Fall Semester Reflection

In the past couple of weeks I have participated in the site visits and the Fall discussion as part of the LHSI program as well as gaining meaningful experience at my lab. Most importantly I have developed my ability to read and synthesize information from scientific literature to present a topic. A month ago, Dr. Ghetti was leading me through a microscopic examination of an Alzheimer case. During the observation he quizzed me over two neuropathological lesions commonly present in the disease. At that time I did not know what they were and was tasked with reading the literature about them and preparing a presentation. This taught me how to read and synthesize scientific literature which a key skill for scientific writing and research publishing. Along with that I also gained the opportunity to attend a conference between the neurologist, clinical psychologists, and my pathology lab in which an interesting case was discussed. Attending the conference helped realize the whole picture and impact of the work that is being done at my lab. It was very informative to hear the clinical diagnosis of the neurologists, the performance of the patient on several cognitive tests and then finally learn about the pathological findings. I was entranced by the presentation and it confirmed for me that I am in the right lab. Apart from the knowledge that I am gaining at my lab, I am also learning how professionals work together as team across disciplines and sometimes across countries on a common project. I used to think that research was mostly individual findings but I realize it is a multidisciplinary and multinational effort, all for the love of science! My lab collaborates with many scientists countrywide and also in Europe. Pathology relies upon neurology to diagnose and report pertinent symptoms just as neurology depends upon pathology to confirm diagnosis and reveal other underlying causes for the symptoms. I my current career goal is to become a neurologist and for that a top skill I need to develop is teamwork and being able to work cohesively with scientists researching topics that I am interested in. Another professional behavior I have observed is humility. Despite their immense knowledge and experience everyone at my lab is always willing to share their expertise and patiently explain to me, which I truly appreciate. I want to embody that quality of humility and patience into my own professional behavior.