Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the leading cause of neurological impairment and can lead to comorbidities such as behavioral deficits and cognitive delay. The resident immune cell; microglia, engages in the crucial role of the immune response to neuroinflammation by attacking foreign pathogens and clearing myelin debris after axonal shearing. Following TBI, some microglia have been observed to form “rod-like” structures with their function and purpose remaining understudied. Herein, we sought to characterize the association of rod microglia formation through induced demyelination by the administration of Cuprizone, a copper chelating agent. I was mainly responsible for conducting image analysis and PCR on three cohorts of mice: P2rx7 antagonist male, STING female knockout, and STING male knockout. P2rx7 antagonist was utilized as activation of the P2x7 receptor has been characterized with enhanced inflammation. STING; stimulator of interferon genes, plays an important role in the innate immune system. For each cohort, I stained for rod microglia utilizing Iba-1, immune cells utilizing Cd45, and myelin with MBP on the EVOS machine at 10x resolution. I utilized the confocal machine for its Z-stacks for higher resolution when staining for phagocytes and microglia utilizing Iba-1 and Cd68. RNA isolation utilizing our Trizol protocol was executed to make cDNA for use in PCR analysis, utilizing genes that we have signified as inflammatory markers for traumatic brain injury such as Ccl4, Cd11c, Cd14, Cd68, Clec7a, Cx3cr1, H2eb1, Irf7, P2rx7, and Tnf.

I think the most valuable part of my research experience this summer was personal growth through independence/integrity. I believe that I really benefited from doing my own experiments and data analysis as it allows me to see the entire process through from start to finish which allows me to create my own interpretations of what discoveries I have made. Some of the data that I received was hard to interpret and was unclear what my conclusions would be but talking to the rest of the research team who has been extremely supportive of me allowed me to think things through a different lens to formulate new ideas. I learned a lot about myself over the summer and I think the most important thing I learned is that if I am passionate and curious, it makes the entire process much better with a higher chance of success.

I used to look at my role as a researcher as a “job” or an obligation but once I changed my mindset by diving deep into why I am doing what I am doing, my curiosity and genuine thirst for knowledge allowed me to push through and even made the entire process fun, there were days when I forget that this is a responsibly as I treat it as a passion and learning experience. The project has ultimately helped me truly understand the important role of research from a broader perspective and has helped me acknowledge that the work we do has the potential to change the world and that in itself is something worth working for. Over time, I have not only earned more appreciation for research and its meticulous processes but also a greater comprehension of the entire story as each step in a procedure, from cutting brain slices to the final representative graph being made is all interwoven and must be performed with attention to detail. I have learned to not only master these skills but to also ensure that I consistently perform them with the highest attention to detail while connecting them to big-picture ideas such as which neural processes are most affected post traumatic brain injury or what the real role of demyelination play in the morphology of rod microglia; questions that I continue to seek answers for.

The summer provided me with more consistent and personal interactions with my PI, graduate students, and other undergraduate students which helped further strengthen my confidence in myself and my responsibilities in the lab. I felt like since I was going into the lab 5 days a week for the entirety of summer, it allowed me to establish more consistent relationships with those around me, making me feel a sense of support and community. Regardless of my actual progress in my project, I felt a sense of more personal awareness of the lab and its overarching goal in the medical and clinical world as the dots started to all connect. It can be easy sometimes to get caught up in the immediate goals or tasks at hand but once I opened my eyes and began to look at the long-term goals of what the lab is trying to achieve in the context of real-world applications, it changed the way I looked at myself and my role as an undergraduate research assistance in looking at things in perspective.

Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or
two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your
academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans.

