My STEP Signature Project involved conducting research on the role of GREB1 in breast cancer proliferation. The main activities of my project included working with in vitro and in vivo models to study the effects of GREB1 expression on breast cancer cell growth, migration, and invasion. I also investigated the signaling pathways involved in GREB1-mediated breast cancer proliferation and explored the potential of targeting GREB1 as a therapeutic strategy.

During the course of my STEP Signature Project, my understanding of the impact of scientific research on real-world issues deepened significantly. I gained a profound appreciation for the complexities of breast cancer and the urgent need for better treatments. This project transformed my view of the role I can play as a future physician-scientist in advancing medical knowledge and improving patient outcomes.

Several key experiences and interactions contributed to this transformation. First, my work in the clinical setting as a junior technician exposed me to the human side of cancer. Meeting patients like Sergeant Mike, who displayed incredible courage in the face of cancer, reinforced my commitment to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those affected by this disease. Second, my involvement in undergraduate research at Ohio State University allowed me to immerse myself in the scientific process. I realized the power of research in uncovering the unknown and developing novel therapies. Interactions with my project advisor, Dr. Craig Burd, and other mentors played a pivotal role in guiding me through the research process, fostering my passion for discovery, and helping me grow as a scientist. Lastly, the hands-on experience of conducting experiments and analyzing data in the lab was eye-opening. It made me appreciate the meticulous work and dedication required for scientific breakthroughs and underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.

This transformation is significant and valuable for my life because it reaffirms my commitment to a career in medicine and research. My enhanced understanding of the intricate mechanisms underlying breast cancer proliferation and the potential of GREB1 as a therapeutic target has strengthened my determination to contribute to the development of better treatments. This change aligns with my academic and professional goals, as it reinforces my desire to pursue a path that combines clinical practice with scientific investigation. Ultimately, I aim to be part of the effort to find new therapies, improve patient outcomes, and provide hope and support to individuals facing the challenges of breast cancer and other complex diseases. This transformation has set me on a trajectory where I can make a lasting impact in the field of medicine and contribute to the well-being of patients and their families.

1. This summer I volunteered in a research lab within the Department of Pathology at The Ohio State University. As a way to study cortical brain development in mice, I utilized various scientific techniques–including but not limited to genotyping transgenic mouse strains via Polymerase Chain Reactions, observing brain sections under a microscope for chandelier cell signals, detecting proteins through immunohistochemistry staining, and purifying plasmid DNA to later be used for transfection and surgery.

2. I had always assumed that experiments never took a very long time and the results would always be clear and tangible. Throughout my time in the lab this summer, I realized that most of my assumptions about research were wrong–experiments take a very long time and the results  may not be what you were hoping for.

Through this project, I realized that there are some aspects of research that I enjoyed and some that I didn’t. While I understand that mice are crucial for the advancement of scientific discoveries, I don’t think I would want to work with them as a model organism again. I believe that I would rather study yeast, bacteria, or cultured cells. I also enjoyed some techniques in the lab more than others. One part I really enjoyed was genotyping transgenic mouse strains.

3. Through this project, I discovered that the field of scientific research can be very challenging. One of the other undergraduate students working in the lab with me was screening different transcription factors utilizing CRISPR/Cas9. After about a month of going through the process of testing the transcription factor, it didn’t work. She had to start from the beginning, design a new primer, and attempt the whole process again. When doing research, you don’t always get the results–let alone quick results–that you were hoping for. Despite these trials, research can be very rewarding. Even though you might not always get the results you want, every time you step into the lab you learn something new. You get to become an expert on a niche topic that many people don’t know about. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge about certain scientific techniques as well as some general neuroscience. I have never taken a neuroscience course before so I have gained some knowledge while studying cortical brain development. The lab I was in specifically studies chandelier cells in the brain. When entering the lab, I had no idea what these cells were. Now I understand them better and can identify them under a microscope. 

The lab that I worked in this summer used mice as the model organism for their experiment. The lab has about 120 cages of mice that we breed, raise, and take care of. I have learned how to identify male and female mice and wean them into separate cages once they are 21 days old. I have also learned how to check for newborn pups, fill out cage cards with information about the mice’s genes, and how to properly hold a mouse when cutting the end of their tail or injecting them with a drug. I would not want to work with mice in the future because at times we have so many that on occasion we run out of space to house them or we simply don’t need them. Because of this, I have had to euthanize many of the mice in our lab. When studying neuroscience, there aren’t many good model organisms that you can use which is why mice are very important to these type labs. I personally enjoyed the genetics portions of the research lab slightly more than the neuroscience portions which is why I’d prefer to work with a different model organism if I were to do research in the future.

