My project is a summer research fellowship with Antonio Ramirez at the Edison Welding Joining Center focused on arc welding and printing. The research position is alongside the TEK8 program which includes a course in the fall to develop engineering design challenges for K-8 students at Metro Middle School.  

The research fellowship solidified my desire to pursue further research focused on metal additive manufacturing. I realized that although research can be boring at times with writing papers and preparing posters, experimentation activities can make up for it. The research topic I focused on was on an additive manufacturing process I never heard of, expanding my view of the possibilities of additive manufacturing. The TEK8 program made me realize that explaining research and its applications to a wider audience is important. It gave me a larger appreciation for educators and a clearer path to simplify complex topics into an understandable way. 

During the research fellowship, I learned how to use CAM software to program a welding robot to create additive manufacturing parts such as the Ohio State logo and lab logo under the guidance of a postdoctoral student. Given that there were defects in the parts, I identified that a tool lacked in the software to identify the optimal stepover distance between welding beads for additive manufacturing. This led to me doing experiments changing welding parameters and stepover distances. Data collected from these experiments were used in multiple regression analysis in Excel to identify optimal stepover distances for different welding parameters. I presented my work at a summer research consortium and continue to work for the lab during the school year for further developments of my research project including using machine learning.

During the TEK8 program, I took a semester-long class to learn how to develop an engineering design challenge related to my summer research for sixth grade students. The design challenge I developed involved using playdough and modeling clay as weld beads and using them to create additive manufacturing parts in various ways. When presenting my design challenge in the classroom, I presented background information about additive manufacturing and welding, led the design challenge, and led cleanup and reflection. I also helped other students present their design challenges. 

My experiences have affected me tremendously. I am now on the research map for welding and additive manufacturing given my work during the research fellowship. With my new relationships with professors, postdoctoral students, and graduate students in my field of interest, I can expand my opportunities and continue to develop as a researcher. Additionally, the TEK8 program has reinforced my desire to serve my community by helping students understand engineering. I will continue to consider service when conducting engineering work.

This transformation is significant because it made progress on three of my life goals. My first goal is going to graduate school and the research I conducted through my project helped me prepare for more serious research in graduate school. My second goal is doing meaningful engineering work and the TEK8 program allowed me to make a difference in my community through my engineering research. My third goal is to advance my engineering intellect and the transformation has given me real hands-on experiences using my developing technical and communication skills. The transformation has developed me into a leader prepared for significant contributions in graduate school.

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.

My step project was a research project in the animal sciences department on the progression of the rabbit industry. The project included a nationally recognized survey through the ARBA (American Rabbit Breeders Association) and a historical collection of data from domestication to what we now call the rabbit.

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.

When I first started this project, I didn’t realize that I could have an impact on an industry outside of my normal steps here in Ohio. The survey created for the research project has almost 600 combined responses from almost every state and some international participation too. I’ve found that many people are just as excited about this project as I am. I guess I’ve learned to not underestimate my potential and to start advocating for things that I believe in – because there are others with similar interests. I knew before that I had started connecting with the rabbit industry, but this has truly set a layout for me to succeed in the industry even beyond the project.

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.

Some interactions that led to these changes included many people personally reaching out to me with interest and feedback on the survey and research. Before launching the project, I met with my research advisor many times where and he advised me to approach each question in detail to get the best experience. Before I began the quest of this project, I didn’t realize how much support was at Ohio State for trying to figure out the why. I’ve enjoyed this project and learned the most from the interactions I’ve had with breeders, owners, and my peers.

A huge aspect of this project was working with the American Rabbit Breeders Association’s Research and Development Committee which is where I learned that many people are excited to see what comes from this project in the end. Working with this team over the past many weeks has shown me to continue with my passion, even if I don’t see people who want to support it immediately. This interaction affected me by making me understand the logistics of the committee, and reviewing public information so it is more accessible and user-friendly, along with appropriate across many different groups of people.

The last part that has probably been the most impactful has been working internationally to make this project come together. I’ve found research primarily with rabbits that has been published has occurred in Europe. With that, I’ve had to get creative with translations and have even contacted a breeder who frequently travels to Europe as a judge. This breeder has helped me understand translations along with taking my research with him as he travels. Regardless of the subject, there can be an international spin to everything. I’ve focused on international animal sciences and my project has fallen in the theme supporting my learning. I’ve enjoyed this project, but most importantly like to reflect on the mass of knowledge I’ve gained in the industry.