I think the above changes are valuable because though they were formed from my experiences in the research lab, the overall skills and lessons that I have learned can be and will be applied to situations beyond an academic setting in my everyday life. I’ve learned so much regarding essential life skills such as leadership and responsibility from doing things on my own and doing my best to pay attention to all aspects of my project; things that I also regularly incorporate into everyday life whether it be in classes or with my friends. Experiences such as research go beyond what anyone can teach you as I believe the best way to learn is going through those experiences on your own and learning from your mistakes. I felt my maturity and overall knowledge greatly grow throughout this summer once I committed to the project and myself and it paid off massively. I have used this momentum to establish consistency in my day-to-day life and strike a balance between school, friends, and taking care of myself; all of which I have been able to achieve due to the discipline that I have learned through my experience this summer. I hope to use this as I study for the MCAT and apply to medical school. Overall, STEP, my summer research project, and my overall growth have all coincided together and I humbly believe I have become a better person because of it. I greatly appreciate STEP’s support throughout the years and I look forward to seeing other projects and presenting my work at the upcoming STEP expo.

For my STEP project, I participated in research with the Ohio State University’s STAIRS lab in the department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences. This lab studies head impacts and concussions. The focus of my work in the lab was on the sleep habits of Franklin County police cadets. However, I helped out with various projects over the summer.

The work I completed over the summer allowed me to learn about the research process in human subjects and the health sciences. During this process, my viewpoint of what research looked like was changed. I was introduced to how research can be used to change behavior, create new guidelines for sports, and increase understanding of conditions. I also believed that I never wanted to be a researcher. However, after working in the STAIRS lab, I now know health and rehabilitation science research to be a highly interactive field with many unanswered questions that can be explored. 

During my project I worked with graduate researchers and an assistant professor at OSU. I was first introduced to motion capture in the lab when I was a test subject. I then transitioned to working in the lab and was able to clean data for the very study I was apart of. I had the opportunity to explore concussion research further and interpret the results found in the study. Later, I joined a project with the Franklin C

ounty police department regarding sleep habits and behaviors. I was able to conduct my own literature review for this project, help with data collection, and analyze the results found. Interactions with the test subjects was a rewarding part of this study as I saw the willingness of the subjects to be involved in education that could help change their sleep behaviors. Presentations and weekly meetings on grant approvals processes, study updates, and new questions allowed me to understand how research is an ongoing process and there is always more to understand about the world. 

I was also able to meet researchers from different parts of the world and hear about their study experiences. For example, a researcher from the UK spent multiple weeks in our lab gaining experience on head impacts seen in football. He then went back to the UK to apply what he learned to sports teams there. Not only was I shown how research was collaborative in the lab, but I got to witness the global impacts of the work we were completing at OSU.

Lastly, I gained a better understanding of my major and the research in the health sciences field. Walking through the process with experienced graduate students and researchers showed me how the research being done directly influences policy and health outcomes. It reaffirmed my decision to pursue a job working with others and choosing a career where I serve others.

While this project reaffirmed my decision to go into healthcare, it also challenged my view of research and allowed me to consider the possibility of pursuing it further. I have always loved learning and wanted to choose a career where my views are constantly being challenged. Research is a great avenue for this even if it is something I never thought I would be interested in. Overall, I am thankful for my time spent in the STAIRS lab and how it has helped me with my degree of health sciences and my future career decision.

Motion Capture Data Collection

I worked as a research assistant in Dr. Walter Wu’s Ohio Lab for Visual Impairment at the OSU College of Optometry for my summer STEP Project Experience. The lab’s overarching goal is to better understand how visual impairment affects people’s daily functions and activities. My work consisted of pilot testing our IRB project titled the Contrast Polarity Project, beginning recruitment and testing of both normal and low vision participants, and evaluating the resulting data sets. The Contrast Polarity Project is focused on trying to better understand why some low vision people prefer to read in a reverse contrast text setting rather than the traditional black text on white background version. This is accomplished using visual acuity tests, contrast sensitivity tests, MNRead tests, and various text setting conditions. 

My experience working with many visually impaired people, including Dr. Wu himself, has proven a valuable experience that has not only taught me many of the intricacies, difficulties, and workflows of clinical and behavioral research but has also broadened my understanding of the many societal shortcomings and oversights in providing a truly accessible world to the impaired. 

