CIRP Alumni Stories
Students that work at CIRP, whether for three months or three years, remain connected to the Center and its staff. Our students have gone on to pursue a variety of educational and professional opportunities, all with the backing of their CIRP mentors. Below are CIRP Training Testimonials from a few of our Alumni:
Alyssa Jones
CHOP Research Institute Summer Scholars Program (CRISSP) Student (2012)
"As a member of the 2012 CHOP Research Institute Summer Scholars Program (CRISSP), I spent the summer working with Dr. Meghan Marsac on various projects designed to help children adjust to pediatric injury and illness. I specifically helped assess feasibility and usability of 'Cellie: The Sickle Cell Coping Kit.' As a senior at Harding University, I am now interning at the James L. Dennis Development Center of the Arkansas Children's Hospital in Little Rock assisting a psychologist who specializes in hyperactivity, inattention, impulsivity, and learning problems in children. Dr. Marsac and other CIRP researchers have helped guide my career path and inspired me to pursue a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. My time at CIRP provided me with invaluable clinical and analytical skills important for a future as a clinician and researcher."
CHOP Mentor: Meghan Marsac, PhD
Danielle Grams
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Student (2012)
“In the summer of 2012, I was a Research Experiences for Undergraduates intern at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention. Under the direction of Dr. Jessica Mirman, I assisted on a psychology-based study evaluating the proper use of car seats. Throughout the summer I gained experience with a variety of components of the research project including survey design, recruitment, data management, and data collection. I especially enjoyed the interdisciplinary nature of CIRP because it illustrated to me how people with differing research backgrounds can come together to solve complex problems. I am currently a senior at the University of South Florida where I will graduate in the spring with a degree in Biology. This experience has further fueled my desire to become an academic physician and combine my interests in research, clinical practice and teaching."
CHOP Mentor: Jessica Mirman, PhD; Kristy Arbogast, PhD
Nishi Mehta
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Student (2012)
"During my time at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention, I was involved in studies targeting secondary prevention of posttraumatic stress and the promotion of optimal recovery in children and families experiencing acute medical trauma or chronic illness. This instilled in me a passion for translational research, and I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have received the mentorship and support of Dr. Marsac and Dr. Kassam-Adams. I will be spending the next year as a Visiting Student in the department of Experimental Psychology at Oxford University, before returning to complete my undergraduate degree at Tufts University. In the future, I hope to pursue a doctorate in Clinical Psychology and to try to continue to positively impact the lives of children as my colleagues this past summer at The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia do every day."
CHOP Mentor: Meghan Marsac, PhD; Nancy Kassam-Adams, PhD
Oluwabukola Famakinwa
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Student (2012)
"During the summer of 2012, I worked on the Teen Driving Plan Project with Dr. Jessica Mirman for 10 weeks. As one of the eight REU interns, I was able to have my first hands-on clinical research experience where I learned a great deal about translational research. My specific tasks were coding information into a qualitative data program and helping with recruiting the 500 participants needed for the study. I am currently a senior at the University of Maryland College Park, where I am completing my last set of courses for my major in Neurobiology and Physiology, as well as Human Development. I am actively involved in many organizations, and I was recently recommended by a former professor to apply for a research position in the Laboratory for Scientific Thinking, Reasoning, and Education due to my outstanding research experience at CIRP. After graduation, I plan on applying to medical school to pursue a career as a Family Practitioner and perhaps a joint PhD program. I am extremely grateful for the time I was able to spend at CIRP, for the knowledge and research skills I was able to gain throughout my experience and for the great mentors and staff with which I had the privilege of working. Interning at CIRP has changed my overall perspective about research and I am grateful to everyone who contributed to my wonderful experience."
CHOP Mentor: Jessica Mirman, PhD
Alec McGinley
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Student (2011)
Student Researcher (September 2011-May 2012)
Full-time CIRP employee (May 2012-present)
"My work at CIRP began as part of the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program and continued throughout my senior year at the University of Pennsylvania. Working with Dr. Mark Zonfrillo, Dr. Kristy Arbogast and their team, my primary focus was the project ‘Minds Matter: Improving Pediatric Concussion Management.’ The mentorship I received at CIRP really opened my eyes to the opportunities to combine research with clinical practice, something that I plan to pursue. My work also afforded me the privileges of presenting at conferences and submitting a co-authored paper that is currently under review. After graduation, I returned to CIRP to serve as the research coordinator on the ‘Minds Matter’ project. I am currently applying to medical school where I am confident that the research skill set I have acquired will be an asset."
CHOP Mentor: Mark Zonfrillo, MD, MSCE; Kristy Arbogast, PhD
Anne Bakker
PhD Student (2011)
"As a PhD student at the Association of Dutch Burn Centres/Utrecht University in the Netherlands, I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Nancy Kassam-Adams, Dr. Meghan Marsac and their team on behavioral research projects in the fall of 2011. I helped pilot test an innovative web-based intervention for children who have recently experienced a medical trauma and helped compose a manuscript on child and parent depression and traumatic stress reactions following treatment in the emergency department. Back in Amsterdam, I am currently finalizing my PhD research project on the psychological consequences of pediatric burns. My time at CIRP was inspiring, energizing, and made me a more well-rounded researcher in the field of pediatric medical traumatic stress."