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.

The change created by the STEP Project is valuable for my life because it opens doors to understanding what I don’t understand. The more I learn, try to advocate for members to learn about different areas that they may not be comfortable in. Am I comfortable working in a foreign language that I don’t understand? No, of course not. But I’ve learned that when I feel a certain level of uncomfort, that’s when I learn the most. The change in confidence of my interests is super important as I apply to veterinary school and understand myself as a human. If I’m not confident in what I choose in life, I may not be excited to go to work every day, which is the end goal. This project has been a highlight of my college career and have enjoyed working with those involved.

My STEP Signature Project focused on conducting research at Dr. Nimjee’s Neurological Surgery Research Lab, where I explored the development of therapeutics for neurological diseases. My project focused on understating the distribution of inflammatory biomarker protein, von Willebrand Factor, in venous thromboembolism. I analyzed the protein content of patient blood clots using immunofluorescent staining to gain a deeper understanding of clot architecture, protein colocalization, and potential pathways for developing future treatments aimed at improving clinical outcomes for stroke patients.

While completing my STEP Signature Project, I gained a deeper appreciation for the complexities of research and the collaborative effort it requires. My view of success shifted from focusing solely on tangible outcomes, like experiments yielding significant results, to valuing the process of inquiry, critical thinking, and resilience in the face of challenges. I also confronted and reshaped my assumptions about the pace of scientific progress, recognizing that breakthroughs often stem from persistence and incremental advances rather than immediate success.

This project transformed my understanding of myself as a researcher. I realized my capacity for independent problem-solving and my ability to thrive in dynamic and often uncertain situations. It also deepened my empathy for others’ contributions, teaching me the value of diverse perspectives in solving complex problems.

Several key experiences during my STEP Signature Project fostered this transformation.

First, working closely with my mentor provided invaluable insight into the iterative nature of research. I observed how setbacks, such as an experiment failing to produce expected results, were approached not as failures but as opportunities to refine hypotheses and techniques. This mentorship challenged my perfectionist tendencies, teaching me to embrace flexibility and persistence.

Second, engaging with peers during weekly lab meetings exposed me to diverse approaches to problem-solving. Each discussion highlighted the importance of collaboration and constructive criticism. These interactions made me appreciate how a team’s collective intelligence can surpass individual expertise, fostering innovative solutions.

Lastly, reading literature on health disparities in stroke treatment brought a global perspective to my work. I realized the broader implications of my research and the potential to contribute to equitable healthcare, which deepened my motivation and sense of purpose.

This transformation is significant because it has reshaped my academic and professional trajectory. I now approach challenges with a growth mindset, viewing them as opportunities to learn and adapt. This mindset is invaluable in the field of neuroscience, where perseverance and critical thinking are essential for tackling the complexities of brain science and drug development.

The experience has also reinforced my commitment to a career in translational research, bridging the gap between laboratory discoveries and clinical applications. It has given me the confidence to pursue further academic endeavors, such as doctoral studies, where I hope to contribute to developing accessible and effective therapeutics for neurological disorders.

On a personal level, this transformation has deepened my resilience and broadened my understanding of collaboration and diversity. These qualities will not only enhance my ability to navigate future challenges but also enable me to foster inclusivity and innovation in all aspects of my life.

My Step Signature Project involved working as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Candice Askwith’s lab on a research project titled, “Identification of ASIC1a-Interacting Proteins.”  This project entailed learning molecular biology lab techniques to clone and create new mutants for transformation with cultured neurons and cell lines.  These transfected neurons/cells were then studied to determine proteins interacting with ASIC1a.

While working on this project, I realized that being a pharmacist is not a career I want to pursue anymore.  I enjoyed conducting research and being challenged to think outside the box about different things more than I had enjoyed my job as a pharmacy technician over the summer.  This was a huge turning point for me, as I decided that research was something I wanted to get more involved in and wanted to build a career from.  This realization came through my experiences of failing in the lab, being challenged, and exploring other research areas.

While working on this project, there were times when the project did not work as I wanted it to.  At first, the cloning methods did not work the way they were supposed to.  I had done every step correctly, but at the last digestion step, it did not work, leading to the DNA mutation we wanted to insert into our DNA not inserting.  While this was very frustrating, I went back to try a different cloning method, which worked and allowed for our DNA mutants to be obtained.  Through this experience, I learned that research is challenging because research involves a lot of trial and error.  I learned that to become a good researcher you need to be able to persevere through failures until you find a method that works.

