catalyst for societal change. I realized that precision in tasks like dosing directly impacts study validity and, ultimately, public health outcomes. The significance of our study lies in its potential to uncover how microplastics affect nerve function, ideally revealing dose-dependent reductions in nerve conduction velocity, with higher doses causing greater peripheral neuropathy. These findings could inform health policies and community practices, reducing microplastic exposure (PO10). The process taught me patience and adaptability, particularly when troubleshooting. A key lesson was the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. Integrating biology, toxicology, and public health perspectives enriched our methodology (PO4). However, inefficient initial planning highlighted areas for improvement. This experience boosted my confidence and commitment to environmental health, inspiring me to view challenges as growth opportunities (PO7). For communities, our results could raise awareness about microplastic risks, potentially influencing local waste management or national regulations.

To apply my learnings, I will prioritize precision and ethical rigor in future research to ensure reliable data for clinical and policy applications (PO1, PO10). I plan to enhance time management and seek mentorship to refine experimental design skills, addressing past planning inefficiencies (PO7). Moving forward, I aim to lead studies translating findings into community initiatives, such as microplastic reduction campaigns or educational outreach (PO4, PO10). For future applications, I envision advocating for our results in public health forums to promote safer material standards and reduce environmental microplastic loads. To strengthen PO4, I recommend a workshop on electrophysiological data analysis to improve nerve conduction result interpretation. Additionally, community engagement programs, like school-based microplastic awareness sessions, could amplify the study’s societal impact (PO10).

Conclusion (Evaluation)

The module was a good experience, blending technical skill development with societal relevance. My performance reflected enthusiasm and dedication, though I recognize the need to improve planning efficiency. The study’s significance is profound: ideal results would show microplastics impair nerve conduction in a dose-dependent manner, with high doses causing significant peripheral neuropathy. These findings could address local, community, and national health needs by informing policies like plastic waste regulations or bans on high-risk microplastics, reducing exposure risks. For example, local communities could adopt better waste filtration systems, while national health agencies might set stricter manufacturing standards. This experience underscored research’s potential to bridge science and social good, reinforcing my commitment to lifelong learning and impactful health science contributions. It left me motivated to pursue further studies addressing environmental health challenges, with a renewed sense of purpose in creating a healthier, more sustainable future.