Over the summer of 2023, I was given the opportunity to work as a student researcher for Dr. Hershey at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, in their Division of Asthma Research. This lab focuses on improving the quality of life for children with asthma and studies the mechanisms and biological basis of the disease. Contributing to these goals involved carrying out various extractions on human samples, then performing downstream analyses to obtain the concentration and quality of those samples. In the beginning, I shadowed experienced lab technicians and practiced on test samples, but now I have progressed and can independently isolate DNA and RNA. Throughout my journey, I took a handful of photos to capture my hands-on experience with lab techniques and protocols, which is important to include because it visually represents my development and how I started with no prior knowledge (see below).
My introduction to laboratory research provided me with valuable insight about how the medical field operates behind the scenes. I learned basic techniques, a variety of protocols, and how to use a handful of lab instruments. The basic techniques included labeling, recording, pipetting, and proper storage, which were all crucial when it came to conducting protocols or extractions of DNA (saliva, blood, or lavage) and RNA (blood and lavage). In addition, I watched what a typical visit to the hospital was like and the collection of samples. Although this is part of the clinical research side, it helped me understand the whole procedure from collecting samples to processing to analyzing.
After completing this experience, I have realized that I enjoy lab work and getting to handle different samples, but I also love interacting with patients, which encourages me to consider the multiple paths available to me as I pursue my undergraduate career. In addition, I was able to focus a bit more on my passion for dermatology because this lab emphasizes the connection between asthma and atopic dermatitis. That being said, I want to challenge myself to dive deeper and understand what draws and compels me to the medical field and dermatology, which is why I will continue as a student researcher for this lab during fall 2023.
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