Through working with Dr. Askwith, I am consistently challenged to think outside the box.  She would ask me thought-provoking questions about the specific steps within the cloning process on why the step was important and how it could potentially go wrong.  When I presented my findings in lab meetings, she would go beyond the basic knowledge base to get me to think about the real-world applications of my research.  Working with her allowed me to realize that the research I do impacts the whole scientific community and not just one sphere of it because all research can be intertwined together.

Wanting to give back to the scientific community more, I asked Dr. Askwith if there were any other projects I could conduct experiments on and I was placed on an additional project.  The other project I began working on was under Dr. Kirk Mykytyn, a professor who shares lab space and collaborates with Dr. Askwith here at Ohio State.  His project involved brain slicing and imaging ependymal cell cilia beating within the ventricles.  With Dr. Mykytyn, I was able to experience neurophysiology lab techniques and explore the research area of neuropharmacology.

This project is valuable for my life because it has shown me that research is what I want to do as a career.  While working on this project, I was able to uncover my love of research and my desire to give back to the scientific community through it.  This interest has caused me to explore other areas of research by collaborating on other projects like Dr. Mykytyn’s.  Furthermore, this project has helped guide me to apply to PhD programs so I can continue to expand upon my lab skills and explore other areas of research while also learning how to be able to run my lab one day.

My STEP Signature Project was the 5000 Baby Project at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. This project focuses on creating a device to scan babies aged 0 to 6 months for potential neuromuscular issues. My role involved recruiting parents to allow their babies to be recorded for AI analysis, identifying abnormal movements among a large dataset, clipping recordings to highlight significant movements, and obtaining parental consent while explaining the research purpose.

During this project, I developed confidence in my ability to lead and take responsibility for my work. Many of my shifts were spent working independently, making me solely accountable for approaching parents and enrolling babies in the study. Receiving positive feedback from my principal investigator (PI), including recognition for achieving one of the highest enrollment rates for the semester, affirmed that parents felt comfortable with me. This experience highlighted my ability to establish rapport and maintain a strong bedside manner. Over time, I became more confident and less nervous when interacting with participants, discovering my own approach to making people feel at ease when discussing research with a stranger.

This experience also broadened my perspective on research and parenting. I learned that research, when communicated effectively, can feel more accessible and less intimidating than people often assume. Through interactions with families from diverse backgrounds, I gained a deeper appreciation for the physical and mental demands of raising children. Observing parents juggle multiple responsibilities while caring for newborns gave me profound respect for their resilience and adaptability. This project not only transformed my views on parenting but also strengthened my ability to empathize with others.

One of the main activities that led to my transformation was recruiting parents and recording their babies. During the consent process or while preparing for recordings, there were often moments where I engaged in small talk with the families. These conversations revealed glimpses into their lives and what it’s like having a child with specific challenges. This experience deepened my respect for them and helped me understand why they might hesitate to participate in research. I also encountered parents who were eager to join the study because someone in their family had a disorder we were screening for. These moments reinforced the importance of approaching every individual with empathy and recognizing that everyone has unique circumstances.

One particularly impactful interaction was with a mother. She shared her apprehensions about research due to past experiences with the healthcare system. By patiently listening and addressing her concerns, I was able to ease her fears and successfully enroll her baby in the study. This interaction strengthened my confidence in building trust and deepened my understanding of the emotional toll on parents caring for children with complex needs. 

These experiences also taught me the importance of not judging a book by its cover. Even when some families were hesitant or occasionally rude, I reminded myself that I didn’t know what challenges they might be facing. By responding with kindness and respect, I was often able to build a connection and help them feel more comfortable. This approach has had a lasting impact on how I view and interact with others, both professionally and personally.

This transformation is significant because, as a future physician, I will not always encounter the kindest or most cooperative patients. It will be my responsibility to ensure they feel comfortable enough to discuss their concerns, regardless of how they might behave toward me. I have learned that many patients hesitate to share critical information due to discomfort or fear of judgment, which can hinder their treatment. My experience in this project helped me develop strategies to create a welcoming environment, build trust, and communicate effectively—skills I will carry into my medical practice.

