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.