My favorite task when working in the lab over the summer was genotyping transgenic mouse strains via Polymerase Chain Reactions. I would use proper techniques to hold the mice so they could not accidentally hurt themselves or me. I would sometimes have to punch a hole in their ear to make them identifiable later. Then, I would snip off a small portion of the end of the mouse’s tail and place the sample into a test tube. When I finished collecting the samples I needed, I would go back to the lab and digest the tail so we could extract the mouse’s DNA. After that, I would mix some of the extracted DNA with enzymes, dntp, primers, and water and put the sample in a Polymerase Chain Reaction machine so that way the DNA would replicate many times. Once we have enough replicated DNA, I would load the samples into a 2% agarose gel and run it. I would take photos of the bands and this information helped determine the active genes in the mouse. I have learned this technique through many of my classes at The Ohio State University so it was very interesting to actually run the procedure myself. I really enjoyed collecting, analyzing, and learning more about genetic information from this lab. 

4. This experience has helped solidify my passion for learning about genetics and why I chose to major in Molecular Genetics. I have also come to realize that when planning for my future career, I may not want to be a research scientist. There are some components of research that I enjoy; however, I think I would mentally struggle with working towards a goal for so long with such a small probability of actually achieving the outcome I was hoping for. If I were to do research in the future, I may want to do Research and Development for a food company because it may be more structured rather than having to create and conduct my own experiment. Also, some of the techniques I enjoyed using in the research lab are also used by Forensic DNA Analysts and I am minoring in Forensic Science. This experience has made me realize what I do and do not want to do in my future career.

This past summer I spent my time researching in Wood Laboratories, of OSU, a part of the chemical and biomolecular engineering department. In lab I dealt with protein expression and purification, and working with my professor’s product “intein affinity iCapTag resin”. I was responsible for my own project of determining the binding capacity of my professor’s product with three proteins of varying size.

Working on this project changed my view of the impact that small-scale research has on an entire industry, and how much it is needed for revolutionary technology. When I was working in the lab, I learned how much of a hand chemical/biomolecular engineering has in biopharmaceuticals. For instance, the very idea of creating therapeutics to treat disease would never have existed without the cutting-edge research behind it. Insuilin, being a key example of this, was the first human protein to be synthesized by bacteria cells and used for treatment. I was able to witness and perform this very practice of giving bacteria cells various proteins to express and was also able to purify and collect them. This was not only eye-opening for me this summer, but gave me a whole new deeper meaning of what it means to be a researcher and an appreciation for all of those who go onto research world-changing technology.

The main manufacturing processes I performed this summer, that led me to produce proteins, were upstream and downstream. Upstream is known as the “Production” process by which the protein of interest is produced. In order to perform upstream, a host cell is needed (E. Coli). After the correct selection, a DNA plasmid, ring of DNA with gene that codes for protein of interest, is given to the E. Coli cells to synthesize. These cells are then “plated” on agar to grow overnight in an incubator. The next day I will have examined the colonies grown, and select one in good condition to continue on to the next step. Then by using a pipet tip, I take that colony and put it into growth media along ampicillin, all inside a test tube. I would then have multiple tubes such as this one to sit inside a shaker overnight, which holds the tubes in a good temperature setting. The next day I would take sum of this primary culture and insert into media to scale up the number of cells that contain the gene that codes for my protein. Then by placing this flask into a larger shaker, I monitor the expression for the correct optical density. After the correct “OD” I induce the expression with a chemical called “IPTG” that forces the cells to stop growing and start producing more of my protein. This is left alone for another 16-22 hours. After that mixture is harvested using a centrifuge, which forces the cells with my protein in them to the bottom of the tube. This pellet form substance is then used for the next process.

The next process is downstream, which is the “Purification” step. To begin the step, I would take the frozen pellets from the previous step and put buffer solution in them and resuspend them using a vortex. Then I would take the solution and use a “sonicator” to break the cell membranes of the cells using sound waves. After ten cycles of this I would then take the solution and clarify it by centrifuging on max speed for twenty-five minutes. The protein of interest is now in liquid, and I would carefully pour it off into a separate tube and discard the rest of the waste. Then using affinity chromatography, I would purify the clarified cell lysate using the intein affinity iCap Tag resin. This is a series of steps that holds the protein onto the resin while washing any impurities away. Then using a buffer solution, I would elute the protein of the resin collecting the final product.