Beyond my professional goals, this transformation has also enriched my interpersonal skills. I now approach disagreements or conflicts with greater empathy and patience, striving to maintain composure even in challenging situations. This growth has made me not only a more compassionate individual but also someone more equipped to handle complex interactions with understanding and kindness. These lessons will continue to shape my journey as a student, a professional, and a member of my community.

My STEP Signature Project was a transformative research initiative at The Ohio State University’s Aerospace Research Center, focused on aerospace engineering. Over the summer and fall of 2024, I designed and analyzed Localized Arc-Filament Plasma Actuators (LAFPAs) for 3D printed nozzle geometries to enhance capabilities through flow control, utilizing SolidWorks and experimental data analysis.

This project transformed my understanding of the intricate relationship between theoretical knowledge and practical application in engineering. I previously assumed that advancements in aerospace technologies depended primarily on large-scale systems and budgets. However, through this project, I realized the profound impact of small, cost-effective innovations such as LAFPAs on redefining aerodynamics. Additionally, I gained a deeper appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration, as the project combined principles from physics, materials science, and engineering design.

The hands-on nature of prototyping and analyzing flexible nozzle surfaces was key to my transformation. Designing and fabricating these components using 3D printing taught me the importance of precision and adaptability in engineering design. For instance, encountering challenges with material resilience under high temperatures required me to iterate designs rapidly and adjust testing methods, fostering a mindset of continuous improvement.

Collaborating with a diverse research team further deepened my understanding of how effective communication and shared expertise drive innovation. Conversations with colleagues often led to new ideas for optimizing nozzle configurations, and feedback during lab meetings helped refine my approach to analyzing PIV and static pressure data. These interactions underscored the importance of teamwork and constructive critique in achieving complex engineering goals.

The project’s broader goal of enhancing UAV capabilities pushed me to consider the societal implications of aerospace advancements. Reflecting on the potential applications of LAFPAs—from improving drone efficiency to addressing environmental concerns—broadened my perspective on the role of engineering in addressing global challenges.

This transformation was impactful for my academic and professional goals. The skills I gained, including advanced prototyping, data analysis, and interdisciplinary collaboration, directly align with my aspirations. These experiences not only strengthened my technical expertise but also prepared me to tackle complex problems with a creative, solutions-oriented mindset. On a personal level, the project reinforced my passion for innovation and solidified my commitment to pursuing a career in aerospace engineering. It also instilled confidence in my ability to lead and collaborate in research-intensive environments, setting a strong foundation for my future endeavors.

This project examined the historical significance of the Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST) in Brazil. It answered this central historical research question: how did the efforts of the Movimento dos Trabalhadores Rurais Sem Terra (MST) evolve in the face of shifts in administrations from a series of neoliberal administrations (1990-2002) to the relatively left-wing administrations of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Dilma Rousseff (2003-2016), with a period of Michel Temer assuming the presidency following Dilma’s impeachment, and the right-wing administration of Jair Bolsonaro (2019-2022).To answer the central question, this project contextualized both the historical roots of the struggle for land reform in Brazil and the simultaneous reaction against it from landowners, through its colonial roots then throughout several experiences of republicanism and dictatorships. This project involved a thorough review of scholarly articles, academic journal publications, newspapers, government data, archival research, and interviews.

This project broadened my understanding of the interconnectedness of people that transcends the artificial boundaries of borders. These borders don’t separate our basic human desires- to live with dignity, security, and in peace. Exploring this interconnectedness revealed to me the challenges that stand in the way of achieving a system that caters these basic human desires. The land tenure system in Brazil, for example, stands in the way for millions of Brazilians who desire to retain a way of life that is being threatened by capital expansion while also creating a new system of organizing production and distribution of goods that encompass values such as the right to be able to work free from exploitation and self-management. This challenge, I have realize, is not solely endemic to Brazil, but in all parts of the world. It unifies us, and it underscored a profound truth: that solidarity, rather than separation, is essential in navigating the complexities and defections of our systems.

Through this research project, I also deepened my awareness of the urgency to protect environmental sustainability and ecological diversity in the face of an escalating climate crisis. It revealed to me that the way we produce, distribute and consume have externalities that affect things other than ourselves. It became clear that individual actions, while meaningful in their own way, cannot negate what is systemic, which requires broader collective solutions. Movements like the MST illustrate the transformative power of collective action, providing a model which materially address systemic inequalities in education, healthcare, access to land, food security, water, etc., while putting in motion a viable mechanism of producing, distributing and consuming that prioritizes sustainability, stewardship, valuable and dignified work, and other values that larger society must adapt if it wishes to provide long-term solutions to the challenges we face as humanity at large.

