Organized by members of the Herman B Wells Center for Pediatric Research as part of their commitment to preparing the next generation of science professionals, the programs present high school and undergraduate students with eight-week research-intensive experiences to learn among experts at IU. Throughout the summer, students have opportunities to participate in interactive workshops, hear from research leaders about their specialty fields, collaborate hands-on in labs and engage with fellow interns. At the end of the summer, most interns also present the research they learned with support from faculty mentors.
Keep reading to meet several interns who shared some thoughts on their experiences!
MEET THE INTERNS: SUMMER 2023
Name: Haley ArrowoodCurrent Institution: Purdue University
Research Mentor: Michelle Starr, MD
Research Interests: Pediatric Nephrology-- Fluid overload in kidneys
Internship Program: MPESC-Prep
What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship this year?
I am really interested in pursuing medical school after obtaining my undergraduate degree, so I was really interested in getting involved in medical research during my summer break.
What have you most enjoyed from your experience?
So far, I have really enjoyed all the different opportunities that have come along with this internship. I was fortunate with my primary project in that it was mostly based around shadowing, but even from that the other clinical shadowing opportunities and people I have met and talked to have been amazing.
Do you have any advice for future interns?
My biggest piece of advice would be just to make the most out of getting to be in the program. There are so many opportunities available for you, so be sure to take advantage of those.
Name: Kennedi BurroughsCurrent Institution: Hanover College
Research Mentor: Benjamin Gaston, MD
Research Interests: Pediatric pulmonology/asthma research
Internship Program: MPESC-Prep
What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship this year?
The support I have received from the MPESC program inspired me to pursue a research-focused internship. Additionally, the diversity and environment in the Gaston Lab have supported my research interests for the past two summers.
What have you most enjoyed from your experience?
The projects I’ve worked on for the summer have been very exciting and thought-provoking. I am doing a lot of investigative research and it's been very fun to work on.
Do you have any advice for future interns?
To try and get into programs like these during their undergraduate summers. They are great for getting research and clinical experience and have a great learning environment that allows you to pursue various research/clinical-based careers.
Name: Rachida China
Current Institution: Fishers High School
Research Mentors: AJ Baucum, PhD, and Nikhil Shah
Research Interests: Neuroscience—How different proteins effect motor movement
Internship Program: MPESC-Prep
What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship this year?
I wanted to get lab experience and get a feel for what it is like to be a med student since I would like to pursue a career in medicine later in life.
What have you most enjoyed from your experience?
So far, I’ve enjoyed doing experiments in the lab the most. I think it’s interesting to see how many steps go into making discoveries. This time in the lab has shown me that sometimes things do not always go as planned but even when that is the case it gives us research which brings us one step closer to achieving our goal.
Do you have any advice for future interns?
This program is an amazing opportunity so take the chance if you can. Make sure you ask questions and understand everything that goes on in your lab because it will only help you in the long run.
Name: Corinne Dilger
Current Institution: Hanover College
Research Mentor: Michael Davis, RRT, PhD
Research Interests: Pulmonary Physiology; Biochemistry
Internship Program: MPESC-Prep
What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship this year?
Personally living with chronic illnesses, I frequent the patient role. As a result, I have seen both sides of medicine, from observing a physician to being treated by one. These experiences have demonstrated to me the importance of personalization, translational medicine, and treating each patient and case individually. I value both impacts a physician-scientist can have, through direct patient care and indirect but equally as important scientific innovations. I sought an internship with an emphasis on research to provide unmatched experiences to learn about, observe, and assist in the future of medicine.
What have you most enjoyed from your experience?
I have greatly enjoyed getting to experience the true translational aspect of medicine. My lab analyzes patient cell samples both directly after they are collected and a few weeks after subsequent cell culture. One day, I was able to both see a patient in the clinic and work with and observe their cells in the lab. It was incredible to see how the patient could be cared for on the cellular level.
Do you have any advice for future interns?
You are not going to know everything the day you walk into the lab. Don't feel bad for asking questions or seeking clarification; lab experiences at your undergraduate institution may be drastically different from what you encounter in an internship. The purpose of being an intern is to learn - allow yourself to do that without self-judgment!
Name: Savannah Harrell
Current Institution: Indiana University Bloomington
Research Mentor: E. Angeles Martinez Mier, PhD, DDS, MSD
Research Interests: Dental research
Internship Program: MPESC-Prep
What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship this year?
My genuine passion and curiosity for all things science is truly one of the main inspirations that pulled me to take part and pursue a research-focused internship at IU School of Medicine this year. Working in an environment that allows me to grow my knowledge about topics that are unique, yet important, and learning information through the eyes of professionals is all but enough reason as to why I ultimately again decided to dedicate my time to a research-focused internship this summer.
What have you most enjoyed from your experience?
I have truly enjoyed uncovering and discovering the many layers of the topic I am researching this summer. Working with professionals who have deeply studied and know all about the topics and learning from them is a true eye-opener and inspires you to keep going and growing.
