08/05/24 – Honest Communication
The transformative power of communication stands at the heart of today’s experiences. Fiona, new post-bacc and a recent NC State graduate, and I bonded over playful jabs about our schools’ rivalry during a Panera lunch. Our team, which included Vukasin, Seungmi, and Yelise, saw a shift in my usual role as the loudest voice. Instead, I found a new level of control, allowing silence to fill gaps and embracing my natural rhythm in conversation. This self-assurance, I realized, is why older individuals, including Fiona, perceive me as more mature. It’s not about age but about the confidence and authenticity with which I engage, whether in jest or serious discourse.
Later, my meeting with Dr. Prabir deepened this insight into honest communication. I articulated my ambitions clearly and confidently, recognizing that a steadfast belief in my goals and in divine guidance enabled me to engage with conviction. Dr. Prabir’s willingness to listen and offer thoughtful feedback, even when it diverged from my expectations, highlighted the importance of maintaining openness while firmly standing by one’s vision. This exchange was a testament to the value of genuine dialogue, where constructive suggestions are welcomed, but personal convictions remain unshaken.
In the afternoon, I visited Mr. K in the chemistry department, which Carlos facilitated. With a set up to stream the olympics while waiting for experiments to load, we had a great time talking about Mr. K’s journey from a small village in Greece to working with advanced chemical models was both inspiring and informative. His perspective on the interconnectedness of research disciplines illuminated the integral role of chemistry in the broader context of biomedical innovation. His breakdown of the research structure outside the SCTL, along with his connections to who I’ll reach out provided valuable insights into the operational dynamics of research teams. His explanation of the synergy between chemistry and biomedical innovation and his advice to explore “Song of the Cell” and focus on meaningful work illuminated the collaborative essence of scientific progress. Our relaxed conversation reaffirmed the importance of authentic communication, even in professional settings, a broad understanding of the research landscape, and the cultivation of meaningful connections within the scientific community.
08/06/24 – Ebenezer the Exhibit
On the bus ride, a conversation with David to finish up the presentation revealed my need to set clearer boundaries and improve communication, a lesson that became more apparent in retrospect. The final presentation marked the end of my internship, though it didn’t quite meet my expectations. While I faced a few issues, such as a missing slide and last-minute adjustments, I remained focused on my upcoming tasks: helping with western blots, making calls, shadowing colleagues, finishing my blogs, and finalizing my coding class. I also planned to visit the third floor, engage in more conversations, and even try out an escape room. Preparing LinkedIn and Instagram posts for the following days rounded out my busy schedule, emphasizing these final days’ intense and varied nature.
Kody’s guess that I was 20 reinforced how my mature demeanor is perceived, even if I sometimes struggle with the details of my presentations. My interaction with Rohan was a highlight; his modest tech setup resonated with me, and we bonded over early arrivals and personal experiences. This conversation highlighted my tendency to shy away from sharing my experiences, a habit I must address to foster more engaging dialogues.
The evening’s bowling outing offered a chance to reflect on my people-pleasing tendencies and how they manifest in social settings. Despite my lackluster bowling skills, I embraced my role as a supportive teammate and engaged with others about personal interests and life experiences. Vukasin’s recognition of my efforts and the conversation about his work on the insulin resistance model underscored the importance of humility and ongoing learning. I also learned from Nico about pushing boundaries and seeking opportunities even when they seem unavailable. These experiences reinforced the need to balance personal ambition with practical action, aligning my efforts with my values and striving for genuine growth in both personal and professional realms.
06/07/24 – Bioinformatics Blast
With no lab responsibilities until the next day, I allowed myself some downtime, perhaps a bit too much. This period of relaxation led to reflections on my time at NCATS, revealing that it operates within a corporate structure, which has been enlightening for my understanding of workplace dynamics. I’ve learned that intellectual engagement is crucial, as researchers often overlook non-postdocs’ contributions. Despite these challenges, I remain hopeful and believe God’s guidance will lead me through these institutional constraints.
Lunch at Panera with the lab team felt a bit strained. The conversation with Yelise, Seungmi, Erin, and Kody lacked flow, and my attempt to discuss my journaling habits and first impressions didn’t quite hit the mark. The conversation turned awkward when I treated it like an interrogation, leading to disinterest. Despite this, I learned that asking questions, even when it seems like I’m the one being questioned, helps keep the conversation engaging and shows confidence. It also reflects well on my ability to lead discussions and make others feel valued. The rest of my day was devoted to coding, which proved to be both challenging and frustrating. Dan and Rohan’s visit to the lab highlighted the importance of maintaining consistent energy levels, even when I’m laser-focused on a specific task.
08/08/24 – Penultimate Peril
A sense of melancholy overshadowed my day, marked by the absence of Carlos, David, and Vukasin. Lunch with Fiona and a few remaining interns was uneventful, and I realized that the awkwardness stemmed from the newness of our small group compared to the familiarity of the larger group heading to the plaza. This insight helped me understand how group dynamics influence conversation flow.
Returning to work, I conversed with Danny about his lunch routines and former coworkers. He introduced me to Jason Stein, a researcher working on neural stem cell organoids, whom I plan to contact when I’m on campus. Later, my discussion with Kody about his insulin resistance model experiment provided valuable insights. He detailed his approach, from studying optic nerves to analyzing patterns in protein stains and how he plans experiments. This conversation reinforced the importance of meticulous planning in research.
The afternoon was spent preparing a BSA dilution ladder for the BCA Protein Assay, revealing that lab tasks in the late hours are not my strong suit. I need clear protocols and reference materials to avoid mistakes. My conversation with David was a highlight, as he shared his developing understanding of SNARE machinery in nociceptor sensitization which I helped to uncover! This discussion deepened my appreciation for neuroscience and highlighted the need for open-mindedness and innovation to conduct “Cell-worthy” research.
08/09/24 – Last Impressions
The flood warnings, torrential rain, and unexpected changes made my last day memorable. Upon driving to the main campus, I learned that Dr. Platt, program director at NIBIB, was not coming in. I rushed to the lab, dealing with a stressful drive and a call with David. Luckily, Dr. Platt’s enthusiasm for Atlanta and his insights into the importance of focusing on innovative science rather than just completing tasks were well-worth. His encouragement to pursue programs that foster scientific progress resonated with me, reinforcing my desire to be passionate about my research.
My time in the lab involved saying heartfelt goodbyes to colleagues and reflecting on the support I received throughout the summer. I also finished my offboarding tasks, including the final Western Blot I did alone! Reporting to Carlos immediately after, I received words from I’ll never forget: “Ebenezer, I once heard that charisma can take you anywhere, but you need character to maintain it – I’ve seen both from you. You’ll be very successful in the future, just feel free to keep me updated and ask me when you need that recommendation.” His affirmation of my growth over the summer was deeply gratifying. The day ended with farewells and a sense of accomplishment, having gained valuable experiences and skills. This summer has been transformative, teaching me perseverance, dedication, and the importance of aligning passion with innovation. I am deeply grateful for the opportunity and the support from my mentors and colleagues.