Many interactions, relationships, and activities during my project lead to these transformations. Firstly, my relationship with my research advisors, Dr. Bartow Elmore and Dr. Jennifer Eaglin were vital to this development. I first came across Professor Elmore in a History of American Capitalism class I took back in Spring of 2023. I was taken away by his on-the-ground approach to conducting research and engaging with the creation of knowledge. He was important to getting this project off the ground and getting me with the right people and sources to engage with this topic further. He also offered the best advice for conducting research, guiding me to realize my central research question and suggesting the pivotal first steps I would eventually take to make my project the highest of standards.

Professor Eaglin was the first to introduce me broadly to the history of Brazil when I took one of her classes in the spring of 2023. There, she was able to get my interest in Brazil to become something that I would want to participate and expand upon. By introducing various resources to me to expand on my  interest, still in its infancy, she was able to guide me towards the creation of my project. She also helped find potential areas to particularize my interest. I was able to centralize my focus mostly on modern Brazil all thanks to her engaging lectures on that subject. Her feedback in my thesis defense, based on her expertise, provided a great area to build off the flaws of my draft project. She invoked very useful constructive criticism which really helped my final draft become fully fleshed out and ready to publish.

Another vital relationship that helped this project was with my STEP advisor and mentor, Hillary Bussell, who helped me understand the process and guidelines of the STEP fellowship. When starting the fellowship mentee meetings, I misbelieved that the fellowship would provide me the funds to travel abroad for my research. However, Hillary Bussell helped guide the ways in which I could organize my project according to the STEP guidelines. This allowed me to pursue alternative source of funding, such as from the College of Arts and Sciences and the FLAS Fellowship, to help get the most out of my time and provide ample financial resources to make this project the most articulate I could make it. This experience further helped my ability to understand how knowledge is created in an academic setting, putting me on the path towards my career goal as an academic.

This project taught me how to balance my time effectively between scholarly work and daily tasks, a skill that I had yet to put to test considering my complete inexperience. Immersing myself in the demands of research, day-to-day responsibilities such as my classes, extracurriculars, living day-to-day and relationships with my friends and family became a learning experience for what my future lies ahead. Putting all this together while also maintaining focus and quality in each aspect was a daunting task. But the STEP program really helped set it all in motion. It allowed me to retain a sense of self-autonomy that I had never really had up to this point. It reinforced the importance of discipline, balance, and adaptability when pursuing complex academic endeavors.

Deeply engaging with the knowledge production process provided invaluable insights into what it takes to become a primary investigator of research. My first hands-on experience with in-the-field research methods provided me the opportunity to develop my practical skills in data collection and analysis, original inquiry, and critical observation. The STEP experience sharpened my ability to formulate and answer significant research questions in a clear, articulated, and timely manner. This has equipped me with a solid foundation to approach future projects down the road with confidence and expertise.

My Step Signature Project involved working as an undergraduate research assistant on a qualitative content review of conservative media titled The Hate Industry: Mass Media, Moral Panic, and Anti-Transgender Rhetoric. This study analyzes conservative live news broadcast transcripts for transphobic discourse, emphasizing the themes and framing. I was fortunate to work on creating the project from its conception, giving me experience assisting with the literature review, codebook creation, sample collection, and content coding.

Working on The Hate Industry: Mass Media, Moral Panic and Anti-Transgender Rhetoric provided me with insights into the ways language and framing in media shape societal attitudes and perceptions. Although my work on the project is not yet complete, the past few months forced me to confront the implications of both subtle and explicit forms of bias in popular media. Since I do not frequent the conservative media source that we focused on, I did not fully understand the extent to which anti-trans narratives were pushed and consumed by millions of Americans. Concentrating on the framing of the transphobic rhetoric gave me insight into the reality of how these harmful messages can perpetuate discrimination through policy and individual actions. As we move forward with the content analysis, we will look deeper into the locations and individuals mentioned to identify further how this harmful news coverage may influence incidents of discrimination, hate crimes, and local or national legislation.