While learning how to properly write, submit, revise, and enact IRB Research proposals, I also learned many complexities involved in providing aid to low vision people. From understanding how the array of different pathologies affects functional vision, to deciphering the needs of patients in their daily activities, to deciding the correct course of surgery or tools needed to enhance daily quality of life, many difficult deciding factors go into helping patients with ophthalmic pathologies. Being able to holistically observe and be a part of teams that not only provide quality healthcare services to underserved and underrepresented communities but also seek to further the research and understanding that allows the opportunity for quality care has been a transformative and deeply illuminating adventure into the healthcare world. 

Some of the most impactful interactions and relationships I’ve had have been with the many low-vision participants we have coming into the research lab. Many of them, regardless of whether they’ve lived their whole lives or just a few months with their conditions, are some of the kindest, most genuine, and most infectious personalities. Their ability to achieve their goals with such determination and positivity with no regard for their diminished visual functionality is incredibly admirable and inspiring.  

Furthermore, working with the OSU Low Vision Rehabilitation Clinic’s optometrists and optometry students has bolstered my belief and goal of working in a healthcare setting where I can provide quality care to my utmost ability. Starkly different from many typical healthcare systems, the work done in the LV Rehab Clinic is truly focused on providing the greatest experience and functional vision possible for its patients. The effort to fully understand how a patient uses their vision in daily life, fine-tune a personal plan and tools to aid their vision goals, and provide continuity in patient care and relationships over the years is truly unique. Being able to watch patients who have suffered from their conditions for years or even decades without true aid finally being heard and provided with care in a way that enhances their quality of life is both humbling and motivating.  

Finally, I think the most impactful relationship I’ve formed throughout this project and hope to continue to develop over the coming semesters is that with my PI, Dr. Walter Wu. As a student unfamiliar with behavioral research and direct patient care, the prospect of this project was originally quite daunting. As a new faculty member and native Taiwanese citizen, Dr. Wu has experienced his own learning curves and adjustments during his move and start at OSU. This shared adventure into the unknown has been extremely beneficial in building a professional yet supportive and friendly relationship. It has helped me to evolve into a more confident and outgoing person and has taught me the value of creating both professional and personal relationships within academia. He has taught me that the unknown and having questions is okay, normal even, and to not let anxiety and worry stand in the way of our goals and aspirations.

I think this experience has been greatly impactful in my understanding of the relationship between research and patient care, my confidence in entering new or daunting experiences and opportunities, and my mindfulness and gratefulness for what I have. While I continue to discern what professional path I will take, my continued research and work with the visually impaired have solidified and bolstered my intent and determination to pursue a career in which I can make an impactful difference in people’s quality of life and happiness. 

stock image displaying some of the accessibility options (reverse contrast, larger text size, increased contrast) commonly utilized by visually impaired people.

Chart displaying typical daily tasks and the associated clinical visual acuity score threshold needed to safely and fully complete them.

For my STEP Project, I continued my research in Dr. Giles Plant Lab at the Department of Neuroscience. I worked on a project to evaluate Schwann cell survivability under hydrogen peroxide induced cell death after exposure to Deferoxamine Mesylate in serum-containing and serum-free envrionments. For this project I cultured Schwann cells, stained them, imaged them with a confocal, did a quantitative PCR of the conditions, and evaluated the results of the data using R scripts.

Completing my STEP Signature Project has deepened my understanding of the intricate process of scientific research and reaffirmed its vital role in advancing medical knowledge. I have always appreciated the tangible impact that research can have, but this experience provided a firsthand look at how even small discoveries, like improving Schwann cell survival, can contribute to broader clinical applications. Engaging with complex methodologies, such as confocal imaging and transcriptomic analysis, has made me appreciate the detailed work that underpins advancements in healthcare. Additionally, I realized the importance of experimental design during my project this summer. Some earlier work was conducted inconsistently, leading to significant reinterpretation and repeat experiments, reinforcing the value of precision and accuracy. As we continued asking new questions, I watched our experimental design evolve, becoming more refined and robust, which showed me how adaptive and iterative research can be.