Do you have any advice for future interns?
No matter your level of knowledge and exposure to or about the sciences prior to any scientific research internship program, that yearning and willingness to learn more about a topic is all you need in order to to be successful in whatever scientific sphere you’re called to.
Name: Elly KnoopCurrent Institution: Hanover College
Research Mentor: Mark Kowala, PhD
Research Interests: Drug testing for heart failure using IPSC cardiomyocytes
Internship Program: MPESC-Prep
What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship this year?
It was a great opportunity to be totally immersed in the medical field and to be directly involved in current research studies. It has offered me the opportunity to discover what I am interested in for my future career. The internship has also provided me with another layer of resources in the form of doctors, researchers, medical students, and other interns for guidance and to ask questions about further education. This internship is more hands-on and unlike any other experience I could have gotten, especially as an undergraduate student.
What have you most enjoyed from your experience?
I have mostly enjoyed the research-to-lab application. Each week I research more about our topic of focus, and then I see first-hand how it applies in the lab. It is incredible and eye-opening to experience topics in articles, reviews, and medical journals be directly applied in the lab for a project that I now am part of. My mentor has also encouraged me to be extremely involved in the lab work by culturing and differentiating my own cells to use in our drug study, which I have really enjoyed.
Do you have any advice for future interns?
My biggest piece of advice is to form a personal connection with your mentor. Don't be afraid to ask them any questions you may have. By making the effort to have open communication and a personal relationship with them, your internship experience will be much more enjoyable and rewarding. You are given an incredible resource in your mentor, so just be sure you take full advantage of that.
Name: Taylor Knox
Current Institution: Hanover College
Research Mentor: David Hains, MD
Research Interests: Genetics
Internship Program: MPESC-Prep
What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship this year?
I have participated in the Purdue Science and Engineering Fair every year since 4th grade, becoming more independent in my project each year. I have had a love for research since then and have always been fascinated by the world of science. I was inspired to pursue this internship because it allows me to gain meaningful experiences that I will be able to carry with me into my future in medicine.
What have you most enjoyed from your experience?
It is truly incredible how much I have learned in only one summer during this program. I think the most enjoyable experience has been networking and the incredible opportunities my assigned lab has provided me with. My favorite opportunity has been being able to be a co-author on a publication and learning all about the publication/scientific writing process!
Do you have any advice for future interns?
My biggest piece of advice for future interns is to come into the summer with an open mind. Science is messy and doesn’t always work right away, so coming in with an open mind is one of the greatest things you can do. Just because something in the lab doesn’t work, doesn’t make you a failure.
Name: Victoria G. Lowe
Current Institution: Hanover College
Research Mentor: Nathan W. Schmidt, PhD
Research Interests: Infectious disease and global health
Internship Program: MPESC-Prep
What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship this year?
I have always been one to ask questions and have an inquisitive mind; it may have started with PBS Kids shows like Sid the Science Kid and Zaboomafoo. Through the MPESC program, I can excel in career development, ask questions, and be a part of life-changing research more extensive than myself while following my passion for science.
What have you most enjoyed from your experience?
Thus far, I have enjoyed seeing my personal growth with lab techniques and all the fun moments I have shared with lab members, such as tie-dye Thursdays and welcoming lunches that I will cherish long after the conclusion of the summer.
Do you have any advice for future interns?
I advise future interns to immerse themselves in a positive, uplifting research environment because it will only ease their transition; cultivate their passion, and help them excel in the research they and their lab pursue. Lastly, never be afraid to ask questions and always find new ways to learn about and connect your topics of interest.
Name: Ainee Martin
Current Institution: University of Notre Dame
Research Mentor: Joan Cook-Mills, PhD
Internship Program: Wells Center Summer Internship
What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship this year?
I wanted to be in a research-focused environment to see how much I like it so that when it comes to choosing what to do in the future, whether it be MD or MD/PhD, I can have a better understanding.
What have you most enjoyed from your experience?
Learning new things. I do organic synthesis research on campus and this field that my mentor is working on is something I had no experience in. I was able to learn how to do cell culture and learn how to operate the various machines around the lab which I would not have the opportunity to do if I wasn't here.
Do you have any advice for future interns?
To not be afraid to ask questions. You will only learn if you engage and are actively asking questions when you don't understand something.
Name: Princess Murray
Current Institution: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Research Mentor: Matthew Durbin, MD, MS
Internship Program: MPESC-Prep
What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship this year?
I was inspired solely by curiosity. I had never been exposed to opportunities like this one and I took a chance at putting myself out there and it has made a huge impact on my college career path.
What have you most enjoyed from your experience?
Working with the amazing people in the lab and expanding my knowledge.
Do you have any advice for future interns?
Enjoy the opportunity. Summer flies by and before you know it, the program is almost over. This was an opportunity I am sure many can benefit from, so soak it all in!
