Micah Johnson, COL ’25, Grand Blanc, MI
This summer, I had the privilege of working in the Killian and Abraham Orthopaedic Research Laboratories at the University of Michigan, where I embarked on an independent research project thanks to the support from the University of Pennsylvania Career Services Summer Funding Grant. Each day in the lab was a blend of meticulous planning, hands-on experimentation, and in-depth analysis. My project focused on exploring the behavior of human tendon fibroblasts, specifically looking at how these cells interact with different matrix substrates in various disease states. To do this, I spent countless hours culturing primary tendon cells, preparing matrix substrates, and conducting assays to quantify focal adhesions. This process required precise attention to detail and strengthened my organizational skills as I planned and prepared for experiments.
Beyond the technical aspects, my daily routine involved collaborating closely with other researchers in the lab, exchanging ideas, troubleshooting experimental challenges, and discussing the implications of our findings. These interactions were invaluable, not only for the progress of my project but also for my growth as a researcher. I became proficient in advanced techniques such as immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy, which allowed me to visualize and quantify the focal adhesions formed by the tendon cells. Additionally, I delved into proteomic analysis, extracting protein from the cells and performing western blots to identify protein expression patterns that could point to potential genetic targets for treating metabolic tendon disorders.
The hands-on experience I gained this summer was truly transformative. Every step of the process, from designing experiments to analyzing data, deepened my understanding of the complex biological processes at play and reinforced my passion for research. This experience also taught me the importance of perseverance, as many days were filled with challenges that required creative problem-solving and resilience. The support I received from my mentors and the collaborative environment of the lab played a significant role in my success, and I am grateful to Career Services for making this opportunity possible. Looking ahead, I am excited to present my findings at upcoming academic conferences and continue contributing to the field of orthopaedic research.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2024 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here
