Goals & Learning

In the fall semester, I hoped to gain hands-on research experience, build my scientific skills, and figure out if medicine was truly the right path for me. Conducting research in a diabetes lab has not only made me more confident in performing experiments independently but has also taught me how to communicate effectively and troubleshoot challenges. More importantly, it has given me a stronger sense of purpose as I feel like I’m contributing in a meaningful way, to a field that I share a personal connection with. 

This experience has shown me how research connects to real-world medical advancements, and it has reinforced my decision to pursue medical school. I now feel more confident in my career path and trust myself to make decisions that align with my passions and strengths.

For the rest of my time at IU Indianapolis, I plan to continue pursuing research in Dr. Sims' diabetes lab while also gaining clinical experience to further learn and grow as an individual, preparing myself for medical school and a future career in medicine.

Learning Goal #1: Understanding the content of diabetes research

Relevance: I want to go to medical school and research is an essential part of the journey. 

Action Plan: I will review the project that I will be working on, engage in academic journals and publications related to diabetes, and I will shadow to learn about the different techniques used in the lab. 

Progress: I have gained confidence in leading experiments and troubleshooting challenges in the lab. One major accomplishment was measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) using fluorescent probes and confocal microscopy to observe ROS in different cellular compartments. While I obtained clear results for the cytoplasm and mitochondria, the ER showed no signal, requiring weeks of troubleshooting, protocol adjustments, and guidance from my mentor, Leslie Wagner. This experience strengthened my problem-solving skills and reinforced my passion for research and medicine. This fall, I will begin working with Dr. Sims on diabetes research for my capstone. Additionally, I plan to gain clinical experience as I prepare for a future in medicine. 

Learning Goal #2: Growing as a professional 

Relevance:Growing as a professional is essential for my development to become a competent and compassionate physician. Developing these skills will enhance my ability to work effectively in diverse healthcare settings and contribute to patient care and medical teams.

Action Plan: I will seek mentorship from my mentor, take initiative, contribute to discussions, and attempt different lab techniques. 

Progress: I have learned to communicate effectively, confidently seek help when unsure, and double-check my work to avoid costly mistakes. I also gained experience with various lab techniques, including splitting cells, transfecting cells, and microscopic imaging. Transfecting cells was challenging at first, but repeating the procedure helped me understand it better and improve my techniques. These experiences have strengthened my lab skills and problem-solving abilities, preparing me for my capstone research with Dr. Sims this fall and for my future in medicine.

Learning Goal #3: Strengthening transferable skills

Relevance: Skills like problem-solving, critical thinking, and effective communication is vital for a successful career in medicine. 

Action Plan: I will engage in problem-solving exercises, participate in public speaking, and collaborate with my teammates. 

Progress: I have led my experiments and, when making mistakes, recognized them and sought guidance from my mentor to avoid repeating them. I also troubleshot issues with the microscope when I couldn’t obtain results in the ER. I hypothesized that my cells had died in the flask, preventing observation—and after testing, my mentor confirmed this was true. These experiences strengthened my problem-solving, critical thinking, and communication skills. Moving forward, I will continue refining these transferable skills through my capstone research project.