07/01/24 – There is Never Monotony Here; This is Where I’m Meant to Be
Another day, another morning where Carlos and I are the only ones in the building – but for the first time, Kody is there too. Seungmi’s return from her conference in Seattle prompted our morning to start off at Starbucks. I tried some coffee on David’s dime, but it had little effect on me. Most of the time was spent chatting with Erin and Kody about our weekends and various topics, leading to fewer empty silences than before.
Back at our cubicles, we locked into our readings until David took us to prepare for our Western blot. This was the moment when my love for research became clear. We paused for lunch at Panera with Seungmi, discussing the challenges of working with rats. Seungmi shared her experiences, from extracting muscles and embryos to replacing parts of the rat brain with bioscaffolds, only to find the experiments unsuccessful. The conversations during lunch morphed into a deeper discussion about our project back in the lab, revealing the potential impact of using Western blot with entin-1 antibody. This intense discussion, driven by Kody’s questions, illustrated the depth of knowledge and creativity in our research team.
In the afternoon, I joined David as he changed the media of his nociceptors. We discussed the significance of dedicating oneself to a specific subject. Our conversation reinforced my desire to explore various research settings and types, with a growing interest in stem cell models and therapies. Later, as Kody and David’s discussion ascended to new heights, Erin asked me about my research interests on campus. My tentative answer, “Stem cells,” received unanimous support, affirming my inclination towards regenerative medicine.
07/02/24 – Understanding My Role in Translational Science
Initially feeling like an outsider at the SCTL, the discussion over our MEDI 501 course content revealed the unique perspective NCATS has given me. Seated among 31 interns and 2 postbaccs, I joined a group discussion with postbaccs and Rohan, a UC Berkeley sophomore. Our conversation focused on the collaborative nature of NCATS, contrasting it with academia and industry. I emphasized the effectiveness of the team science approach at NCATS, which sparked a lively discussion.
This experience underscored the importance of collaboration in research, something David and Kody also advocated. It aligned with my desire to innovate research efficiency at the university level, aiming to create a platform for matching undergraduates with research opportunities. The feedback I received on my speaking ability and sincerity further motivated me to refine my communication skills.
Later, Erin and I visited the Bethesda Campus, socializing and connecting with peers. Erin’s vibrant character, contrary to my initial assumptions, highlighting the importance of building genuine relationships in the research community.
07/03/24 – Discovering My Own Path
With my mentor preoccupied, I embraced a period of autonomy, which Tony helped me see as an opportunity rather than a setback. A morning discussion with Kody about research practices led me to reevaluate my approach to scientific literature. His meticulous method of analyzing papers inspired me to be more critical and thorough in my readings.
To navigate this autonomy, I met with Belen, the most social person at NCATS. She provided valuable tips on applying for scholarships and enhancing my LinkedIn presence. This meeting, although it cost me lunch, was a strategic investment in my professional development.
David later invited me to observe patch clamp readings with Erin on Seungmi’s DRGOs. This hands-on experience with the biofluidic and electrophysiology rig was the highlight of my week. Kody’s fervent discussion about his project capped the day, leaving me eager to delve deeper into my own research journey.
07/05/24 – Summer Meltdown
The day after July 4th was initially soothing with no traffic. However, the tranquility was short-lived as three setbacks unfolded once my mentor arrived. Our planned Western blot was thwarted by technical limitations, and I felt my efforts were invalidated. The frustration was compounded when a power outage disrupted our lab work, forcing us to abandon our plans.
Despite the chaos, I managed to complete some administrative tasks and left the lab early, as suggested by Seungmi. This tumultuous day underscored the unpredictable nature of research and the resilience required to navigate setbacks.