The bulk of my data for my research came from my purification test. This test allowed me to look at all of the stages from clarified cell lysate to purified protein, which totaled about 9-10 stages. The stages of the purity were able to be viewed using gel electrophoresis. To analyze my data, I used reference proteins of known concentrations to look at the concentrations that eluted off my columns of my proteins.

Being apart of this lab this summer made me realize what possible route I should take in my undergraduate education. With my major being chemical engineering, I have the opportunity to select one of three focuses which will adjust my course schedule. A “bio molecular” focus is one of the areas I have the opportunity to concentrate on. This focus would help me to be in a career along the lines of what my research over the summer was composed of. The significance of my summer research has helped me to select this focus for my major and will ultimately help me to fall into the biopharmaceutical industry. From this, I will have opportunities to also participate in creating/doing chemical processes that are life-enhancing.

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.

For my STEP Signature project, I worked as an undergraduate researcher at Dr. Agarwal’s Matrix ‘N Microscopy Laboratory. For the first few weeks I focused on training on the various protocols utilized in the lab including O.C.T embedded tissue sectioning, H&E Tissue staining, and fluid AFM operation. I worked on collecting surface charge data from abnormal aortic human tissue over the second and third months of the summer.

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.

Engaging in my role as an undergraduate researcher at Dr. Agarwal’s Matrix ‘N Microscopy Laboratory led to significant shifts in my understanding of myself, my assumptions, and my perspective on the world of scientific research. Initially, I entered the project with a sense of curiosity and a desire to contribute, and that continued throughout the project, but as I immersed myself in the intricacies of lab work, I was confronted with the realization of the immense precision and patience demanded by scientific inquiry. The meticulous attention to detail required for successful experimentation reshaped my self-perception, as I developed a heightened awareness of my own capabilities and limitations. The challenges I encountered during the learning process compelled me to confront any preconceived notions of quick success, fostering a newfound humility and perseverance in the face of failure.

Moreover, as I delved deeper into the protocols and techniques of the lab, my assumptions about the scientific process evolved. Initially, I held a somewhat idealized view of research, assuming that breakthroughs were solely the result of groundbreaking discoveries. However, my experiences taught me that progress is often a culmination of incremental advancements, each requiring its own careful execution and analysis. This transformation in perspective reshaped my view of the scientific community as a collaborative endeavor, where the collective effort of researchers contributes to the broader understanding of complex phenomena. Witnessing the dedication of the lab members and the iterative nature of their work broadened my outlook on scientific exploration, emphasizing the value of perseverance and teamwork in the pursuit of knowledge.

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.

During my time as an undergraduate researcher several pivotal aspects of the project contributed to the transformative change in my understanding of myself and my perspective on scientific research. One significant factor was the mentorship and interactions with the experienced researchers and lab members. Engaging with them exposed me to a culture of dedication, precision, and perseverance. Our lab had weekly meetings where we would present individual updates and receive feedback on how to proceed in the coming week. These meetings were definitely something different for me because the entire work experience was much more independent than your typical industry job.

The hands-on nature of the laboratory work played a crucial role in reshaping my assumptions. As I navigated the delicate procedures involved in preparing my samples for imaging and actually imaging them, I realized that each step held the potential to impact the overall outcome. This experience shifted my perception of research from a linear process to a dynamic, interconnected web of tasks, where attention to detail in even the smallest components is paramount. These interactions with the protocols illuminated the iterative nature of scientific inquiry, gradually dismantling my prior misconception of instant breakthroughs.

Additionally, the sense of responsibility that came with working on complex equipment like the fluid AFM further solidified my transformed perspective. The need for meticulous calibration and precise operation underscored the significance of patience and resilience in the face of technical challenges. Several times in the beginning, it would take up to 45 minutes just for me to calibrate the laser on the AFM. While these experiences could be incredibly frustrating, they prompted me to reevaluate my initial assumptions of what success entailed in a laboratory setting. The struggle to master techniques highlighted that success isn’t merely about immediate results; it’s about learning, adapting, and continuously refining one’s skills over time.

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.

