Internship

About the Internship

At the Schlecht Lab, our mission is to better understand how the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) develops, functions, and responds to physical stress, particularly in adolescents and young adults. We aim to use this knowledge to create better ways to prevent ACL injuries in young athletes and improve treatment outcomes for those who suffer ACL injuries, ultimately reducing the risk of early-onset osteoarthritis. Did you know that ACL injuries are one of the most common sports injuries, and our research could help prevent them for millions of young athletes worldwide?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1cqB70PXfs - Why Women are More Likely to Tear Their ACL

Channel 4 News. “Why Are Women Far More Likely to Be Affected by ACL Injuries than Men?” YouTube, YouTube, 14 Aug. 2023, www.youtube.com/watch?v=h1cqB70PXfs.

Although my internship explored a variety of research topics, one of the most impactful aspects was investigating how sex differences contribute to ACL tear risk. This video underscored the importance of that work, especially as female athletes continue to experience higher injury rates without fully understood reasons, emphasizing the need for more targeted research and prevention strategies.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HEprPj-nAI - Understanding ACL Injuries in Youth Athletes

Phoenix Children’s. “ACL Injuries in Youth Athletes.” YouTube, YouTube, 6 Feb. 2024, www.youtube.com/watch?v=1HEprPj-nAI.

ACL injuries in youth athletes correlate with my internship, as our research aimed to understand how early development, biomechanics, and biological factors contribute to injury risk. By studying these mechanisms, especially in growing individuals, we hope to inform better prevention strategies and improve long-term outcomes for young athletes.

Abstract

This pilot study investigated sex differences in post injury response that focuses on aggressive fibrotic responses in females following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tear. Using the C57BL/6J mouse strain, we examined 5 male and 5 female mice, aged 18 weeks, with ACL rupture on the right knee with the left knee serving as an internal control. Three mice per sex were euthanized at 3 weeks post injury. The remaining 2 mice per sex were euthanized 6 weeks post injury. Our primary goal was to explore gene expression changes in response to the injury, with a particular emphasis on identifying key pathways that drive inflammation and fibrosis. Early findings from a previous study with young females indicated an aggressive fibrotic response, which limited range of motion and severely impacted recovery. Clinically, females are more prone to arthrofibrosis post ACL surgery than their male counterparts. Through this study, we sought to uncover underlying genetic and molecular factors that contributed to arthrofibrosis development and guide future treatments. This research was directly tied to a forthcoming clinical study in patients, providing insight into potential therapeutic targets for managing arthrofibrosis and improving post-injury recovery outcomes, particularly in females.

Workplace

For my internship, I brought a range of skills developed through academic, work, and volunteer experiences. I communicate effectively—both in writing and in person—which helped me collaborate with my team and clearly share ideas. Through group projects and service roles, I’ve learned to be a strong team player, able to contribute meaningfully toward shared goals. I also enjoy problem-solving, especially when it involves analyzing data or finding practical solutions. Time management and organization are strengths of mine as well. This was made possible by regularly updating my planner throughout the day to stay on top of multiple responsibilities and deadlines. Additionally, I’m familiar with various tools and software, which allowed me to complete tasks efficiently and adapt to new challenges.

At the beginning of my internship, I focused on learning the lab environment and understanding the workflows. I asked questions, observed closely, and made sure I was supporting the team effectively. As I became more comfortable, I began taking on projects more independently, transitioning from a learner to a more active contributor. My responsibilities grew from routine support tasks to managing parts of projects on my own and offering input during discussions. By the end of the internship, I felt confident leading tasks, collaborating on larger goals, and contributing to the team's overall success.

Successes and Challenges

One success I’m particularly proud of this year was learning new lab techniques that were essential in studying how the ACL is affected by mechanical load. I gained hands-on experience with methods like testing tissue and analyzing samples, which helped gather valuable data on ACL injuries in young athletes. This experience not only strengthened my technical skills but also deepened my understanding of ACL injury mechanisms. Another key success was my contribution to research on ACL reconstruction surgeries. I spent time reviewing literature on surgical outcomes, and the insights I gathered contributed to the project's overall success. It was rewarding to see how my efforts directly contributed to such an important aspect of the project.
In terms of challenges, one difficulty I encountered was mastering the detailed protocols for working with rodent models. Things didn’t always go according to plan, and I had to adjust along the way. My team helped me navigate these obstacles by offering guidance and feedback. Another challenge was getting comfortable with the lab’s specialized equipment, which required troubleshooting when things didn’t go as expected. To improve, I spent more time practicing and asking for hands-on demonstrations. From these experiences, I’ve learned the value of persistence, adaptability, and seeking help when needed—lessons that will be crucial for my future academic and career goals.

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