Bassel Shawareb, COL ’26, Amman, Jordan / Orlando, FL
Over the past summer, I was a researcher in the Orthmann-Murphy Lab, where I worked on the effects of demyelination on the expression of Il33 and Chrdl1, which have yielded promising results that may be leveraged in future therapeutic development. I have been in this lab for the past two years, but had not had the opportunity to work independently until this summer. After extensive training in laboratory techniques such as brain fixing, cryosectioning, immunostaining, and imaging, I was able to design and carry out my own experiments and analyze results with greater autonomy. Beyond learning new technical skills, this independence gave me confidence in asking questions, interpreting unexpected findings, and recognizing when to seek guidance. The experience not only strengthened my identity as an undergraduate researcher but also reinforced the importance of persistence, curiosity, and mentorship —values I hope to carry forward as both a physician and a researcher.
My interest in the Orthmann-Murphy Lab stemmed from my grandparents’ struggles with Parkinson’s disease and brain cancer. I was drawn to the lab’s unconventional focus on studying glial cells (astrocytes and microglia instead of neurons). Through my research, I have identified significant opportunities for future studies on Il33, which may reveal remyelinating properties that enhance brain plasticity and facilitate recovery from neurodegeneration. This result felt intrinsically fulfilling due to its direct connection to why I joined the lab in the first place. Beyond the science, it was empowering to see my curiosity link back to my family’s lived experiences. Every data point reminded me of the countless patients worldwide who currently lack effective therapies, and every late night at the microscope felt purposeful when I imagined how these findings might someday influence treatment decisions. I began to see how the incremental progress of basic science, though slow and often frustrating, could one day contribute to life-changing therapies.
This experience also modeled mentorship in medicine. My PI showed me how a physician can both treat patients and lead groundbreaking research. She guided me by sharing her experience as an undergraduate and medical student at Penn. At lab retreats, “Gliadelphia” conferences, and lab meetings, I was immersed in the world of research. I also learned how collaboration fuels discovery: listening to postdocs debate results, or giving feedback on a peer’s poster, taught me the value of constructive critique. These interactions pushed me to mentor others myself, guiding students through CURF’s Research Peer Advisor program. By sharing my own stumbles and strategies, I realized how important patience and humility are in fostering growth. Watching others gain confidence reminded me that science is not only about advancing knowledge, but also about creating an environment where curiosity can thrive. That lesson is one I hope to carry forward as a physician.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2025 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