On a personal level, this transformation has fostered a sense of humility and resilience that transcends the laboratory environment. The willingness to engage in meticulous, step-by-step work and the acknowledgment that even small contributions are crucial has translated into a broader life perspective. This change has encouraged me to approach challenges in all facets of life with greater patience and dedication, understanding that mastery and growth often come from the steady accumulation of efforts over time.

Looking ahead to my professional goals, the lessons learned from this project will be invaluable. The collaborative nature of scientific research and the importance of mentorship have left an indelible mark on my understanding of successful teamwork and leadership. Moreover, the ability to adapt to complex and intricate processes, as demonstrated through mastering protocols like tissue sectioning and AFM operation, will undoubtedly serve me well in any field that demands attention to detail and precision. Overall, this transformation serves as a foundation upon which I can build a fulfilling academic and professional journey, armed with a realistic perspective, a strong skill set, and a resilient mindset.

As an Akron Children’s Hospital Summer Pediatric Research Scholar (SPRS), I completed clinical research within the department of Interventional Radiology. Throughout the summer I facilitated the data collection of nearly 600 Akron Children’s Hospital patients for a retrospective study. My team wanted to specifically investigate if shoulder arthrogram injections could evaluate for labral tears using net pain score analysis. Along with the research project, the hospital encouraged interns to be engaged in clinical shadowing of different departments. 

My experience in the SPRS program was twofold. Before engaging in this internship, I had no prior research experience. I have always been interested in pursuing research, but I was unaware of how vast of an impact one study could have. After conducting clinical research with my team at Akron Children’s, I discovered how important the research process is in the diagnosis, treatment, and improvement of healthcare. Research plays a huge role in the quality of patients’ lives. Seeing how the research done in just 10 weeks had an impact on the procedures and protocols at Akron Children’s, showed me how important conducting clinical and non-clinical studies are.

Through my time spent shadowing, researching, and engaging with my colleagues’ research projects, I also discovered new interests and passions of mine. I have always known that empathy and advocacy were crucial parts to a career in healthcare for me–and this is still true! Through shadowing, my research, and my own personal experiences in healthcare, I have realized that gender biases and diagnostic delay are topics I feel very passionate about. I left the internship with a growing interest in obstetrics and gynecology with a specific emphasis on how disease pathways and diagnosis differ between populations. For me, this experience not only helped me continue to develop my passions in healthcare, but also further showed me the importance of research, empathy, and inclusion. 

My mentor, Dr. Janice McDaniel, provided me great guidance in not only completing the clinical research collection, but also in understanding what a career as a physician looks like. It was a privilege to shadow her and her team multiple times throughout the program in the Department of Interventional Radiology. As I alluded to before, this internship helped expand my interests in medicine, and I was glad to be given the opportunity to learn more about the variety of departments in the hospital. 

During the summer, research fellows were also required to go to weekly didactic lectures to help expand our knowledge about the medical field. In one of the didactic lectures, interns were split into groups to present for a ‘journal club.’ My research group specifically looked at gender bias and diagnostic delay for Irritable Bowel Diseases–in specific, Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis. Through reading and presenting these articles to the journal club, I learned more about my interest in gender biases in medicine. I even began looking at my own research project through a different lens and feel passionate about how providers can utilize research and empathy to reduce the diagnostic delay for different genders and marginalized groups. 

Experiencing this research fellowship with students across different states, backgrounds, and identities also emphasized the importance of diversity in teams. Being with a group of people that share similar goals, but different experiences, helped expand the ideas and knowledge of the group. It was important to hear how people from different schools, states, and backgrounds felt about the medical field and how we can incorporate these perspectives into our clinical research. I was also able to develop lasting connections and friendships with the other interns! Together, we were able to transform each other’s projects and provide differing perspectives on issues we researched. 

The Summer Pediatric Research Program has influenced my future greatly. I was able to work in my first research group, establish new skills, and conduct research that could decrease diagnostic delay in adolescent athletes. At the end of the summer, I was able to present my research to the hospital staff, research committee, and my family! This experience allowed me to create more confidence in my public speaking and presenting skills. Currently, I am continuing to work with my team as we begin to write the manuscript for our clinical research. This opportunity has helped prepare me for both my application to medical school and my future career as a physician through expanding my skill set, helping me develop passions and connections in healthcare, and showing me the importance of the research process in medicine. 

My STEP Signature Project was in the Research Experience category and entailed spending time in my research lab this summer. Throughout the summer, I studied the mechanism of a signaling molecule in a gene regulatory pathway using various neuroscience bench techniques, and learned about data analysis in my field. 

