Learning goal #1: Become more confident working in the lab, and learn to approach problems appropriately
Run experiments (biochemical assays) and grow cells
Analyze results
Spend more time in lab, work independently and collaboratively
Throughout my time in LHSI, i've definitely become more confident in the lab. While I've primarily been working with qPCR, I know what to do when I encounter a problem and how to analyze my data.
Learning goal #2: Become more proficient at reading and understanding scientific writing and articles
Read papers from lab relevant to project
Read review articles that summarize literature
Write report for LHSI and dental research day, and present at LHSI symposium
I feel that I've also improved on this goal. I try to take small notes as I read along with the article and research a bit more about any topic or term that I'm unfamiliar with. I have improved on this by writing my own abstracts and creating my own poster and presentations for LHSI and IUSD Research Day.
Learning goal #3: Become a better communicator
Present at LHSI
Present projects to supervisor
Present at Biochemistry Research Day
While I haven't yet done most of the tasks that I believe would help me improve on this, I have been communicating my results and concerns with my supervisor. Presenting at Research Day has really helped me have a feel on how to prepare for presentations and questions, and communicate my ideas and results effectively.
My current goal is to go to dental school because I've always been really interested in dentistry and enjoy the idea of mixing artistry and science in one. I became interested in this in middle school when I had gotten braces and became really interested in teeth. I'm still not 100% sure about this, so I'm trying to explore other subjects and activities that interest me. For example, I took a metalsmithing and jewelry making class this semester. I really enjoyed it and am planning to continue making jewelry even after the class ends.
Previously, I was only focused on the clinical aspect of dentistry, but I'm starting to realize the importance of having knowledge in other aspects as well. For example, I added a business minor because I thought it could be useful if I ever plan to run my own practice some day. This month, I hope to continue shadowing and volunteering, and to create an outline for how I will set up my final LHSI showcase presentation. By the end of spring semester, I need to make sure I've kept my grades up, and hopefully try to find a job at a dental office for the summer. By this time next year, I hope to have already taken the DAT, and be working on my application materials for dental school. I also plan to be working on my capstone.
This summer, I'm planning on getting a job as a dental assistant, as well as continuing research and studying for the DAT. This internship has helped confirm my interest in dentistry. However, the work I'm doing here isn't very closely related to how a job as a dentist would look, so I'm looking to other sources like a dental assistant job and shadowing to further solidify my commitment to becoming a dentist. I don't think I'm too confident in using only my self-knowledge and preferences to make career decisions; I think I'd need to actually work in a related setting to determine whether or not a certain job or career is something I'd be interested in.