SURF: A Lesson in Adaptability And PERSEVERANCE
During the spring semester, I conducted research on neuromuscular disorders as a RaMP Student Researcher in the Cornwall Lab at Cincinnati Children Hospital. I had the privilege of being offered a position to continue my research into the summer with the Cornwall Lab as part of the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program. When the world was struck by the outbreak of COVID-19, I was worried that my role as a SURF student would be in jeopardy. Fortunately, the directors of the SURF Program and the members of my lab were very accommodating and allowed me to fulfill my goal of conducting research this summer!
With health and safety as a top priority, the SURF Program adopted a completely virtual format. I was fortunate enough to attend numerous Zoom SURF events that ranged in topics from mentorship to graduate programs to networking techniques. One SURF event which made a lasting impression on me was an event led by Dr. Ndidi Unaka, the Associate Program Director for the Pediatric Residency Training Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. During her talk, I was able to ask her what advice she would give to any undergraduates hoping to pursue a career in medicine. She suggested that undergraduates should begin looking for mentors, seek longitudinal experiences, and “not sweat the small stuff.” In addition to this advice, Dr. Unaka remarked that healthcare professionals must use their positions to build trust and amplify the voices of patients in partnership with their families. These are lessons which have stuck with me and lessons which I plan to carry with me as I continue on my path to becoming a physician.
In addition to the virtual SURF events which I attended this summer, I also had the opportunity to continue my research for the Cornwall Lab from home. Much of my research this summer was focused on data analysis and presentation. For the first half of the summer, I used a software called ImageJ to analyze and measure MicroCT scans of mouse muscles. I then used the data I collected to prepare graphs and run statistical analyses. By the end of the summer, I presented my findings to my entire lab via Zoom. As a result of my summer research along with the research I conducted this past spring, I have had the privilege of being named a co-author on a research paper! Please follow this citation if you are interested in learning more about this project in greater detail
Goh, Q, Nikolaou, S, Shay-Winkler, K, Emmert, ME, Cornwall, R. Timing of proteasome inhibition as a pharmacologic strategy for prevention of muscle contractures in neonatal brachial plexus injury. The FASEB Journal. 2021; 35:e21214. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202002194
SURF has been a very eye-opening experience for me because it not only taught me an important lesson in adaptability, but I also learned that it is necessary to persevere in your goals no matter the circumstances. While my summer as a SURF student may not have been traditional, I am forever grateful to have been given this opportunity to continue my research and hone my professional development skills this summer!
With health and safety as a top priority, the SURF Program adopted a completely virtual format. I was fortunate enough to attend numerous Zoom SURF events that ranged in topics from mentorship to graduate programs to networking techniques. One SURF event which made a lasting impression on me was an event led by Dr. Ndidi Unaka, the Associate Program Director for the Pediatric Residency Training Program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. During her talk, I was able to ask her what advice she would give to any undergraduates hoping to pursue a career in medicine. She suggested that undergraduates should begin looking for mentors, seek longitudinal experiences, and “not sweat the small stuff.” In addition to this advice, Dr. Unaka remarked that healthcare professionals must use their positions to build trust and amplify the voices of patients in partnership with their families. These are lessons which have stuck with me and lessons which I plan to carry with me as I continue on my path to becoming a physician.
In addition to the virtual SURF events which I attended this summer, I also had the opportunity to continue my research for the Cornwall Lab from home. Much of my research this summer was focused on data analysis and presentation. For the first half of the summer, I used a software called ImageJ to analyze and measure MicroCT scans of mouse muscles. I then used the data I collected to prepare graphs and run statistical analyses. By the end of the summer, I presented my findings to my entire lab via Zoom. As a result of my summer research along with the research I conducted this past spring, I have had the privilege of being named a co-author on a research paper! Please follow this citation if you are interested in learning more about this project in greater detail
Goh, Q, Nikolaou, S, Shay-Winkler, K, Emmert, ME, Cornwall, R. Timing of proteasome inhibition as a pharmacologic strategy for prevention of muscle contractures in neonatal brachial plexus injury. The FASEB Journal. 2021; 35:e21214. https://doi.org/10.1096/fj.202002194
SURF has been a very eye-opening experience for me because it not only taught me an important lesson in adaptability, but I also learned that it is necessary to persevere in your goals no matter the circumstances. While my summer as a SURF student may not have been traditional, I am forever grateful to have been given this opportunity to continue my research and hone my professional development skills this summer!
For my Learning Portfolio, I chose to showcase my final SURF presentation which summarizes my central findings as a SURF student. This was a pinnacle of my research experience, because it made me aware of the progress I have made—even during these unusual and unforeseen times. I am very excited to share with you my findings, and I am eager to continue my research as a Student Researcher in the Cornwall Lab! I hope that you enjoy reading my presentation!
Final Surf Presentation | |
File Size: | 7327 kb |
File Type: | pptx |