My Internship
My Internship Overview
My site is currently researching aging, and the frequency of viruses in young and old patients. It has been hypothesized that as individuals age, the inflammation in the body rises proportionally to the number of viruses present. Additionally, my site allows the opportunity to work in the clinical BAL lab, processing and examining bronchoalveolar lavages. In both areas of work, I will be presented with the opportunity to learn sterile technique, the use of a flow cytometer, the appropriate methods for processing whole blood to obtain plasma, and numerous other skills. I hope to use this internship to learn the applications of concepts learned in the classroom. I am eager to identify previously learned immune cells and develop a better understanding of what they represent in a clinical setting. Furthermore, I would like to use this internship as an opportunity to better improve my professional communication skills, and enhance my current abilities in completing various laboratory techniques proficiently.
I chose my internship because I was interested in the laboratory/ research aspect of medicine and it presented me with the opportunity to work in clinical research. When choosing this site it was appealing to me that I would be able to learn many new techniques, and network with medical students, fellows, current physicians, and other professionals.
- In my internship I believe that I was most successful in learning the laboratory techniques and being able to apply them on my own. I think that I excelled here because of my previous exposure to the laboratory environment, and because I practiced these techniques in my daily work.
- I have learned throughout my internship that one of my greatest strengths is my willingness to learn and take criticism. I learned many techniques, and it came relatively easy because I was open to the new techniques, and completing them in the way that was suggested. These things have helped me to become proficient in lab procedures and a better communicator and team member in the work place.
How it Relates
In my internship there is heavily focused on immunology and the immune system. Currently I am not taking classes that relate to this subject but my experience at this internship will give me an advantage in my future immunology classes. In my internship I am able to better understand what specific immune cells do, represent and how they are viewed clinically. In the coming year I will be taking immunology as a class at IUPUI and I believe that my experience in the Twigg lab will give me a more thorough understanding and application of what I am learning in the classroom because I was able to view and understand it in a clinical setting. I think that this internship also related to my future career. My experience and interactions with professionals will help me develop into a better professional, and a more productive, and well rounded student.
Expectations vs. Reality
My internship has far surpassed my expectations. Initially I was nervous about starting the internship and interacting with my supervisor and other coworkers. I have learned so many concepts and techniques, and I feel very much accepted in my work environment. This internship has taught me how to be a better professional, and has helped me develop more confidence in my own knowledge and skills. My expectations of my supervisor and coworkers were far surpassed as well. The individuals that I work with are excellent, and the research is interesting to me and has allowed me to ask questions, and learn many things.
