Goals & Learning

My internship experience has solidified my interest in OB/GYN and women's health research. Being in a lab environment and having hands-on experience has made me more confident in applying scientific techniques and interpreting data, skills that are critical to both clinical and research practice in this area. Additionally, research exposure has sharpened my interest in reproductive health to the extent that I am even more certain I would like to engage in a career that bridges patient care with scientific research. I am now more comfortable making a career choice based on my abilities, passions, and values. From my internship, I have been able to further learn more about the medical and research aspects of OB/GYN, and this reinforced that this career is in line with my long-term goals. I also like to see the importance of educating communities about health issues, which has motivated me to pursue my project about malaria's effects on the human body.

During the past year, my goals expanded to include more focus on public health education and on research and clinical practice. I have grown by actively engaging in research projects, where I have polished my technical skills and gained a more holistic understanding of women's health issues. I will further seek more clinical experience this summer, potentially observing OB/GYN clinicians or working on research that can be immediately applied to women's reproductive health. Additionally, my UROP proposal will focus on pregnancy and a gene that regulates miscarriage, further developing my research expertise in reproductive health. During the course of the rest of my time spent at IU Indianapolis, I shall be building upon my education with pertinent coursework, research opportunities, and consultations with professionals in my field. I am concentrating on developing a sound foundation which shall carry me along to medical school and beyond as an OB/GYN specializing in women's health research.

Learning Goal #1: Ability to apply scientific and literature methods into research

Relevance: This goal is essential for my future MD/PhD career, as it will allow me to build critical analytical and problem-solving skills that are transferable across research disciplines. Mastering these skills will enable me to address complex medical questions and contribute effectively to scientific discovery.

Action Plan: In order to achieve this, I will design and conduct experiments related to microbiota and immune response; I will try to implement scientific methods in carrying out my work. I'll analyze experimental data by using necessary tools such as Excel or statistical software, interpreting the results to arrive at useful conclusions. Upon realization that outcomes are not as anticipated, I will redo experiments and troubleshoot to refine and give better results that best would facilitate learning and growth in my research skills.  

Progress: I have applied scientific methods efficiently in preparing experiments and performing them on microbiota and immune response. I have improved my data analyzing skills using Excel and statistical programs and drawing logical conclusions from outcomes. Where there were unanticipated outcomes, I have improved my problem-solving abilities by adjusting protocols and redoing experiments. These procedures have enhanced my problem-solving ability and research ability as a whole.

Career building

Learning Goal #2: Growing as a professional

Relevance: Professional development will provide me with the tools needed to not only be successful in an academic setting but also a clinical one. It will enable me to evolve into a well-rounded professional who can adapt to challenges and demands in the MD/PhD career.

Action Plan: I would ask my mentor regularly for feedback on my improvement in research and professional skills. I would actively participate in the laboratory meetings and attend professional events. My focus would be on maintaining a good relationship with my mentor, colleagues, and collaborators. At the same time, I would remain flexible and open to new learning of technologies and methodologies when such resources are developed, thus becoming flexible within the dynamic work environment.

Progress:I have also been very keen on listening to my colleague and mentor input, which enhanced my research technique as well as professional communication skills. Regular meetings in the laboratory have allowed me to exchange and critically discuss. Attending professional meetings has expanded my horizon as well as that of my circle of contacts. I have remained flexible, accommodating new methodologies as well as emerging technologies as and when they appear.

Learning Goal #3: Enhance my understanding of how gut microbiota affects immune tolerance and infection susceptibility 

Relevance: Gaining expertise in this area will deepen my understanding of host-pathogen interactions, which is crucial for future research and clinical applications in the field of infectious diseases and immunology.

Action Plan: To strengthen my understanding, I will collaborate much more closely with my mentor on detailed, specific aspects of the interactions between pathogens and their hosts, especially the role of microbiota in immune responses.

I will engage in research projects related to this topic and find out how microbiota is able to modulate immune tolerance and infection susceptibility. Further, I will also scan scientific literature and attend seminars on recent findings in microbiome research to continually expand my knowledge. 

Progress: I have broadened my understanding of microbiota's role in immune tolerance through close working with my mentor in host-pathogen interactions. Carrying out research projects has allowed me to explore how microbiota influences infectiousness susceptibility. Reading scientific papers and attending seminars have kept me up to date with the latest advances in the microbiomes field. These activities have reinforced my knowledge background in infectious diseases and immunology.

In the lab, I’ve developed my technical skills by confidently operating equipment like centrifuges and pipettes. My data analysis abilities have improved with software like Excel allowing for quicker interpretations. I actively collaborate with my team, often leading discussions abiout the project, and have enhanced my critical thinking by proposing improvements to past experiments. Additionally, I’ve gained confidence in presenting my findings, receiving positive feedback from peers. 

I am skilled at using lab tools like centrifuges and pipettes and in statistical analysis using Excel. I have experience in sequencing bacteria, ELISA assays, preparing agar plates, and bacterial culturing. I keep accurate records to prevent mistakes and disorganization. I also plan data collection, prepare materials, and conduct analyses. I improve my technique with practice and feedback continually, and I plan on applying these skills during my capstone project and future internships.

In the lab, I have also improved my technical skills and now feel extremely comfortable handling equipment such as centrifuges and pipettes, and computer software such as Excel to efficiently analyze and interpret data. I now frequently lead discussions and add input to ideas in my group to enhance our experimental designs. I have become confident by actively being a contributor to the lab success. I am in charge of specific tasks and individual aspects of ongoing assignments to allow me to handle duty independently. I happily take charge of critical parts of the task, including doing analyses, preparing material, and being responsible for collecting data. I further have detailed records of all operations to ensure accountability and consistency and allow others easily to track what I do. I actively seek feedback from my supervisor and colleagues, applying their feedback to further refine my skills and continue to improve. Regular reflection on their feedback allows me to learn and adapt quickly as well as enhance my processes. Applying the skills that I have acquired, I am now preparing to apply these skills to my capstone project and my subsequent internship. My independent working abilities while working towards the development of the lab will be instrumental in overcoming new challenges and making worthwhile contributions to my future endeavors.

I would also like to learn more skills, such as the proper use of Western blots, flow cytometry, and parasitemia analysis, especially if I am employed in an immunology or pathology lab. To acquire these skills, I will attempt to seek opportunities to shadow senior researchers, practice these skills under supervision, and read relevant literature to improve my knowledge. I will also take advantage of any training classes or workshops offered to get some hands-on experience. Either during the semester or after LHSI, I will actively pursue labs or internships that utilize these techniques to further develop my expertise.

My internship deepened my grasp of my major by bridging theoretical knowledge with real-world applications in medicine, especially in patient-centered research. This hands-on experience sharpened my skills and understanding in healthcare practice and how my professional life will look like in my future.