My Internship

Picture Right to left: Casey Bales, Walker Nurrenbern, Brigette Sosa, Emily Nelson, Ashley Vode, Jaqueline Flores (me)

Introduction

When I went to interview with my supervisors I felt like we connected instantly. I really like the environment that the team brings. Also, it was comforting that they made sure that were here to help me learn and grow. Although I did not meet the other intern before starting, we worked very well together. Not only did I like the team right away but their work is very fascination and becoming a part of the team was a great opportunity.

I am expecting to grow my network of people here on campus, especially in this field of work. Hopefully by the end of this internship I meet more professionals to potentially help me to also learn and grow. Personally the most challenging aspect of my internship is wanting to do more. I know that I am not trained and only a sophomore but seeing scientists grow specimens in the lab is so inspiring and fascinating. I know that there is so much to this clinical research than what I am doing but seeing others work in the laboratory is motivation to pursue a higher education. I want to gain knowledge through this internship that I will not acquire anywhere else. Being a part of this team, I know that the tasks that are assigned to me, I will not acquire anywhere else. The skills and training that they have me do is beneficial because it certifies me and shows future employees that I am trained in certain aspects of research. It also allows me to complete projects. I am paired with another intern for the site, which allows me to get a better understanding of how to collaborate on projects efficiently. My internship requires a lot of data imputing which I enjoy. Also working with Microsoft application my proficiency will increase my understanding on how to better use the program.

My Site

My internship site is located in Walter Hall. It is one of the 19 research facilities in the United States that is participating in this cancer research. This building is the new building attached to the research building at the School of Medicine which was it was funded by the Vera Bradly Cancer Research Foundation.

Since the internship started, the other intern, Walker and I have been training. Everyone on the clinical research team is required to go through all the training, if not more. We are also getting access from a multitude of different programs that we will be accessing, for example databases and certain locations.

One of our first assignments was to organize a biobank, which is an abundance of tissue and blood samples. The other intern on the site and I both collaborated as a team, as I entered the data onto an excel worksheet he clearly read off the multiple parts of the sample. Our big assignment is to create a database for the clinical research. Patients will be able to fill it out from all over the US once it is finished and finalized by the IRB.

Expectations vs reality

I was surprised by the workplace, everyone is so kind and more than willing to help. Also surprised by the variety of projects I have been able to work on. On Fridays there are lab meetings that we attend which when I first started at the site I thought that I was just doing to work on one specific thing for the entire semester, but really I have had to start writing down the different projects/ assignments that I have work one. From sorting consent forms to getting freezer trained.

Chemotherapy Induced Cardiology.

For years, cancer was about surviving. Over the years, researchers defined that cancer therapy can induce cardiovascular complications. Chemotherapy and radiation are two of the best treatments for those with cancer, but sometimes the heart cannot withstand the effects of the treatment. Now with innovative technology and treatments, many are working towards making those treatments better for patients. Precision Health Initiative, funded by IU Challenge Grant, helps identify the best treatment for individuals with a specific cancer. They also are working to discover targeted treatments, cures and preventions for breast cancer to decrease the chances of cardiotoxicity in breast cancer patients. Cardiotoxicity is a potential side effect after receiving anti-cancer therapy such as chemotherapy or radiation.

To help scientists and researchers, a database was created through REDcap. The goal of our database is to help bench scientists obtain samples for their research. Through REDcap, patients are consented to participate in research. By doing this, researchers can study different genomic makeup to help predict the possibility of cardiotoxicity in a patient. By doing so, treatments, preventative measures and new innovative ways of lowering the chance of developing cardiotoxicity are being identified. With this research, cancer will not only be about surviving but also improving the quality of life after treatment.

Background

Cardiotoxicity is a condition that weakens the heart muscles by destroying healthy cells in the heart, inhibiting the heart from performing its normal functions. It results from harmful chemicals and anti-cancer therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation. Cancer care includes identifying risk factors, symptoms and causes to help reduce the chances of patients developing heart conditions. Scientists here are focusing on recreating cardiac cells from stem cells and testing anti-cancer therapy drugs on the cells. By testing the drugs on the cardiac cells, scientists are able to identify the best treatment route for the patient to decrease their chances of getting cardiotoxicity from their treatment. Developing preventative strategies such as the database/questionnaire is one of the first steps to help the patients

Objectives/Goals

If patients consent and are eligible, they have the opportunity to be a part of the clinical research trials samples are collected and researchers have the ability to identify genomic sequences to improve treatments and lower the risks while also preventing cardiotoxicity. Also with the database, patients can self-refer themselves.

Methods/What did you do and how?

REDCap (Research Electronic Design Capture), is a platform to assist in the creation of research databases. The other intern and I collaborated in the creation of a database to help increase the number of samples for scientists. We made a questionnaire, a consent form, and a patient tracking sheet. Our database helps researchers consent to patients that are seen in multiple facilities in Indianapolis.

What’s next?

Our database still needs to get approved so that it can be launched. Hopefully later this year another database will be created for other professionals to also help them with the process of identifying patients.

Conclusion

At this internship site I learned the importance of cancer care and the effects that cancer can have on individuals. I also learned what happens behind the scenes at a research facility. Researchers put in so much time and effort to have studies approved, analyze data, and undertake projects to make their medical facilities advance in many aspects.

Reflection

This year a database was created, a bio-bank was organized, a sarcoma checklist was completed and many more projects were undertaken. I learned how to work in a very professional setting, which I enjoyed. I also learned how to be more comfortable speaking to authoritative figures, like the members on the team. It really made me see the importance of collaborating with employers because there was another intern on the site. The most challenging part of the internship was the fear of messing up. There was a lot of organization and I had to be very meticulous with the work assigned. I did grow my network by being introduced to so many professionals on the site. Also I got a chance to shadow which helped me confirm my career goal. I am sad on how the school year/ internship ended by I am glad to say that this oppurtunity gave me a great experience that I know I wouldn't get anywhere else.

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