Week 6: Final Touches and New Starts
Ayesha K -
Hi everyone, and welcome to Week 6 of my project! I officially wrapped up my first meta-analysis this week, and it is now under board review for approval before publication. Once it is finalized, it will appear on the INNOVAPATH journal website. It has been a long process, but I am proud of how far I have come with it and excited to share the final version soon.
The rest of the week focused on smaller but meaningful tasks around the lab. On Monday and Tuesday, I spent time reviewing and formatting the final sections of my paper while also helping Lara organize research files for one of the cancer studies. I joined a quick meeting that went over how documentation between research teams is shared and monitored. Sitting in on these discussions has helped me understand just how important consistency is when coordinating across multiple research sites.
One thing I have found fascinating is that most of the work at this lab is handled through online systems. From tracking study progress to maintaining communication across teams, almost everything runs through digital platforms. Even as an intern just observing, I can see how this site plays a major role in managing the project and keeping everything on track behind the scenes. It has given me a new appreciation for how much organization research actually requires.
Midweek, Dr. Rao asked me to start reviewing a few published articles in preparation for my second meta-analysis. I do not know the exact topic yet, but I have already started pulling potential sources and brainstorming ideas for how I might structure it. He mentioned that this next project could be more advanced, and I am looking forward to the challenge.
On Wednesday, I joined a follow-up meeting with the Florida research team, where they reviewed next steps and upcoming timelines for the chronic back pain study. It was interesting to hear about the logistics involved in launching the next phase of the research. Lara explained that once final approvals go through, she will take over day-to-day coordination from here at our site, and I will get to observe the process from the front row.
Before the week ended, I was invited to attend a major board meeting next month at the Florida research site. Dr. Rao and Lara both encouraged me to go, and it would be an incredible opportunity to meet leading doctors and sponsors connected to the study. I still need to make sure it fits in with my schedule, but the chance to attend is something I am really excited about.
On Thursday, I worked with Lara again on organizing internal records and reviewed a few summary documents she asked me to proofread. These small tasks are giving me great exposure to how research is managed from start to finish. Every week is different, and I am learning to value even the quieter days as part of the bigger picture.
Thanks for reading, and I will see you all next week!