One thing that I took away about myself during my Signature Project is that I do not want to spend my life in a research lab. Although very educational and a fun experience overall, the monotony and daily tasks found in a lab do not well-fit my risk-taking ambivalent lifestyle. I enjoy social interactions a lot throughout life which were seemingly lackluster during my summer project. I will continue to take many good things away from my research lab, but it is not an end goal for me. 

Most of my time in my Signature Project was spent at the bench side. I went into the lab each day knowing which tasks that I had to accomplish and how to manage my time while I did so. 

Each week, I was assigned to complete a portion of my experimental paradigm to move forward towards the end of the experiment. One week that could mean injecting and interacting with the chicks at the animal facility while other days I spent behind the computer screen for hours trying to make my data substantive and understandable. The differences that I saw throughout my days made it somewhat enticing to go into work each day, but also didn’t provide the self-fulfillment that I seek to find in medicine–my end goal in life. 

The one aspect which drove me to my best performance in the lab was my views on the discovery of my science. I have taken many lab-based classes before, but none have given the true sense of curiosity and discovery that I found in designing my own hypotheses and experiments under a mentor. I truly got to develop my own basic scientific skills under a mentor, which were honed in a way that I would not have been able to accomplish without the guidance of having a STEP Signature Project. 

This change is valuable to my life by providing me with the respect and knowledge behind the processes of research. Research has always been in the back of my mind while knowing that medicine is my ultimate goal. Although I don’t intend on performing research myself in the future, it is very beneficial to see the inner-workings of it to truly appreciate the outcomes of medically-relevant research.

This summer I was assigned a summer research project by Yoon Lab. For the project I was given the task of determining is to determine whether inhibiting JNK3, is efficacious in mouse models of AD. Essentially, I was to slice, stain, and image approximately 18-40 mice to determine whether a drug that was developed by the lab to inhibit JNK3, a protein that is highly involved in the Alzheimer’s pathway was efficacious. I used my STEP funds to pay for my rent so that I could stay in Columbus and conduct my research here.

My entire view on research and medicine was changed over the course of the summer. Just being able to finally conduct hands-on research and partake in the real-world experience was honestly life-changing. I have learned about all this science-related stuff since elementary school and finally putting it to use and taking part in the role was excellent. We’ve learned about the scientific process since we were little and to us, it seemed somewhat silly. But by conducting an actual experiment let alone a whole project I was truly able to see these concepts put into work and how they were necessary and relevant. It was also wonderful to see so many of my learning experiences come together and use multiple subjects to figure out a solution. Furthermore, it was extremely significant to me to see all the real-life impact that was possible with the research that was being conducted. Also just seeing how research was so critical for medicine truly gave me a new appreciation for the work that is done in the research world.

My mentor for the summer project, Dr. Yoon was an amazing teacher. Although I was very new to all the experiments and lab procedures in general, she took a very hands-off approach. She taught me procedures by running brought them with me once and then allowed me to watch or conduct the procedure myself the next time around depending on my comfort level. Although a little daunting this form of teaching truly allowed me to become more confident and assured in my own abilities while also allowing me to make the necessary mistakes early on in the summer where I was able to quickly rectify them and learn from them while not costing the lab valuable data or significant amounts of money.

Furthermore, Dr. Yoon was very adamant about me learning to communicate my findings and addressing research topics and forums in the proper formal way. I was able to learn a lot from my readings and weekly outlines of what I had done in the weeks previous. Furthermore, for all the experiments that I conducted I was expected to make an outline highlighting what I was expecting from the investigation, the question I was attempting to answer, the actual procedure and steps, my data, the resulting conclusions from the experiment, and how it aligned with my original hypothesis. This practice even with simpler procedures allowed me to truly get a feel for how labs were run while also becoming very thorough and understanding where attention to detail mattered.

This change was extremely significant for me, especially as someone who plans on pursuing medicine as a career. I think just partaking in a small experiment and seeing the sheer amount of work that goes into answering medical questions and just the number of steps it takes to develop cures and new medicine was truly inspiring. Medicine and research go hand in hand and being able to participate in research is truly going to be helpful in the long run as I pursue my career.

