Internship

Workplace

My skills includes microscopy, titration, chemical measurements, micro pipetting, and observing chemical reactions. These experiences have allowed me to develop fundamental laboratory skills and familiarity with basic scientific procedures. In particular, my coursework in biology and chemistry has provided me with hands-on experience in conducting experiments and analyzing data. I have worked with microscopes, performed titrations to determine the concentration of solutions, and utilized micropipettes for precise measurement of liquids. Additionally, I have been involved in experiments that involve chemical reactions, where I learned to follow protocols and safety procedures to ensure accurate and reliable results. While my laboratory experience may be limited compared to more advanced students, I am eager to expand my skills and knowledge through this internship opportunity.This skills will help me complete my internship work in performing key techniques such as cell culture, electrophoresis, and fluorescence, which are essential for studying ion channels and also in conducting accurate and reliable experiments in the cardiovascular and nervous system research. My strength are good communication, adaptability and attention to details. Throughout my experiences as a freshman biology major, I have prioritized sharpening my communication skills through coursework, presentations, and extracurricular activities. I have actively engaged in group discussions, where I have learned to express my thoughts clearly and concisely. As a college student navigating a challenging academic environment, adaptability has been one of my greatest strengths. I recognize the importance of being flexible and open-minded, especially when faced with unexpected challenges or changes in circumstances. Whether it's adjusting to new learning styles, or adapting to evolving study habits.  I embrace new opportunities for growth and learning. Throughout my academic journey as a pre-medical student, I have cultivated an awareness for detail, whether it is analyzing experimental data, carefully following laboratory protocols, paying attention to details in general. These strengths and skills will help me produce high-quality work and aviod errors.

During my internship, I was part of a research team investigating the roles of ion channels in the cardiovascular and nervous systems, particularly in relation to atherosclerosis and traumatic brain injury. As a team member, I started by familiarizing myself with lab techniques such as cell culture, my role was more observational—learning protocols, assisting with routine tasks, and ensuring accuracy in experimental setups.

As I gained more confidence and experience, my responsibilities expanded. I took on a more active role in data analysis, helping to interpret experimental results and contributing to discussions on research findings. I also played a key role in troubleshooting experimental challenges, collaborating with my team to refine protocols and improve efficiency in lab workflows, especially with the Adenosine Regulation of Myometrial Peristalsis in Mice project.

My contributions, whether in preparing samples, maintaining meticulous records, or assisting in data collection, played a vital role in keeping our research on track. Even small, routine tasks—such as ensuring reagents were prepared correctly or validating experimental conditions—were essential in maintaining the integrity of our findings. These efforts supported the broader mission of our team: advancing the understanding of ion channel dysfunctions and their implications for cardiovascular and neurological health.

Successes and Challenges

Success 1: Performing Hoechst Staining

One of my success moments as an intern was successfully performing Hoechst staining to visualize cell nuclei under fluorescence microscopy. This process required careful preparation, precise formulation of the staining solution, and meticulous handling of cells to avoid contamination or damage. To ensure success, I thoroughly reviewed protocols, sought guidance from my mentor, and practiced pipetting techniques to refine my accuracy.

Seeing the glowing blue nuclei under the microscope was incredibly rewarding, as it demonstrated how preparation, attention to detail, and practice can lead to meaningful scientific results. This experience reinforced the importance of patience, diligence, and adherence to protocols, which I plan to carry forward into future lab projects and my eventual career in medicine. The precision required in staining procedures directly translates to my future academic and professional aspirations, as diagnostic work and laboratory-based research require meticulous attention to detail to ensure accurate results.

Over the course of my internship, my confidence in performing staining techniques has grown. Initially, I relied heavily on mentorship, but as I gained experience, I became more independent in executing the procedure. I have also taken on the role of assisting newer interns in understanding staining protocols, demonstrating my growth in both technical expertise and leadership within the lab. Moving forward, I will continue leveraging detailed protocols, seeking mentorship for guidance, and refining my techniques ahead of critical procedures to maintain high-quality results.

Success 2: Preparing Krebs and KCl Solutions

Another success was preparing Krebs and KCl solutions, which were essential for our experiments. The accuracy of these solutions was crucial because even minor measurement errors could significantly impact experimental outcomes. I took extra care to double-check my molarity calculations, measure reagents precisely, and ensure thorough mixing. To confirm my accuracy, I consulted with my mentor for feedback.

When the solutions were successfully used in experiments, it reinforced the value of precision, collaboration, and proactive problem-solving. This experience emphasized the importance of thoroughness and teamwork in scientific research. By working closely with my colleagues, I learned the value of effective communication in troubleshooting issues and refining techniques.