Name: Anya Ramrakhiani
Current Institution: Dartmouth College
Research Mentor: Pratibha Singh, PhD, MSC
Research Interests: Hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells and bone marrow transplantation
Internship Program: CCEH
What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship this year?
After taking part in a three-week internship through the high school CCEH program last summer, I was eager to further explore hematopoietic stem cells in the context of bone marrow transplantation, so I decided to participate in the longer undergraduate CCEH program this summer.
What have you most enjoyed from your experience?
I have enjoyed learning about flow cytometry because I find it amazing how the technology is able to sort cells in order to quickly obtain data that can be used to make new conclusions.
Do you have any advice for future interns?
I would advise interns to not get discouraged if their experiment fails, as they can still learn valuable lessons that can help them both with their future experiments and in their careers.
Name: Ashley Remy
Current Institution: Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI)
Research Mentor: Brownsyne Tucker-Edmonds, MPH, MD, MS
Research Interests: Public Health; Health Equity
Internship Program: MPESC-Prep
What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship this year?
When I was a Sophomore, I was a part of the Life-Health Sciences Internship Program (LHSI) at IUPUI where I was matched with Dr. Brownsyne Tucker-Edmonds and Mrs. Shelley Hoffman. During that school year, I got my first glance into what a career in science would be like and gained countless skills via data collection such as conducting qualitative interview skills. My supervisors encouraged me to continue research with them by showing me the CTSI application and I was thankfully accepted into the MPESC program last summer in 2022 as a rising junior.
What have you most enjoyed from your experience?
This summer, I've enjoyed getting a new perspective on research: literature review. Conducting a literature review has been a unique challenge for me because I'm utilizing resources such as the Ruth Lily Medical Library and its associated databases to access literature for the review. Although conducting this review is challenging, it's been fun to bounce ideas around with the research team and understand how the research results are eventually communicated to the public.
Do you have any advice for future interns?
It's okay to be confused! We are new to the scientific field and this internship is one of our earliest opportunities to explore it. Each day is an opportunity to learn something new and our supervisors are more than happy to further explain a topic if you get confused.
Name: Alleé Shaw
Current Institution: Indiana University East
Research Mentor: Danielle Soranno, MD
Research Interests: Homeopathy vs big pharma; Neurological disorders; Alcoholism; Mental illness
Internship Program: Wells Center Summer Internship
What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship this year?
As a junior in undergraduate education who had always been set on going to medical school, I had never explored MD/PhD programs and thought exposing myself to research would either confirm my career interests or open up my mind to other opportunities. I was looking to submerge myself into an environment that I knew little-to-nothing about in order to grow my scientific knowledge base as well as invest in my future career in medicine.
What have you most enjoyed from your experience?
I have enjoyed interacting with the lab technicians in my lab and becoming a part of the Wells Center the most of all the things I've done during this internship. Dr. Soranno's Lab is the most welcoming, determined, and fascinating place I could have ended up in, and I'm glad I did! Everyone has been so kind to allow me to try new things, work with the animals, and improve skills that I can take with me after I graduate from my Bachelor's program.
Do you have any advice for future interns?
Be yourself no matter what. Even though the lab environment is a little bit overwhelming at first for someone who has never been exposed to it, it gradually becomes home over time. You should try to acquaint yourself with the people that you work with as well as possible; you could make some life-long friends, or even work with them again in the future!
Name: Eliza Weston
Current Institution: Hanover College
Research Mentor: Michelle Starr, MD
Research Interests: Clinical nephrology research
Internship Program: MPESC-Prep
What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship this year?
I plan to pursue medicine as my career path, but wanted to be involved with research to challenge myself and because I admire the importance of research as it translates to the clinical setting to improve patient outcomes!
What have you most enjoyed from your experience?
I get to spend a lot of time going on rounds in the PICU and NICU and it is something different every day!
Do you have any advice for future interns?
Be open to any and every opportunity!
Name: Grace Whitacre
Current Institution: Indiana University Bloomington
Research Mentors: Maegan Capitano, PhD, MS, and Jim Ropa, PhD
Research Interests: Hematopoiesis
Internship Program: CCEH
What inspired you to pursue a research-focused internship this year?
I’m planning on applying to medical school, and I’ve realized that gaining research experience has become such an important part of this process. I had never done research before this summer, so I decided to take this internship in order to help broaden my skill set and determine if I would be interested in pursuing research in the future.
What have you most enjoyed from your experience?
I have enjoyed how patient and understanding my mentors have been. They knew that I had almost no experience in research, but they’ve treated me with nothing but respect. My mentors have answered all of my questions thoroughly and without judgment, which is why I’ve learned so much this summer.
Do you have any advice for future interns?
My best advice for future interns would be to ask a lot of questions. It’s okay to be confused, considering you’re surrounded by extremely reputable mentors, postdocs, and graduate students. Asking questions shows that you’re engaged and willing to learn.
