The end of a journey: thank you, reflection, and the future
Shriya S -
Hello everyone! Welcome to my last blog post. This has been an incredible, fruitful journey with so many lessons, challenges, and friendships. I learned not only so much about the data analysis technique of immunohistochemistry (IHC), debilitating traumatic brain injury (TBI), or practical lab skills, but also about the interesting nature of science where it is so important to be meticulous, yet impossible to be perfect (a nice lesson for life as well). It was also amazing to see researchers so dedicated to field of study or cause, which again just emphasizes the idea that science and empathy are not only mutually inclusive but mutually reinforcing, something I discussed more in-depth in my last blog post. Especially in the field of neurotrauma, where animal models are heavily used since it would be unethical to obtain tissue samples from living humans suffering with TBI, understanding that compassion promotes rather than hinders research is essential for meaningful, effective work.
I’ve been interested in neuroscience for quite a while now, but this project has opened up a new specific avenue for me: neurotrauma research. I definitely plan on continuing research in undergrad, understanding that neurotrauma is an amazing option, yet not confining myself to a very specific field of study (how else will we maintain our curiosity? 🙂 ). I am majoring in biomedical engineering, hoping to specialize to neural engineering later (though, still thinking about whether I want to do medicine or research). I think this research builds a perfect base for that, opening up paths where biomedical engineering and neurotrauma collide, whether in understanding the biomechanics of TBI or developing neuro-engineering devices to treat TBI/facilitate rehabilitation. Though I can’t tell you exactly where I envision myself in a few years, I’m nonetheless excited to see where my varied interests will lead me!
Of course, while I would love to continue researching at the UA college of medicine, in Dr. Lifshitz’s lab, the lab is unfortunately moving to Michigan (in May actually!). It’s sad I will not be able to have a full circle moment and research in that lab again, but let’s see what the future holds!
I want to of course take a moment to thank everyone who has been following along. And of course, thank you so much to Dr. Goodwin, who has facilitated the journey from AP Seminar to AP Research so amazingly and Ms. Pressman, who has kindly and enthusiastically helped me so much in the lab!
And don’t forget to look at my final product and play the IHC scoring game! Feel free to comment your score; I’m always curious to see what scores you get 🙂
I hope you all can come to my presentation on the the 24th!
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