This project also helped clarify my personal career trajectory. While I entered with multiple potential paths in mind, ranging from healthcare to engineering, my hands-on experience in the lab has heightened my interest in continuing within the realm of neuroscience research. Working on projects that have the potential to restore motor function and vision has not only fueled my passion for scientific discovery but also reinforced my belief that research is a field where I can make a lasting impact.

One of the most significant factors contributing to my transformation was the hands-on nature of the project. Being directly responsible for the experimental design, cell culturing, and data analysis gave me a new appreciation for the intricacies of scientific work. Early in the project, I faced challenges related to experimental inconsistencies. Some of our initial results and groups were unclear and missing key data, leading us to redesign our approach, reinterpret data, and repeat experiments. At first, it was honestly, a little frustrating seeing how some months of data weren’t usable. This project reinforced the importance of precision and attention to detail, and it highlighted how adaptable scientific research must be to produce reliable results. It was through this iterative process that I realized the true value of resilience in research.

The relationships I built during this project also played a key role in my growth. Working closely with Dr. Giles Plant and my fellow lab members provided me with a support system that was both intellectually stimulating and personally encouraging. Dr. Plant’s mentorship, in particular, pushed me to think critically about each aspect of our work and to view setbacks not as failures, but as opportunities to refine our methods. After facing issues with earlier cultures and communication problems, we were able to identify the causes and improve both our technique and lab communication. These interactions helped me develop a more mature perspective on research, teaching me that collaboration and persistence are central to scientific discovery.

Additionally, the relationships I built with my lab members and partnering labs were meaningful to me. Conversations with peers from various backgrounds, including computer science and biology, exposed me to new ways of thinking and problem-solving. Their recommendations even led me to attend some seminars that are now directly helping with my current projects. Beyond the academic aspects, I’ve also had the chance to enjoy fun activities like paintballing after celebrating lab successes, which added a sense of camaraderie to our work. These interactions broadened my understanding of how different fields contribute to advancements in healthcare and strengthened my belief in the importance of cross-disciplinary collaboration. This expanded perspective has inspired me to explore future research opportunities that merge my interests in neuroscience, healthcare, and technology.

Finally, presenting our findings and addressing errors at lab meetings was a pivotal activity that solidified my passion for research. Communicating the progress we made helped me see the larger picture and the potential impact of our work on spinal cord injury treatments. Additionally, I had the opportunity to mentor a high school student during this process, guiding them through some of the experimental techniques we were using. This mentorship experience reinforced the importance of knowledge-sharing and made me realize how much I enjoy teaching others about scientific research. These experienceshave deepened my commitment to pursuing research as a way to both contribute to advancements in healthcare and inspire future generations of scientists.

This transformation is significant because it has helped me solidify my passion for research and clarified my future career path. Previously, I was unsure about whether I would pursue a career in neuroscience, healthcare, or engineering. However, through this project, I realized that research is where my interests truly converge. The opportunity to contribute to spinal cord injury treatments, coupled with the collaborative and cross-disciplinary nature of the work, has made me excited about the potential to merge my interests in healthcare and technology. This clarity is invaluable as I now feel more confident in pursuing a research-based career, potentially in neuroscience or regenerative medicine, where I can make a meaningful impact on patients’ lives.

On a personal level, the development of skills such as resilience, critical thinking, and collaboration will continue to benefit me in both academic and professional settings. The challenges I faced in the lab have shown me that persistence and adaptability are crucial, not just in research, but in life as well. These skills will undoubtedly serve me as I move forward in my studies and future career, where I hope to continue contributing to scientific discoveries and work within interdisciplinary teams to solve complex problems in healthcare.

For my STEP signature project, I worked as an undergraduate research assistant in a physics research group at the Ohio State University. My main tasks included mechanically exfoliating materials and creating Van der Waal heterostructures. I also assisted in the electronic and optical measurements of these devices.

During my STEP project as an undergraduate researcher, my view of research fundamentally changed. The experience led to a deeper understanding of the research process. While curiosity drives the motivation to explore various subjects and materials, realism plays a key role in recognizing challenges and managing expectations. It can be difficult to know how close you are to making an experiment work, and this uncertainty fosters persistence. What particularly shifted my perspective was realizing that research is less about immediate results and more about contributing to a larger narrative. Each step of the experimental process becomes a chapter in that story. This understanding reshaped how I approach setbacks and progress, helping me see the true value of the research journey itself.

