Internship

Early autism evaluation is critical, as the first three years of life represent a crucial period for brain development. During this time, neural connections form rapidly, shaping cognitive, social, and behavioral growth. Research consistently shows that early intervention during this window leads to better long-term outcomes in communication, social skills, and independence. However, many families, especially those in underserved communities, face barriers that delay diagnosis and limit access to specialized care. Factors such as cultural stigma, misconceptions about autism, financial constraints, and disparities in healthcare access often contribute to these delays, resulting in missed opportunities for early support.

At the HEART lab, our research focuses on identifying these barriers and developing strategies to improve early autism evaluations. We analyze caregiver perspectives, systemic obstacles in healthcare, and disparities in diagnosis to better understand the factors contributing to delayed intervention. Additionally, we collaborate with research teams in Kenya and India to enhance autism screening practices in diverse settings, ensuring that evaluation methods are both effective and accessible. Our work aims to bridge global gaps in autism research and healthcare access, ultimately striving to ensure that all children, regardless of background, receive timely evaluations and early interventions that are crucial for their long-term development.

Workplace

I will bring strong communication, attention to detail, and problem-solving skills to my internship site focused on early autism diagnosis research. For example, I became proficient in Excel during various course projects where I analyzed data sets to identify trends and report findings. This hands-on experience developed my ability to manage large volumes of information with accuracy. This skill requiring attention to detail was sharpened during my internship at IU Health, where I assisted in organizing patient records and ensured that all information was recorded correctly. By continuing to grow these skills and learning from experienced professionals, I aim to enhance my ability to contribute to meaningful research and develop the expertise needed for my future career as a pediatrician, where these skills will be essential.

Throughout my internship, I transitioned from an observer to an active contributor, analyzing data and identifying key barriers to early autism evaluation. My role evolved as I helped examine cultural and socioeconomic factors influencing diagnosis delays, shaping our research focus on accessibility and outreach. 

Even small tasks, like organizing & analyzing data, summarizing findings, played a crucial role in advancing our project. By contributing insights that refine our approach, my efforts supported the team’s mission to improve early autism diagnosis, ensuring that underserved communities receive timely intervention.

Successes and Challenges

• Successes:

  • Evaluating and Presenting Autism Hub Data:

    • One of my ongoing projects involves analyzing data from early autism evaluation hub sites using REDCap, our primary data collection platform. By examining patterns such as accessibility and service disparities, I have been able to highlight opportunities for improvement. Weekly, I present my findings to my team, which sparks meaningful discussions about enhancing outreach to underserved communities. These discussions often revolve around how statistical insights can shape practical solutions ultimately for health equity. This experience has deepened my appreciation for how statistical analysis informs decision-making in both research and clinical practice, connecting directly to my interest in using statistics from coursework in a pediatric research setting.

  • Ensuring Accurate Translation of the ADOS:

    • Another meaningful project I am working on is assisting with the translation of the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS) into Swahili. Ensuring the translation maintains its diagnostic accuracy is a meticulous process that requires a deep understanding of the tool’s purpose. This work has highlighted the importance of precision in healthcare research and taught me how effective communication can bridge gaps in accessibility. These lessons are especially relevant to my goal of working with underserved populations, where clear and culturally appropriate communication is essential.

These successes have strengthened my ability to use data to drive meaningful change. My analysis has contributed to efforts improving early autism diagnosis in underserved communities, while my work on the ADOS translation helps expand access to evaluations. These experiences reinforce my commitment to using research to advance health equity.

• Challenges:

  • Learning to Use New Research Tools and Software:

    • Learning to navigate REDCap, the data collection platform central to my internship, has been one of my initial challenges. Without direct practice, I relied on tutorial videos to familiarize myself with the platform’s functionality. By applying this knowledge to analyze data for current projects, I have gradually become more confident in understanding how REDCap supports effective research management. This experience has underscored the value of self-directed learning and seeking out resources when needed, skills that will be invaluable as I continue my work and education.

  • Balancing Academic and Internship Demands: 

    • Balancing the demands of this internship with my academic responsibilities, such as preparing for a major organic chemistry exam, has required me to develop stronger time management skills. For example, during a particularly busy week, I had to work on finalizing a data report while studying for a challenging exam on reaction mechanisms and synthesis pathways. I created a structured schedule to prioritize my tasks and allocate focused time for each. This approach has helped me manage both roles effectively and taught me the importance of planning ahead—a skill I am actively applying in my current work and studies.

These challenges have strengthened my adaptability and problem-solving skills. Navigating new research tools taught me the value of independent learning, while balancing academic and internship demands reinforced the importance of time management. Overcoming these obstacles has prepared me to handle complex responsibilities in future research and medical settings.