Goals

Internship Goals

First Goal

Demonstrate mastery of lab techniques & lab etiquette, whilst fine-tuning my current skillset.

Second Goal

Learning how to think and analyze data more critically. Then, relate the knowledge gained from class to the internship and vice versa.

Third Goal

Utilize the scientific method & information to effectively communicate it to other people. Advance my scientific writing and presentation skills to a scientific audience.

To reach the goals I have outlined, it will require time and patience. Achieving my first goal will involve demonstrating proficiency in histology techniques, 2D and 3D analysis, mechanical testing, study design, and statistical analysis related to my research topic. When I first entered the lab, I was not very familiar with the details of my project and lacked foundational background knowledge. To address these gaps, I plan to do my homework and learn more from the mentors on site.

For my second goal, I aim to research the ACL mechanism in relation to my current classes (Anatomy) and ask thoughtful questions to my mentors in order to enhance my knowledge and critically analyze data. I also plan to read and watch relevant materials related to the internship projects I am working on.

For my third goal, I need to refer to published literature by experts in the field to deepen my understanding of my research topic. To improve my writing, I will read more to adopt the writing styles and skills of my mentors and those found in the studies I’m working on, in order to avoid errors and produce high-quality work.

Have these goals been Reached?

At my research lab, I have successfully accomplished my first goal by mastering various lab techniques and adhering to excellent lab etiquette. Additionally, I have honed my existing skillset through continuous practice and learning, leading to enhanced proficiency in my work.

In pursuit of my second goal, I have diligently focused on developing critical thinking abilities and refining my data analysis skills. By rigorously examining and interpreting research findings, I have gained a deeper understanding of the patterns and implications within the data, enabling me to contribute more effectively to scientific inquiry.

I have also successfully bridged the gap between my academic knowledge and internship experience, fostering a reciprocal flow of knowledge. I’ve applied the concepts learned in class to solve real-world problems encountered during my internship, and, conversely, I have brought back practical insights from my internship to enhance my academic understanding.

Lastly, I have embraced the scientific method as a framework for effective communication. I have used my newfound knowledge and expertise to articulate complex scientific concepts to various audiences, both within and outside the scientific community. Through extensive practice, I have significantly improved my scientific writing and presentation skills, allowing me to engage and inform a scientific audience with clarity and precision. This experience has really given me the confidence to present and discuss my work during my time at the internship.

Career Goals

Why Physical Therapy School?

Upon completing my undergraduate degree, my ultimate goal is to attend physical therapy school. I have always been fascinated by the power of exercise and how it can help people recover from traumatic incidents in their lives. After shadowing multiple physical therapy settings, I have no further doubts that this was a huge goal of mine. The anatomy and physiological processes of the human body when undergoing physical therapy fascinated me from the first time I saw it. I truly enjoy learning, and having the passion to help someone recover has confirmed to me that I am on the right path to continue my education after undergraduate studies.

I will surprise you!

I am very certain of my career goal. However, in 2021, I began working as a rehabilitation technician at Franciscan Health in their in-patient rehabilitation center, and this job has been both eye-opening and intrinsically motivating. Being able to see how physical therapists work with stroke patients and observe their daily improvements has deeply touched me. I never imagined that I would be moved to tears by seeing a stroke patient stand on both feet for the first time in six months.

Earning this graduate degree would mean more to me than just a title; it would represent a lifelong mission to contribute to an individual’s journey back to a normal life. I am confident that this career path is the best fit for me, aligning with both my personal strengths and my desire to make a meaningful impact.

This summer, I will continue my internship due to my acceptance into the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) , where I will further my knowledge of the ACL ligament. Additionally, I will be starting my journey toward PT school and be in the class of 2028.

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