An experience that shaped this perspective was when I would mechanically exfoliate and stack heterostructures, only for the process to fail near the end and yield no results. At times, it felt like I wasn’t contributing much, which led me to question the purpose behind what I was doing. These moments ultimately taught me persistence, as the work still needed to be done. If I failed, I just had to get back to it and try again. Research is not about immediate success; it’s about learning from setbacks and refining techniques. Each failure became a crucial part of the process, helping me develop a more realistic approach to research.

Attending group meetings also influenced my perspective. Watching other projects progress steadily showed me that research is not a linear process, and every project moves at its own pace. This realization helped me understand that comparing progress across projects is unproductive and that each one encounters its unique challenges.

Another impactful experience was participating in morning classes where we were introduced to new physics concepts I hadn’t learned before. These sessions made me aware of how much I didn’t know and how much more there was for me to understand. This awareness led to continuous learning and growth, not just from the classes, but also through conversations with graduate students. Engaging with them broadened my understanding and motivated me to seek more knowledge, knowing that the research journey is an ongoing process of discovery and improvement.

This transformation is significant for my career plan because I want to work in the research industry, where persistence and adaptability are essential. Understanding that research is not about immediate success but learning from failures and refining techniques has helped me build the resilience I will need in a professional setting. The ability to embrace setbacks and keep moving forward is crucial for long-term success in any research environment, where uncertainty and challenges are part of the process.

MBE

1. For my project, I participated in undergraduate research at The Ohio State University. The focus in my research was on cell separations vis magnetism along with cell cytometry in the chemical and biomolecular engineering field.
2. While completing my project, I was able to learn a lot about how new technology comes about and the process that occurs for this. Before this, I had always heard about new research and inventions coming from university research but was very uneducated about the process it takes for these products to evolve. The research, time, and problem-solving skills that go into a new idea are all things I had known before, but the magnitude of them was unknown to me. This made me look at the world in a different light, especially the medical field, as that was the focus of my research. The field has come such a long way, in such a short time, that I overlooked all the time that so many people put into their research to get it to where we are now.
3. As mentioned previously, I learned a lot about how new technology comes to be, and I have this project to thank for that. The hands-on work gives me a new appreciation for all the brilliant people that have taken technology to where it is today. This experience taught me so much about how to go about experimental research that I can take in future endeavors. Participating in the lab taught me about the steps you must take to get a product from a simple idea to a functioning, usable product.

However, the people I was able to work with taught me so much about this field and research in general that it was the true highlight of my experience. I got to work with a professor that has done research at the University level for over thirty years in the biomolecular field. Being able to work with him, ask him questions, and hear his wisdom, not only about our work but about the field in general, was so informative. His advice will not only help me in professional settings in the future, but my education here at Ohio State. We were able to discuss the classes offered here, and what I can do to help myself succeed here in the time I have left.

I also got to work with many graduate students from all over the world and hear their experiences from their previous education along with what they had learned at Ohio State. Not only did they teach me a lot about the research, but they gave great insights into what is entailed in graduate school. The students also gave great resources to learn more about current research outside of ours. I was able to read a lot of research papers on varying subjects, which greatly expanded my knowledge about medical and scientific advancements.

4. This opportunity gave me so much information and greatly helped in deciding what I want to do in the future. I have debated going to graduate school all four years of college, and this helped me decide. By getting to talk to graduate students, seeing what they do on a day-to-day basis, and obtaining more information about it, I decided that I am not ready to pursue further schooling. However, that does not mean that this experience will not help me in my future endeavors. It taught me so many professional skills, lab techniques, and problem-solving skills that I can take on to my future career. The research experience allowed me to realize that I would love to work in a research-based environment and may be interested in further education later in life. In addition, I would love to continue working in the biomolecular side of engineering after I graduate as I found the work exciting and something I am passionate about. Overall, the research at Ohio State this summer taught me so much, not only about the field I was working in, but also about myself.

