Before coming to UC, I had never worked in an actual research lab. Sure, I had a vague idea of the "experimental design" from various high school labs and science fair projects, but I'd never used a micropipette, worked with live animals, or even knew what "PPE" stood for. When I discovered there was an Honors program that matched students with research mentors and introduced them to a real laboratory setting, my interest was immediately piqued.  

 

I matched with the Kalin Lab (studying pulmonary biology) at Cincinnati Children's. I really lucked out with the best research mentor. Dr. Samriddhi Shukla has been incredibly patient and caring, drawing diagrams and flowcharts in my spiral lab notebook to help me understand new concepts. With her guidance, I've learned so many new laboratory techniques: PCR and gel electrophoresis, qPCR, cell culture, paraffin sectioning, immunohistochemistry, H&E staining, and widefield microscopy. I'm currently in the process of receiving animal training, so hopefully I'll be able to help with tissue collection and surgeries in the future! 

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Perhaps more important than the science, however, are the people. In my lab, I've met so many brilliant individuals who share not only a love of learning and discovery, but side jokes and adorable pictures of their pets as well. Although research can be frustrating or tedious at times, it can be so much fun, too. 

 

I was sad RaMP ended earlier than expected, but I look forward to continuing in my lab, learning LOADS more, and building deeper relationships with everyone! 

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