Service
Malaria Research
June - July 2017
1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
In the summer of 2017, I interned as an assistant researcher and data collector at Mahidol University, under the faculty of Tropical Medicine. I worked under the VIVAX research unit, which dealt with the endemic Plasmodium Vivax species of malaria parasite. I, along with the Mahidol Tropical Medicine research team, and researchers from Japan and China, went up north to the province of Tak to research malaria case studies and collect samples in order to develop an effective medicine or vaccine.
During this internship, I developed a multitude of skills from the Insectary Lab, the GENs Lab, the Molecular Lab, and in the field. In the insectary, I acquired knowledge of the mosquito life cycle and transmission of malaria to humans. Additionally, I performed the process of pupa collection, membrane feeding, and forced mating, and egg collection. In the GENs lab, I honed my microscopy and dissection skills by dissecting infected mosquitos to examine the salivary glands and stomachs for sporozoites and oocysts.
In the Molecular Lab, I performed PCR or Polymerase Chain Reaction to amplify copies of DNA. The two processes of Nested PCR and Real Time PCR were utilized to determine the type of virus in a blood sample. Finally, I was able to apply my knowledge from these labs into the field on my trip to Tak, in northern Thailand to collect case studies in rural endemic areas. Overall, it was a gratifying experience which allowed me to expand my knowledge of mosquitoes and virus transmission, as well as be a part of a respected research team that works to combat a critical issue in Thailand.
Public Health & Nutrition Outreach
2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
5: Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively
6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
(June - July, 2018)
My experience this summer in Hawaii was anything but dull. Being involved in 3 different research projects, I definitely learned a great deal. My graduate student, Jessie Kai, was conducting research on the basis of finding the nutritional habits of Native Hawaiian mothers during the first months of feeding for their infants. This data will be used to compare feeding practices of ethnic minorities on the island, in comparison to ethnic minorities in the mainland - who have a different cultural background completely. In this project, I learned how to conduct surveys and interviews that require appropriate social skills.
The second project I worked on was also in the field of nutrition. Conducting academic research with a doctorate student and former professor from Brazil, Vanessa, I learned how to effectively gather information from published studies. We also investigated nutrigenomics, and how psychology as well as economy can affect nutrition.
My third and final project was completely different to the first two, as it was a lab that collected data from bees in the field. In this project, I learned to be careful when handling live samples, and that every life is precious. Most importantly however, I also learned that I am in fact, not allergic to bee stings.
Overall, these projects allowed me to have a rewarding summer with plentiful experiences in multiple branches of science and with different research methods. I learned how to communicate efficiently with graduate level researches and professors, and to perform research at a university level. These skills would definitely aid me in my future endeavors and prepare me for college life.
Wells Smile Club: Booth on International Day
3: Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
5: Demonstrate the skills and recognise the benefits of working collaboratively
6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
(March 16th, 2018)
As a former vice president and current secretary of the Wells Smile Club, I am proud to see that our efforts for raising awareness on the issue of the cleft lip and palate have been fruitful.
For International Day, we wanted to further our reach of awareness to the students in middle school, primary, to teachers and parents. We achieved this by decorating our booth with colorful posters that include information and visuals to help readers understand cleft lip & palate, and how they can help by simply being aware or by participating in our fun activities that will contribute towards funding for patients to receive reconstructive surgery.
I was scrolling through Instagram when I saw one of my friends from MUN posting about how she is collecting mascara wands for wildlife. I was curious but also excited as I thought about how I could also contribute. I then went to google to research about this, and was led to the website for "Appalachian Wildlife Refuge." It is a non-profit wildlife refuge in North Carolina that provides care for "injured and orphaned wildlife, support for the wildlife rehabilitation network and conservation education to the community." One of the bars on their website said "Wands for Wildlife."
I learned that used mascara wands could be used to clean off flies and larva from animal fur cost effectively and without harm. All that I needed to do was collect used mascara wands, wash them in hot soapy water, and mail it to the refuge at P.O. Box 1211, Skyland, NC 28776. It was an easy way to make an large-scale impact. I decided to act on this and started collecting my own, as well as my 2 sisters' and friends' mascara wands. I currently only have around 7 wands as mascaras last long. However, I have recently posted a sort of PSA on my Instagram so that my extended circle/other students from wells and beyond can also contribute. I am waiting to collect around 20 wands first before sending them altogether.
Mascara Wands for Wildlife
(August 24, 2018 & ongoing)
3: Demonstrate how to initiate and plan a CAS experience
4: Show commitment to and perseverance in CAS experiences
6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
Plastic Straw Collection for Reuse/Recycle
(August 24, 2018 & ongoing)
1: Identify own strengths and develop areas for growth
2: Demonstrate that challenges have been undertaken, developing new skills in the process
6: Demonstrate engagement with issues of global significance
I saw a facebook post from on of my friends' timeline with an infographic that urged people to donate plastic straws. I was intrigued, and as a self-proclaimed environmentalist, I immediately read the poster.
An Thai organization collaborated with a nursing home in Chanthaburi to provide stiff pillows for the elderly who were bed ridden. Using used straws instead of soft materials for pillows would allow them to get up easier.
Thus, I started collecting straws at home that were used by my family. Since I always try to use metal straws, I have not collected as much from my own consumption, however, whenever I slip up, I do clean them and keep them in my donation stash. I hope to include more people in this project so that I could donate more straws, however I am currently in communication with my friend who shared the post to combine our collection and go donate our straws together.
I think this is a worthy cause as it not only combats a health/social issue with the elderly, but is also environmentally cautious as it provides an alternative for plastic trash - rather then being dumped in the landfill.