1. I worked as an undergraduate research assistant in the laboratory of Dr. Venkat Gopalan in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at The Ohio State University from May 15^th through August 1^st as a Center for RNA Biology Fellow. During that time, I worked on optimizing overexpression and purification of two nucleotide specific nucleases as well as purification of a SNAP-tagged archaeal RNase P protein. Research culminated in a poster which was presented at an undergraduate forum.
2. Throughout the duration of this project, I grew greatly both personally and professionally. I learned several important biochemical laboratory techniques, such as gel-electrophoresis, optimization of protein overexpression, and purification via affinity and ion-exchange chromatography. Additionally, I was able to improve my scientific literacy and communication skills through the production of reports and a final poster on my work. The knowledge I gained throughout this project confirmed my passion for biomedical research and my desire to pursue a graduate degree.

However, it also opened my eyes to the underlying mechanism of several human diseases. This spring, I worked on a small molecule drug discovery project. This summer, I discovered the importance of larger molecules such as RNA in the formation of disease. Large molecule therapies are the future of the pharmaceutical industry. My research experiences this summer were transformative because they allowed me to gain experience in an extremely novel field of biochemical/synthetic biology research.

3. I am very grateful to have worked with all of the members of the Gopalan Laboratory this summer. The lab is an extremely collaborative environment, and each member helped me immensely throughout the summer. Dr. Gopalan oversees all research conducted in the lab and meets with each member to give advice about the direction of their projects as well as their grander endeavors, such as posters or scholarship applications. He acts as a mentor and his primary goal is for each member to gain knowledge.

Within the lab itself, the graduate students and post-docs are extremely kind, inviting, and helpful. I worked with three graduate students and a post-doc directly throughout the course of the summer. Each had the same goal: to teach me the laboratory techniques and the reasoning behind them in the kindest way possible. They allowed me to learn by doing and gave me the autonomy required to learn by error when necessary.

I credit Dr. Gopalan and the eight other members of the lab entirely with my transformative experience this summer. My relationships with them as well as the knowledge I gained from them is something I will carry on long past this summer. I am continuing research in Dr. Gopalan’s laboratory in the fall semester. I plan to further foster my relationships and grow my biochemical knowledge in this time.

4. I am passionate about biomedical research and am motivated by a desire to aid in the development of diagnostic tools and therapeutics as a result of personal struggles with a rare genetic disorder. My goal is to obtain a Ph.D. in a field such as biochemistry or medicinal chemistry and pharmacognosy and to pursue a career in either academia or the pharmaceutical industry where I can conduct or oversee biomedical research. My experience this summer allowed me to gain valuable laboratory experience and knowledge, in addition to allowing me to make important relationships with faculty for graduate school applications.

I was part of University of Akron’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program for 10 weeks this summer. I worked within the Chemical, Biomolecular, and Corrosion Engineering department under a professor that focused on spinal cord injuries from a biomaterials perspective. My summer project was to biomimic injured and uninjured spinal cord tissue using biomaterials, seed neural stem progenitor cells onto these surfaces, and observe their cellular interactions. I was also tasked with producing different forms of research communication including an oral presentation, research poster, and technical report. 

Prior to this experience, I had not had any research lab experience; therefore, this experience taught me a lot about the scientific research industry. Throughout my time spent in the lab, I realized that biomedical research is a slow and steady process that takes a lot of preparation for and requires much patience. I had to read countless research papers to find small details that would become parts of my experiments and read others that would help solidify my understanding on certain concepts. Because of this, I came to learn that I enjoy being in fast-paced spaces where there is always an activity to do or a task to complete; I enjoy having knowledge at my fingertips where I can understand concepts through real-life applications compared to reading literature. This realization altered my mindset on pursuing higher-level academic research because I had not known what the dynamic would be like. In knowing this information now, I am able to branch out to explore other engineering opportunities that better suit my learning style and preference. 

Throughout my research experience, I interacted mostly with the graduate students in my lab and my principal investigator. These interactions were beneficial as they were so knowledgeable about the research being done, and I could ask them any question that they would have the answer to. It showed me that with years of research, you are able to gain such a niche set of skills and knowledge. They taught me to be patient and look for small victories rather than big accomplishments. Since the process is slow and iterative, they kept my spirits high when something would go wrong. Being able to talk with people who are so knowledgeable in this industry motivated me to become a better assistant as I wanted to learn more and more to gather an academic perspective on the research being done. 

All activities that I completed during my REU experience positively affected me. I learned a variety of new skills that were built upon the skills learned in my classes. For example, with my micropipetting skills gained from biology labs, I was able to do different cell culturing and media changes easily that I would not have been able to do if I was just beginning micropipetting techniques. Additionally, I learned the importance of writing out your own protocols from a lab manual. At the lab, there were protocols that had existed from literature; however, for me to correctly perform the experiments, I wrote out my own because that is how I fully understood all aspects. Because of my academic labs, I felt very prepared going into my REU. 

