In Dr. Sears’ lab the team works together to determine the genetics of lung cancer cells. As well as why things work the way that they do, and trying to find mechanisms to improve this. The team works toward the goal of wanting to directly benefit patients.
As a student and intern, I'm eager to continuously develop new skills and strengths. I value a strong willingness to learn, always exploring available opportunities while remaining patient and understanding of others' schedules. Additionally, I maintain an organized approach, benefiting both my personal efficiency and collaborative efforts. This year, I aim to expand my network and gain confidence through my internship to enhance my self-assurance and project skills.
As a student who initially lacked confidence in a lab setting, I've found my footing over the course of this internship thanks to the supportive environment and my teammates' strengths. Each of my teammates has brought something unique to the table and observing their strengths has been instrumental into shaping my growth.
Those who work in my lab have an incredible attention to detail and is always meticulous in their approach to experiments. I've learned a lot from her about the importance of precision in our work. I have also learned a bit about troubleshooting and thinking on your feet when things don't go as planned.
Initially, I started as a learner, absorbing as much knowledge and skills as possible from my mentors and colleagues. As my proficiency grew, I transitioned into a more active role within the team, taking on responsibilities such as preparing cell cultures, conducting microscopy experiments, and analyzing data. I became more confident in my abilities and began taking the initiative to troubleshoot problems and propose solutions. Additionally, I actively collaborated with other team members, sharing my insights and expertise to improve our experimental approaches and achieve our research goals.
Over the course of the internship, my team role evolved from a novice learner to a competent contributor. I became more confident in my abilities and began taking the initiative to troubleshoot problems and propose solutions. Additionally, I actively collaborated with other team members, sharing my insights and expertise to improve our experimental approaches and achieve our research goals. By accurately performing microscopy experiments and meticulously culturing cells, I provided crucial data and observations that informed our research findings. My attention to detail and dedication to quality ensured the reliability and reproducibility of our results, ultimately contributing to the overall success of the project.
Although some of my tasks may have seemed routine or small in scale, they were integral to the success of the larger project. Each cell culture prepared, each image captured, and each data analysis conducted contributed to the accumulation of knowledge and progress towards our research objectives. By diligently fulfilling my responsibilities, I played a vital role in helping our team achieve its goals and make meaningful contributions to the field of science.
In addition, working with people who have diverse perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds has been instrumental in my growth. It has taught me the value of listening to different viewpoints and considering alternative approaches. Collaborating with individuals from varied backgrounds has enriched our discussions, leading to innovative problem-solving and more robust research outcomes. Each team member brought unique insights and skills to the table, contributing to a dynamic and collaborative environment where creativity thrived. Embracing diversity within our team has not only enhanced our ability to solve complex problems but also fostered a culture of inclusivity and mutual respect. This experience has underscored the importance of embracing diversity in teams, as it not only leads to better outcomes but also promotes a more inclusive and supportive work environment.