Dorothy Asiedu, COL ’26, Philadelphia, PA
This summer, I had the fantastic opportunity to stay on campus and work at CHOP in the Leavens Lab. As a newcomer to the lab last spring semester, I found it incredibly difficult to run complete experiments and gain confidence in my skills during the semester while managing my course load. But when summer came, I could focus all my energy on learning and practicing in the lab. Over these past few months, I felt myself transform from an unknowing undergraduate into an independent researcher, finally able to confidently conduct experiments. If anyone asked me how to run a western blot right at this second, I’m willing to bet that I could surely do it with my eyes closed now!
I am incredibly grateful for this summer’s opportunity to conduct my first personal research project in the lab. Under the guidance of my primary investigator, Dr. Karla Leavens, and the support of our skilled lab technicians (Francesca, Ashlyne, and Don), I embarked on a journey that transformed my understanding of scientific research.
This exciting journey has introduced me to the intricate process of designing and executing a research project from start to finish. I’ve come to understand that scientific exploration is a winding road of trial and error. My experiments pushed me to think critically and creatively when troubleshooting issues. When faced with unexpected results, I honed my skills in data analysis, meticulously pinpointing potential issues and developing solutions. This process has underscored the significance of patience and unwavering determination in pursuing scientific knowledge.
Moreover, my research project promoted a profound appreciation for the collaborative nature of scientific research. Engaging in insightful discussions and navigating problem-solving scenarios with my mentors was enlightening and uplifting. Reflecting on this transformative summer, I am proud of how far I’ve come from being the inexperienced undergraduate who kept triple-checking every step because she was constantly scared of messing up. Now, I am more confident in what I do and have come to understand that it’s okay to make mistakes – I can only learn from them. This invaluable experience has augmented my technical abilities and cemented my unwavering passion for scientific exploration. I’m excited to build upon this foundation and continue my journey in 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