For my STEP Project, I continued my research with the Seveau lab in the Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity through the Ohio State University College of Medicine. Our lab studies the facultative intracellular bacteria Listeria monocytogenes, and its pore-forming toxin, Listeriolysin O (LLO). Particularly, my summer endeavors centered around generating stable cell lines that expressed fluorescent septins — a class of cytoskeletal proteins — that could be used to conduct live-cell imaging of various experiments that further build upon our existing understanding of their role in cellular processes. Previously, we found that septins play a role in plasma membrane repair mechanisms following perforation by LLO.  

The project allowed me to work independently in my research lab and understand the many steps that make a research project feasible and successful. The focus on reproducibility in the project also helped me practice my laboratory techniques and restructure my experiments based on what I had learned, which also helped me independently grow as a researcher. I also learned that while I enjoy research and am grateful for the opportunities that I had this summer, I would like to continue exploring several types of research to see if there are others that I am interested in for the future, such as clinical or public health research.  

Working very closely with my graduate student mentor, I was grateful to have received guidance on the ways that I should be approaching each aspect of the project, especially when there were setbacks or challenges that I had not previously encountered. While she allowed me to reach my own conclusions and work through these challenges independently, she helped me conceptualize every step and understand the detail with which I needed to approach problems to solve them and progress in the project. This was a skill I built with more dedicated time in the lab, and I am grateful to have learned problem-solving strategies and mindsets that certainly have applications in other aspects of my life. 

I found that the repetitive nature of the research I was doing helped me to learn more about specific lab techniques and improve my skills. Also, I felt like I was understanding the research techniques I had read about in scientific journals and publications for my classes, which helped enhance my ability to comprehend scientific literature. This even helped me understand the content that I was learning and interpret figures and graphs during my MCAT preparation, which made me realize the true magnitude of knowledge that comes with application, especially on a more regular basis throughout this summer project.  

Finally, I realized that while I do enjoy microbiology research and the work that I am doing in the lab, I am interested in learning more about other aspects of research in different disciplines that may be a better fit for my strengths and interests. I really enjoy working with other people directly, and the sometimes-solitary nature of research would be challenging for me if I decided to pursue it as a career path in the future. This helped me feel more reassured about my decision to pursue medicine as a career, but I am certainly interested in exploring other aspects of research and continue working in the lab, because of all the valuable knowledge and skills that I have learned.  

The opportunities I have had in the lab this summer transcend just technical skills—many of them have shown me ways to tackle complex challenges that I am certain I will face regularly in a medical career, so I am immensely grateful for the experiences and am excited to continue learning about other aspects of research in the future that I have never done before. Additionally, I have gained knowledge about how to evaluate scientific studies and processes that is critical for me to practice in both the academic and career settings as I pursue medicine and work to finish my degree in Microbiology. Overall, I have had such a rewarding experience working in the Seveau lab this summer, and I am excited to continue my work throughout this year and explore other pathways for me in research in the future.

In my research this summer, we collected and compiled cryptographic-related projects from Github (e.g., OpenSSL) by different compilation options such as O0-O2, arches (x64, x86, arm, MIPS), obfuscation, identified the cryptographic functions from the binaries, and classified the functions with the specific algorithms.

Before conducting the research, I thought I knew a lot already, but when I followed the PhD students, I realized that I still had a lot of knowledge that I didn’t know much about, such as reverse engineering, the kernel of linux, and the training of various models. Half of my time is spent learning new things, and the more I learn, the more I realize how ignorant I am, and how much I have to learn. The only way to realize how small I am is to keep learning.
After this research, I became more humble, I met a lot of very capable people and learned a lot about the latest techniques and research on language modeling and reverse engineering, which will help me a lot in the future.
After this research I became more humble, I met a lot of competent people and learned a lot about the latest techniques and research on language modeling and reverse engineering, which will help me a lot in the future. When the task was assigned to me, I realized there were many terms and techniques I had never heard of, which was a big shock to me.
After the frustration, I started a cycle of learning and completing the tasks, I tend to look for videos on YouTube about the relevant techniques and put them into practice as soon as I finish learning them, which made me grasp the new techniques very quickly, and I also realized that practice is the best way to understand the knowledge.
Due to my learning-by-doing approach, we didn’t progress as fast as we had hoped, and I was frustrated that we didn’t complete all of the tasks until the scheduled end of the study, but I will continue to work until the study is complete.
This research has made me realize what the sea of learning is, and I will maintain a humble and studious attitude in the future. Learning is the only navigational light when exploring new areas, and only through continuous learning can we discover new things, innovation should be built on a solid foundation. Such a shift will surely help me to go farther in my future learning path.

