This semester I have taken HNRS 226 which is a research course that provides an Apprenticeship at Eastern Virginia Medical School. While volunteering at EVMS, I have been able to assist in gender bias studies and research on the quality of life of patients with diabetic neuropathy. Additionally, this apprenticeship provided shadowing opportunities to help me identify my ideal field in medicine. I have been able to shadow physicians who specialize in clinical trials as well as pediatricians and gynecologists.

Include a publication or give a presentation on the research conducted. Reflect on that experience. What did you learn from this experience? How will the skills you learned as an undergraduate researcher advance your future career?

I have included a copy of my presentation poster. 

I learned how to work with a partner who is less experienced in research. I also learned how to frame information so that individuals who are not interested or well-versed in science are able to understand the information that is presented. The skills that I learned will help me as I move on. A person who is truly knowledgeable on a subject should be able to guide others. I hope to be able to continue research and also teach my peers and anyone who needs assistance. Moreover, as my sole interaction with this study was to collect and review surveys, I learned that even the simplest portions of research are a major requirement. Working in qualitative studies allowed me to understand that numbers are not always the basis. I have become a better researcher because I learned additional languages of science. This opportunity has shown me that there is always something to learn even if I think I know enough.

Based on what you learned from the research you conducted for this course, what are the implications of your findings? What additional research would you like to do in the future to expand upon the work you did for this class?

My findings have shown that individuals who are prone to diabetic neuropathy have a higher incidence of fatigue. It shows that the more severe an individual’s diabetes is, whether type I or type II, the individual will experience tiredness and difficulty in every day functions. Thus, an individual’s quality of life is weakened. I would like to research the genetics within neuropathy and fatigue. I understand the passage and likelihood of having diabetes, however I am concerned about individuals who have more manageable lifestyles. There are many individuals who are destined to be debilitated by their disease. I wish to find a way that is outside the conventional methods to allow individuals to manage their sicknesses.