What specific experiences (honors or otherwise) in the past year have had the most impact on your academic and professional goals and trajectory? Articulate specific academic and/or professional goals for the next year.
There have been many experiences in the past year which have impacted my life in some way, shape, or form. One experience which has opened many doors for me has been the Biomedical Research and Mentoring Program (RaMP)—a pre-approved Honors Experience. An additional experience which the world continues to grapple with each day, the coronavirus pandemic, has coincidentally provided much insight into the ways in which I hope to inspire change within the healthcare system.
Through RaMP, I had the opportunity to be placed in the the Cornwall Lab, an Orthopaedics laboratory at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital studying cerebral palsy and neonatal brachial plexus injury, which are the two most common causes of paralysis in children. Debilitating muscle contractures result from these neuromuscular disorders and severely impair function and mobility in the affected limbs. At the present moment, there is no cure for these contractures. The Cornwall Lab is looking to find novel treatments for these 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.
Throughout my time working in the Cornwall Lab, I have had the opportunity to learn various laboratory techniques, partake in weekly division meetings, and observe Dr. Cornwall perform surgeries. Additionally, I have been offered to present my research at the annual CCHMC Developmental Biology Conference which unfortunately had to be canceled due to the coronavirus. However, I am very excited that I am able to continue my research for the Cornwall Lab throughout the summer as a remote SURF student. As a result, I hope to continue developing my biomedical research knowledge and skills. Not only has this RaMP experience solidified my passion for medicine, but it has also made me more aware of the endless opportunities for advancements to be made within the medical profession.
Even though the coronavirus pandemic has changed countless areas of our current lives, including how I continue to conduct research, I have been surprised by the ways in which this global emergency has deepened my interest in public health. Whether it is listening to Dr. Amy Acton’s daily briefings or reading encouraging stories on our neighbors helping neighbors, I have found a new appreciation for community health. I am inspired by this current state of events to pursue my dream of attending Medical School with the intent to improve the health and policies of our community. While I am not yet certain the role in which I hope to play, I am certain that the University Honors Program will support me in reaching my new goal of becoming a public health advocate!
There have been many experiences in the past year which have impacted my life in some way, shape, or form. One experience which has opened many doors for me has been the Biomedical Research and Mentoring Program (RaMP)—a pre-approved Honors Experience. An additional experience which the world continues to grapple with each day, the coronavirus pandemic, has coincidentally provided much insight into the ways in which I hope to inspire change within the healthcare system.
Through RaMP, I had the opportunity to be placed in the the Cornwall Lab, an Orthopaedics laboratory at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital studying cerebral palsy and neonatal brachial plexus injury, which are the two most common causes of paralysis in children. Debilitating muscle contractures result from these neuromuscular disorders and severely impair function and mobility in the affected limbs. At the present moment, there is no cure for these contractures. The Cornwall Lab is looking to find novel treatments for these 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.
Throughout my time working in the Cornwall Lab, I have had the opportunity to learn various laboratory techniques, partake in weekly division meetings, and observe Dr. Cornwall perform surgeries. Additionally, I have been offered to present my research at the annual CCHMC Developmental Biology Conference which unfortunately had to be canceled due to the coronavirus. However, I am very excited that I am able to continue my research for the Cornwall Lab throughout the summer as a remote SURF student. As a result, I hope to continue developing my biomedical research knowledge and skills. Not only has this RaMP experience solidified my passion for medicine, but it has also made me more aware of the endless opportunities for advancements to be made within the medical profession.
Even though the coronavirus pandemic has changed countless areas of our current lives, including how I continue to conduct research, I have been surprised by the ways in which this global emergency has deepened my interest in public health. Whether it is listening to Dr. Amy Acton’s daily briefings or reading encouraging stories on our neighbors helping neighbors, I have found a new appreciation for community health. I am inspired by this current state of events to pursue my dream of attending Medical School with the intent to improve the health and policies of our community. While I am not yet certain the role in which I hope to play, I am certain that the University Honors Program will support me in reaching my new goal of becoming a public health advocate!