Being involved from the project’s beginning allowed me to understand the intricate process of academic qualitative research more deeply. While I have always had a great interest in qualitative work, I needed to learn how to develop and execute a content analysis study. This project allowed me to see the process of creating a solid foundation with a literature review, using past literature to develop a strong codebook, and executing the analysis. Working with controversial material highlighted my responsibility as a researcher to address these issues with integrity, objectivity, and sensitivity. This project helped me to hone my analytical skills and deepen my commitment to promoting equity and inclusivity in my future academic and professional pursuits.

Many key experiences during my STEP Signature Project contributed to my personal growth and transformation. One of the most impactful was collaborating with my research mentor during the early stages of the project. Working on the literature review and developing the codebook required us to discuss how to complete these research processes and issues of transphobia, media framing, and their impacts. This process taught me the importance of approaching complex topics with academic integrity and empathy.

Another pivotal experience was immersing myself in the content analysis phase. Coding live broadcast transcripts showed me how language is strategically used to perpetuate moral panic surrounding marginalized communities. The volume and consistency of harmful rhetoric were both eye-opening and disheartening. It made me more determined to contribute meaningfully to the academic discourse on this subject. It emphasized my responsibility as a researcher to document and critically examine this rhetoric to foster awareness and encourage change.

Working on the project’s methodology also shaped my understanding of the value of structure and objectivity in research. When I encountered challenges in categorizing themes or framing decisions, I learned to rely on our established collaborative framework rather than defaulting to personal assumptions. This reinforced the importance of working within a structured, evidence-based system and taught me to navigate uncertainty confidently with collaboration. Collectively, these experiences cultivated my ability to think critically, engage empathetically, and act with purpose.

My transformative experience was valuable to my personal, academic, and future professional goals. On an individual level, this project deepened my passion for advocacy and social justice. Being emerged in popular anti-trans and anti-lgbtq+ rhetoric showed me how important it is to protect individuals from marginalized communities and the real threats transgender individuals face in day-to-day life. Academically and professionally, it allowed me to develop my research skills and prepared me for future collaborative work. I learned the processes of building an academic study from the ground up and gained experience in each key step. This growth has strengthened my confidence in educational settings and my ability to make change through academic research.

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.

My STEP Signature Project entailed working as an undergraduate research assistant in Dr. Swindle-Reilly’s Lab for Biomimetic Polymeric Biomaterials (Ocular Engineering) at The Ohio State University. Specifically, I worked under a PhD student in a team of three other undergraduate researchers on a corneal biofabrication project with the goal of finding a suitable biomaterial that can be 3D bioprinted into an artificial cornea. For the material to mimic the properties of a real cornea, my tasks included working on mechanical testing, assays/absorbances, protein synthesis, specializing in the anatomy of the eye, and participating in lab meetings for updates on progress.

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.

Working on my STEP Signature Project in Dr. Swindle-Reilly’s Lab has profoundly shifted my understanding of myself with regards to patience, resilience, and the purpose behind research. Initially, I assumed research would be a straightforward process, yielding consistent results with each experiment. However, I quickly realized that research is inherently a repetitive and painstaking journey, often filled with unexpected setbacks. I learned to embrace failure as a natural and essential part of scientific exploration. Experiments that didn’t work out despite studious effort taught me to be adaptive and open-minded, looking for alternative approaches rather than being discouraged. This process instilled in me a deep sense of resilience and patience, qualities I’ve come to value not only in the lab but also in other aspects of my life.

My perspective on the broader purpose of research also transformed. While gaining knowledge with the anatomy and physiology of the eye, I gained a new appreciation for how groundbreaking work in ocular engineering can directly improve patients’ lives. Understanding the challenges of drug delivery and the critical need for more effective and accessible treatments helped me see the patient as the center of all innovation. Our efforts to develop biomaterials for corneal biofabrication weren’t just about testing polymers, but were also about creating cost-effective, life-changing alternatives for people in need of corneal transplants.

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 experiences and relationships during my STEP Signature Project transformed my understanding of patience, resilience, and the purpose of research. Working closely with my PhD mentor, who is three-fourths blind and has limited mobility in the lab, inspired me to see the larger purpose of our work. His determination to overcome challenges while contributing to groundbreaking ocular research pushed me to take ownership of my experiments and develop independence in the lab. My peers on the corneal biofabrication project and others in the lab played a critical role in this process as well. We built strong friendships rooted in teamwork and mutual support, whether troubleshooting protocols or training each other on microbiological techniques. Their flexibility and willingness to collaborate taught me the value of shared effort and trust in a research setting.