My STEP signature project was Undergraduate Research. I was responsible for animal husbandry, collection, plant identification, and carrying out experiments related to testing animal behavior. My research involved answering the questions, “do prescribed prairie burns and mowing alter prairie biodiversity” and “how does fire disturbance effect the behavior and physiology of native and invasive animals.” 

My understanding of nature, the research process, and myself underwent a transformation during my time spent on this project. Initially I didn’t think much when I drove by a grass covered field. If anything, when hiking I thought it was nice when the fields were mowed and maintained. Through my research this thought process has changed. I learned to appreciate the natural things that we have in life. Originally, I was more interested in the medical side of animal science and had no gauge on how important the research aspect was. While being involved in research, I have seen firsthand how much work truly goes into conducting it. In return, I have gained a new respect for those who work on it. I thoroughly enjoyed my time conducting research over the summer and am grateful for the experiences that it has offered to allow me to come to these conclusions.

Many different aspects of my research led me to these transformations. Through my research in the field specifically, I was able to observe the diverse number of animals and plants that lived on prairies. I would go out with my research group 1-2 times per week to identify all the plants within a plot. To do this I would have to go slow and pay attention to every plant that touched the pole I was using. During this time, I would often see jumping spiders hunting, bees pollinating, and beetles resting on leaves. I never realized how many insects and animals relied on prairies for a home. Oftentimes this field research would be conducted over an 8-hour period, in an open prairie, and on 90-degree days. I quickly learned that research was not as easy as I anticipated. There is a process, and you must follow in order to collect the information needed correctly. As the days went on, I became better and more confident in my identification skills and looked forward to my days in the field. Although it was hard It was amazing to see how the information for research is often collected.

My research inside the lab also contributed to my transformation. Even though my work inside the lab was not as labor intensive as in the field it was still challenging and eye opening. While working in the lab my days would range from 5-12 hours long. I would follow a schedule starting with checking for cricket elcosions and sexually mature adults. Then moving onto mate changes, egg pad replacements, and call recordings. Lastly, I would finish my day off with fighting crickets and making sure all crickets have food and water. This seemingly small process would take hours and often resulted in roadblocks. The graduate student I worked with was amazing and helped me overcome these and learn from these blocks. There are so many aspects to research and every single one is of them is equally important. The research I was involved in over the summer dealt with the collection aspect and did not involve the processing and interpretation that would need to come after. I enjoyed the responsibility, learning, and new experiences that came from my participation in this research.

This transformation has changed my life in both the professional and personal aspects. I found I had an interest in both the medical and research side of animal science and would like to work on both during the remainder of my undergraduate degree. I will stay on with my research group into my senior year of college. During the fall I will be able to help interpret and process the information I collected during the summer. From now on I will always think twice about that grass covered field I drive past or that prairie I walk through while hiking. I am more confident in myself and my ability to succeed in my career and studies. I will always be grateful for the opportunities I have been given with this project and the experiences it has provided me. 

STEP Post-Project Reflection Prompts

1. Please provide a brief description of your STEP Signature Project. Write two or three sentences describing the main activities your STEP Signature Project entailed.

This project’s purpose was to create cardiac progenitor cells from undifferentiated human induced pluripotent stem cells and compare these cardiac progenitor cells to that of commercially available cardiac progenitor cells. We decided to compare their morphology, their gene expression, and their cardiac differentiation potential to see how they align. In the future I would like to test these cells in vivo and see what cardiac lineages these cells are able to differentiate into.   