Over time, my role in the lab evolved from primarily following instructions to taking initiative in solution preparation and verifying experimental conditions. I became more proactive in addressing potential errors before they affected results and assisted team members in improving their measurement techniques. The ability to work accurately under pressure and collaborate effectively with colleagues will be invaluable in my future career in medicine, where teamwork and precision are critical for patient outcomes. In future roles, I plan to continue refining these skills by collaborating with colleagues, double-checking my work, and using resources such as protocols and mentor feedback to ensure reliability and accuracy.

Success 3: Investigating Adenosine Regulation of Myometrial Peristalsis in Mice

One of the most significant and intellectually engaging successes this year was my involvement in research on Adenosine Regulation of Myometrial Peristalsis in Mice. This study explored how adenosine, a key neuromodulator, influences the contraction patterns of the uterine smooth muscle (myometrium), which plays a vital role in pregnancy and labor. Understanding these mechanisms could lead to advancements in treating conditions such as preterm labor or uterine dysfunction.

My role in this research involved preparing tissue samples, ensuring experimental conditions remained stable, and assisting in data collection and analysis. One of the biggest challenges was maintaining the viability of the tissue throughout the experiments, which required careful handling, precise reagent preparation, and continuous monitoring. I worked closely with my mentor to optimize procedures, troubleshoot unexpected fluctuations in peristaltic activity, and ensure that our data was reliable.

Through this project, I developed strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills. When results deviated from expected trends, I learned to analyze potential variables, refine techniques, and consult literature for insights. My ability to adapt and systematically address challenges has grown significantly throughout my internship. At the beginning of my research experience, I primarily followed protocols, but as I gained more expertise, I contributed to experimental design discussions and provided input on troubleshooting strategies. These experiences have strengthened my ability to think independently, a skill that will be crucial in both my academic coursework and my future career as a physician-scientist.

Challenge 1: Balancing Coursework and Internship Commitments

Balancing my demanding coursework and internship responsibilities was a significant challenge this year. On some days, I felt overwhelmed trying to manage lab work, data collection, and experimental procedures while also studying for exams and completing assignments.

To address this, I took a proactive approach by openly communicating with my mentors about my academic schedule. They were supportive and helped adjust my lab hours when necessary, allowing me to maintain my responsibilities without sacrificing academic performance. I also developed a structured time-management system, using time-blocking schedules and digital calendars to prioritize tasks efficiently.

This experience reinforced the importance of communication, organization, and self-advocacy. Initially, I hesitated to express concerns about my workload, but over time, I became more comfortable discussing scheduling needs and setting boundaries. Moving forward, I plan to continue using structured planning tools and will not hesitate to ask for support when balancing multiple commitments in medical school and beyond.

Challenge 2: Building Confidence in a Research Environment

At times, I struggled with self-confidence in the research setting, particularly when working alongside experienced researchers. I often hesitated to ask questions, worrying they might seem too basic. This self-doubt sometimes prevented me from fully engaging in discussions or seeking clarity on complex concepts.

To overcome this, I reminded myself that asking questions is an essential part of the learning process. My internship team played a crucial role in fostering a supportive learning environment—my mentor encouraged me to seek clarification, and my colleagues reassured me that curiosity was a strength, not a weakness. With their guidance, I became more comfortable voicing questions, actively participating in discussions, and seeking feedback.

As my confidence grew, so did my contributions to the team. I transitioned from being a passive observer to an active participant in research discussions, offering insights and engaging in collaborative problem-solving. Moving forward, I will continue framing questions as opportunities for learning and engage in professional development activities, such as attending workshops, seminars, and conferences, to expand my knowledge and confidence in research environments.

Challenge 3: Troubleshooting Data Collection in the Adenosine Regulation of Myometrial Peristalsis in Mice Study

One of the most complex challenges I faced was during my involvement in the Adenosine Regulation of Myometrial Peristalsis in Mice research. This study examined how adenosine, a key neuromodulator, affects uterine smooth muscle contractions, with potential implications for understanding conditions such as preterm labor and uterine dysfunction.

A major challenge arose when our data collection results were inconsistent, making it difficult to analyze the effects of adenosine on peristaltic activity. My internship team helped me navigate this issue by encouraging me to take a systematic approach to troubleshooting. We reviewed our methodologies, re-examined the conditions under which we were measuring contractions, and ensured our tissue samples were handled properly to maintain viability. Through this collaborative problem-solving process, we identified potential sources of variability, such as differences in reagent preparation and temperature fluctuations affecting tissue responsiveness.

This experience reinforced the importance of persistence, problem-solving, and collaboration in scientific research. I learned that unexpected challenges are a natural part of the research process and that working as a team to troubleshoot issues leads to stronger, more reliable results. Over time, I took on a more active role in troubleshooting efforts, demonstrating my ability to adapt and critically assess problems. Moving forward, I will apply these problem-solving skills in future research settings, ensuring that I remain adaptable, analytical, and proactive in addressing experimental challenges.