Weekly lab meetings were another transformative part of my experience. These sessions allowed me to update others on my progress, gain constructive feedback on my research, and explore additional projects that sparked my curiosity. Through these meetings, I developed a deeper appreciation for the interconnected nature of research and discovered ways to expand my involvement in other areas of biomaterials and ocular engineering. My PI was instrumental in encouraging me to explore these opportunities, including networking at conferences and presenting our findings, which helped me connect the technical work we did in the lab to its broader, real-world applications in patient care and drug delivery innovation.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my project was designing a protocol for an assay to evaluate protein synthesis. This task required extensive literature review, consulting with my PI, PhD mentor, lab manager, and peers, and conducting the experiment myself. While I faced repeated failures in achieving the desired results, the feedback from my team and the persistence I developed allowed me to eventually succeed. These experiences taught me the iterative nature of research and the importance of relying on a strong support system.

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 plan

This transformation is significant because it directly suppor ts my aspirations to work in the business segment of a pharmaceutical or medical device company and eventually start a genomic technology company to provide diagnostic medical devices to underserved populations. The patience, resilience, and adaptability I developed through this experience will help me navigate the challenges of research and development and the broader complexities of the healthcare industry. Additionally, the soft skills I honed such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are crucial for fostering innovation and collaboration in any professional setting. Understanding the real-world impact of research, particularly in creating accessible healthcare solutions, aligns with my goal of making a meaningful difference for underserved communities. This transformation also complements my plans to pursue an MBA, as it has strengthened my ability to balance technical expertise with strategic thinking.

 1. 

For the past couple of months, I spent the weekdays as an undergraduate research assistant in the ACT lab which is a part of the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. The focus of the research project was to assess frontal lobe activity in participants with and without a history of traumatic brain injury (TBI). The recruited participants completed tasks that assessed skills such as working memory and inhibition.  

2.

Working on this project deepened my understanding of the teachings of human cognition that I learn about in my neuroscience classes, and the importance of studying neurological conditions. Initially, I assumed that assisting with this project would primarily involve analyzing data, however I soon came to realize how meaningful interactions with participants could contribute to impactful findings. This experience also gave me greater empathy for individuals with traumatic brain injuries, as I saw firsthand how these conditions can affect cognitive functioning.  

My view of the world was changed because I was able to connect research findings to real-world applications. For example, one of the tasks that the participants completed was a gambling task. In this task, participants see a virtual balloon on the screen and are instructed to inflate it by pressing a button. The larger the balloon gets, the more money they can cash out. However, if the balloon gets too large and pops then they lose all of their money. This task gave me an appreciation for the real-world effect that a TBI can have on an individual in different situations (e.g. at a casino).

3.

One of the most impactful aspects of my STEP Signature Project was observing how participants engaged with the tasks. I expected these assessment to be straightforward, however I soon realized how subtle the differences in performance were. For example, without looking too in depth, the performance of a participant from the non-TBI group could be viewed as similar as the performance of a participant from the TBI group. However, even without a significant statistical analysis, the data showed differences. 

Interactions with participants also enriched my perspective. Some shared stories about their experiences with brain injuries, allowing me to look beyond the data and connect with the participants on a human level. With my goal being to pursue medicine, specifically neurology, these interactions deepened my understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with brain injuries. It reminded me that while research and patient care are rooted in data and evidence, the ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life for real people. This fact solidified my desire to bridge the gap between science and medicine, ensuring that my work contributes to the well-being of patients. 

Another transformative part of the experience was being able to collaborate with a variety of different professionals that worked on this project. They included: doctors, clinical psychologists, medical students, research coordinators, and more. They, especially the PI of the lab, guided me through data analysis and helped me understand the theory behind the tasks the participants were completing. Their mentorship showed me the importance of collaboration, especially when each individual had a different skillset. 

4.

This transformation is significant to my life because it aligns closely with my academic and professional aspirations within the healthcare field. As someone whose goal is to obtain a medical degree, the insights I gained from this experience will guide my approach to patient care. I now have a stronger understanding of the link between research and clinical decisions. Being able to get the analytical perspective of traumatic brain injuries as well as personal through meaningful conversations has given me a more holistic understanding of the complexities involved in treating neurological conditions. This experience has ultimately enriched my knowledge as both a researcher and as a human being.