My academic internship occurred in the Summer of 2017. I interned at Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. I spent my time at Marshall University working under Dr. Yanling Yan, Assistant Professor at the Departments of Clinical & Translational Sciences, Biomedical Sciences. I aided her in studying Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and Cardiotonic Steroids-Mediated Na/K-ATPase signaling in kidney and cardiovascular disease.

Reflect on professional development opportunities in which you have participated during your internship by providing a brief description of each opportunity. What new knowledge, skills, and abilities did you gain by participating in these professional development opportunities? Describe how these opportunities have shaped your views of your major/minor and your career goals. If possible, include pictures or video of the event(s).

I experienced intense personal development throughout this internship. I learned to carry out Western Blot testing, PCR testing, and in vivo studies. These skills taught me to focus on the small factors of research. I went in with little knowledge outside of my classroom biology teachings. However, I grew immensely. My internship taught me how to compile data into excel and how to organize a scientific poster. Additionally, this experience has granted me the opportunity to become a published researcher. This internship empowered me to search for more internships and research opportunities so that I will be more prepared for medical school. It also showed me that I have a love for the intricacies of science, beyond prescribing medicine. My aspirations have been shaped by the internship providing enough insight to prepare me for my goals. I now understand that I truly desire to be a doctor. I have attached a picture of me in the lab as well as a copy of my research poster.

Have you applied concepts from your internship experience in another context, such as a professional, classroom, volunteer, extracurricular, or social setting? If so, how did you do so? If not, how might you apply concepts you learned in the future?

The concepts that I have gained from my internship have helped to influence by ability to work in a team. I used to prefer handling everything on my own, but my internship taught me the importance of others. Further, I volunteered in the Molecular Biology Lab on campus and used the skills that I learned at Marshall. While volunteering with the American Red Cross, I have been able to use my in vivo study knowledge to handle blood and chemicals. Moreover, my skills can always be applied to future internships and classroom skills in medical school.

 

I have attached a report that I created for the Honors College.