2. What about your understanding of yourself, your assumptions, or your view of the world changed/transformed while completing your STEP Signature Project? Write one or two paragraphs to describe the change or transformation that took place.

During my STEP Signature Project on the differentiation of hi-PSCs to cardiac progenitors using Isoxale-9, I gained a deeper understanding of the complexities of scientific research. Initially, I assumed that the process of differentiating stem cells into specific cell types would follow a straightforward, well-established protocol. However, as I worked more into the project, I realized that scientific exploration involves a lot of trial and error, careful optimization, and overcoming some unexpected challenges along the way. This experience helped me appreciate the patience, attention to detail, and adaptability needed in research.

What’s more, my view of the potential for regenerative medicine and stem cell therapies has shifted. I always saw these fields as futuristic and abstract, but by working hands-on with hi-PSCs and observing the tangible steps toward developing cardiac progenitors, I became more aware of the real-world applications and the impact this research could have on treating cardiovascular diseases. This project transformed my understanding of how science can directly contribute to solving critical health issues, reinforcing my passion for pursuing a career in biomedical research.

3. What events, interactions, relationships, or activities during your STEP Signature Project led to the change/transformation that you discussed in #2, and how did those affect you? Write three or four paragraphs describing the key aspects of your experiences completing your STEP Signature Project that led to this change/transformation.

Several key events and interactions during my STEP Signature Project contributed to the transformation I experienced. One of the most impactful aspects was the hands-on laboratory work involved in differentiating hi-PSCs into cardiac progenitors using Isoxazole-9. In the beginning, I was excited by the idea of working with stem cells, but I quickly realized that the process was much more complex and challenging than I had anticipated. Experimentation often involved tweaking protocols, analyzing results, and sometimes troubleshooting failed attempts. These challenges taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability in research, as well as the value of approaching each obstacle with a solution-oriented mindset.

Another key factor was the mentorship and guidance I received from my PI, Research Scientist, and colleagues. Throughout the project, I had regular discussions with them about the progress of my experiments and the broader implications of our work. These conversations expanded my understanding of how small molecules like Isoxale-9 could influence cellular pathways and differentiation. The collaborative environment fostered my growth, as I learned to ask thoughtful questions, actively seek feedback, and apply that knowledge to refine my approach. Their support made me realize that science thrives on collaboration and knowledge-sharing, which shifted my perspective on how research progresses in practice.

Additionally, my participation in team meetings and discussions about the potential applications of our research in regenerative medicine opened my eyes to the broader impact of our work. Learning about how cardiac progenitors could be used in therapies for heart disease patients made the research feel more meaningful and grounded. It was no longer just about mastering lab techniques, but contributing to the potential advancement of medical treatments that could change lives. This realization deepened my commitment to biomedical research and strengthened my desire to contribute to the field in a significant way.

These experiences collectively shifted my view of the scientific process from one that is predictable to one that is dynamic, collaborative, and filled with learning opportunities. They also reinforced my understanding of the importance of persistence and flexibility in research, helping me grow both as a student and as a future physician-scientist.

4. Why is this change/transformation significant or valuable for your life? Write one or two paragraphs discussing why this change or development matters and/or relates to your academic, personal, and/or professional goals and future plans.

This transformation is significant because it’s shaped both my academic and professional goals. Understanding the complexities and challenges of scientific research makes me feel more confident in pursuing a career in research. The patience, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills I developed during my STEP Project have strengthened my commitment to this field. I no longer view obstacles as setbacks but as parts of the research process, which increased my passion for contributing to advancements in regenerative medicine and healthcare.

On a personal level, this transformation has instilled in me a greater sense of resilience and adaptability. These qualities are invaluable not only for my academic journey but also for life in general, where unexpected challenges are common. Embracing the iterative nature of scientific discovery has reinforced my desire to push the boundaries of knowledge, pursue innovative solutions, and ultimately make a meaningful impact in the medical field. This experience has affirmed my goal of attending medical school and further exploring the intersection of stem cell research and clinical applications.