Researching Novel Treatments for Neuromuscular Contractures
Back in the fall of 2019, I made it my goal to get involved in research one way or another. Although I did not have any previous experience working in a laboratory, I had the opportunity to take a course taught by Medical School faculty called Biomedical Laboratory Techniques. This class introduced me to the world of research. In this course, we worked with lab partners to conduct a series of basic lab skills, such as handling a pipette or running a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). While many of these techniques were initially difficult for me to grasp, I was very grateful to be able to hone these skills in an academic environment in which I was able to ask questions and receive instant feedback from my professor and peers. Moreover, this class gave me the confidence to apply for RaMP, a pre-approved Honors Experience in which Honors students interested in careers in biomedical research receive mentorship from a post-doctoral fellow.
I was fortunate enough to be accepted into RaMP and placed in the Cornwall Lab, an Orthopaedics laboratory at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. The Cornwall Lab is investigating the neurological control of postnatal muscle growth in an attempt to advance physiological treatments for neuromuscular contractures. As a RaMP student researcher in the Cornwall Lab, I worked under the direct mentorship of Dr. Qing Goh to investigate an FDA-approved drug called bortezomib. More specifically, I was tasked in helping the lab understand how effective this drug was in preventing muscle contractures as well as the long-term side effects of using this drug as a form of treatment.
In addition to learning the ins and outs of basic science research, I also had the opportunity to listen to several seminars on professional development. For instance, Dr. Price’s talk on ethics in biomedical research was very informative. She made me more aware of the importance of ethically reporting one’s data and the widespread impacts of skewing one’s data for the purpose of meeting personal expectations.
Moreover, I had the opportunity to virtually present my experience as a RaMP student researcher. When reflecting upon my time in RaMP, I learned that I not only grew professionally, but I also grew personally. Aside from building a wonderful network of professionals, I also learned a great deal about self-confidence and asking for help when necessary.
In summary, I am forever grateful for the instrumental role which the University Honors Program played in placing me in the Cornwall Lab! This RaMP experience has allowed me to better understand a side of medicine about which I previously knew very little. I am very excited to continue working in the Cornwall Lab remotely from home over the summer as a SURF student researcher!
I was fortunate enough to be accepted into RaMP and placed in the Cornwall Lab, an Orthopaedics laboratory at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. The Cornwall Lab is investigating the neurological control of postnatal muscle growth in an attempt to advance physiological treatments for neuromuscular contractures. As a RaMP student researcher in the Cornwall Lab, I worked under the direct mentorship of Dr. Qing Goh to investigate an FDA-approved drug called bortezomib. More specifically, I was tasked in helping the lab understand how effective this drug was in preventing muscle contractures as well as the long-term side effects of using this drug as a form of treatment.
In addition to learning the ins and outs of basic science research, I also had the opportunity to listen to several seminars on professional development. For instance, Dr. Price’s talk on ethics in biomedical research was very informative. She made me more aware of the importance of ethically reporting one’s data and the widespread impacts of skewing one’s data for the purpose of meeting personal expectations.
Moreover, I had the opportunity to virtually present my experience as a RaMP student researcher. When reflecting upon my time in RaMP, I learned that I not only grew professionally, but I also grew personally. Aside from building a wonderful network of professionals, I also learned a great deal about self-confidence and asking for help when necessary.
In summary, I am forever grateful for the instrumental role which the University Honors Program played in placing me in the Cornwall Lab! This RaMP experience has allowed me to better understand a side of medicine about which I previously knew very little. I am very excited to continue working in the Cornwall Lab remotely from home over the summer as a SURF student researcher!
For my Learning Portfolio, I chose to showcase my final RaMP presentation and abstract. I could not be prouder of all that I have learned (and continue to learn) as a student researcher! I hope that you enjoy hearing more about my research experience by listening to my presentation and reading my abstract!
RaMP Presentation | |
File Size: | 4686 kb |
File Type: | pptx |
RaMP Abstract | |
File Size: | 47 kb |
File Type: |