Lastly, I formed a professional relationship with my principal investigator. Over the summer spent in Akron, I spoke with my PI often as I created technical documents and prepared my poster for a conference that I will be attending in October. My PI was incredibly helpful and always gave me constructive feedback that would enhance the value of my documents. Even though I came back from Akron, my PI and I still keep in touch as he is a faculty role model that I can look up to and ask for help at any time. This allowed me to begin my network for academia research members and potentially connect with other researchers in a similar field. 

This transformation was significant in my life because it was my first opportunity to work in a research lab and understand the ins and outs of academia. As I continue my education, I was debating on pursuing a higher degree or entering the biotechnology industry. With this experience, I gathered more information about what academia is and what the work-life balance is like. Continuing, this experience taught me that I enjoy doing biotechnology and would like to enter this industry. Previously, I was debating between mechanical and bench work, and ultimately, I would like to have a mixture of both. This would allow me to have a quick-paced environment where I am constantly doing something and getting results, but also giving me the opportunity to work on slower, long-term projects. Overall, this STEP experience was valuable due to its eye-opening perspective on the real world past the engineering degree.

        For my STEP Signature Project, I spent the summer conducting research at the Gas Turbine Laboratory as part of a research and outreach program called TEK8. For my research, I worked on a tunable ocean wave point absorber capable of adjusting its resonance frequency through an internal piecewise-linear nonlinearity that can adapt the system to perform effectively for varying wave heights and environmental conditions. I used WEC-Sim, a MATLAB and Simulink based software, to simulate the piecewise-linear nonlinearity with the intention of adding it to the wave point absorber simulation to gather data on how the system would behave in real-world conditions.  

        Completing my STEP Signature Project was a transformative experience that reshaped my understanding of myself and what I want my future to look like. Due to the project, I realized how much I liked doing research and the independence and creative control that comes with having my own research project that I am responsible for. I got the opportunity to delve into the various aspects of research and understand what it takes to do a research project. The project solidified my desire to pursue an undergraduate thesis. Additionally, I want to complete my master’s degree by taking the research thesis track, something I was previously on the fence about.  

        The primary relationship that led me to decide to pursue an undergraduate and master’s thesis was with the graduate student I worked with on my project. As someone who is pursuing his PhD, he had incredibly helpful advice on deciding that path to take and answered my myriad questions with patience. He had also completed an undergraduate and master’s thesis so he was able to inform me on aspects of grad school I had never considered like fellowships, finding a professor/PI I will work well with, as well as PhD qualifying exams that most people do not pass the first time around. He also allowed me to be independent with the project I was working on while still helping me when I needed it, which helped me get a clearer understanding of what pursuing research would be like.  

        Furthermore, the lab I worked in had many students from OSU and other universities come and present their research. These events were transformational because I got a better look at the research possibilities out there. There were so many different projects that were related to my field and hearing about the experiences the speakers had in academia helped me better understand the many different paths in research. I also got to learn about how they presented their findings at conferences, which are an important part of research and instrumental in networking and putting research out into the world. As someone who has never been to a conference, I enjoyed seeing presentations that were specifically made to be presented at conferences.  

        Lastly, interactions that were transformational during my project were my interactions with my peers who were in my year and major. It was helpful to discuss topics relating to what we wanted to do in the future with people who were in the same situation as me. They had insights and opinions that contradicted what I thought, which forced me to think more deeply about the role research would have in my life while I would be taking notoriously difficult classes. Furthermore, I made connections that will be helpful in the future when I have a question or want to work in the same lab as them.

        The knowledge that I want to pursue research for the undergraduate and master’s degree is valuable for my life because it gives me a direction to work towards for the next couple of years. It will also open opportunities for making connections and finding employment once I finish my degrees. Many of the people I talked to while I was doing research emphasized how presenting their research and conferences resulted in job opportunities in fields they were interested in. Furthermore, working on this project helped me enhance my skills in MATLAB and Finite Element Analysis, which I will be using extensively in my classes and likely in any jobs I have in the future. I also gained skills in networking with people since I had to practice by talking to so many professors, graduate students, and my peers. Overall, these skills will aid me in meeting my professional goal of finding a job doing something I enjoy.