CHOP Mentor: Nancy Kassam-Adams, PhD, Meghan Marsac, PhD
Dan Nessenson
Research Assistant (2011-2012)
"My stint at CIRP as a Research Assistant under Dr. Meghan Marsac afforded me the opportunity to work on a wide variety of tasks and research projects. Through implementation and study of the ‘Coping Coach’ coping tool, piloting a behavioral study, and helping to shape the ‘Sickle Cellie’ coping kit, I got experience in all aspects of research, from conception to completion of a research idea. And I did that all as a part-time assistant during the 2011-2012 academic year! Though I ultimately decided that a career in injury science was not for me, the skills and experiences I gained from CIRP are applicable to almost any career. In fact, I recently interned for HGTV/DIY networks conducting media research, and my CIRP experience definitely was applicable. Currently, I am finishing up my BSE in Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering and Psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and expect to graduate in May 2013."
CHOP Mentor: Meghan Marsac, PhD
Gabriela Romero
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Student (2011)
"During my summer internship at CIRP, I helped evaluate the effectiveness of a violence prevention program for adolescents in West and Southwest Philadelphia and gained a great appreciation for community-based participatory research. I was inspired by my coworkers' passion for working with and helping the community, as well as my personal interactions with the youth in the program. This has led me to want to work in the future on community-based participatory research, particularly with underserved populations. The skills and experiences I acquired during my time at CIRP will be invaluable in both the completion of my undergraduate degree and my future pursuit of a doctoral degree in psychology."
CHOP Mentor: Stephen Leff, PhD
Kellyann Martin
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Student (2011)
"As a part of the Research Experiences for Undergraduates program at CIRP, I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Yi-Ching Lee on her research examining how stress reactions of novice drivers can increase their likelihood of driving error. Working on these influential projects has provided me with an appreciation for injury science research and an interest in continuing my career with a focus in health psychology. I am now pursuing my master's degree in Clinical Psychology and am confident the skills and knowledge I have gained from my experience at CIRP will be beneficial as I continue my career."
CHOP Mentor: Yi-Ching Lee, PhD
Kelsey Lewis
Research Assistant (2011-2012)
"My internship with CIRP was spent as a research assistant working under the guidance of Thomas Seacrist on Pediatric Biomechanics research. Our area of study focused on head and spinal kinematics of pediatric volunteers. My primary responsibility was to analyze data gathered by low-speed sled tests using motion analysis software. I am now finishing my Mechanical Engineering degree as a senior at Rowan University. My current research project, 'Origami Engineering,' is centered around developing a curing method to create one contiguous rubber sheet containing multiple magnetic poles. Working with CIRP has improved my networking and communication skills, expanded my field of knowledge, and inspired me to research new and upcoming areas of study that will benefit the world."
CHOP Mentor: Thomas Seacrist, MBE
Marley Gilb
CIRP Co-Op (2011)
"I recently graduated from the University of Pennsylvania's Digital Media Design program. During the summer of 2011, I had the wonderful opportunity to work on a 2D computer game aimed at helping children learn how to express their emotions after a traumatic event and how to help and understand others going through stressful experiences. My co-worker Eliot Kaplan and I worked to integrate the knowledge and existing research our mentors had accumulated into a simple yet visually appealing game that could be expanded as new ideas develop. This experience opened my eyes to the effects of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in children. I hope that more interactive media is designed to help children and others cope with stressful situations so that they may be happy and healthy."
CHOP Mentor: Meghan Marsac, PhD, Kristen Kohser, LSW
Melanie Ward
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Student (2011)
"I have gained valuable exposure to translational research from my time as part of the Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program at CIRP. It has inspired me to continue to pursue professional and academic work in public health and injury prevention. As I complete my undergraduate degree at the University of Michigan, I plan to pursue further research assistantships in health services and/or behavioral interventions research before applying to graduate school for public health. I am also helping to encourage other undergraduates to pursue research and advanced degrees as a Peer Research Instructor for the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program at the University of Michigan."
CHOP Mentor: Mark Zonfrillo, MD, MSCE
Daniel Huber
CIRP Co-op (2010)
"During my time at CIRP I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Meghan Marsac, Kristen Kohser, and Dr. Nancy Kassam-Adams. I was exposed to many different projects that gave me invaluable insight into what I wish to do with my career. I was able to work on projects that gave me experience in data collection and research design, as well as one-on-one interaction with sick children. These experiences led me to continue my education and further my knowledge of pediatrics, science, and healthcare. I graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology and am now working on a dual master's degree in Biomedical Science and Public Health at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey with the hope of pursuing a career in pediatric medicine."
CHOP Mentor: Meghan Marsac, PhD
Jenny Smolen
Summer Student Volunteer (2010)
Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Student (2011)
"While working at CIRP during the summer of 2010, and as an REU student during the summer of 2011, I worked with Dr. Joel Fein on the ‘Safe Neighborhood Tips’ project. I assisted in several steps of the project, from helping edit the tips to assessing potential dissemination methods and eventually running and analyzing the project's Facebook page. My experience has deepened my understanding and interest in community-based research and how new media can aid and foster that partnership. It also led me to take several injury prevention courses when I returned to school. The freedom and support I was given within my project gave me confidence that I am capable of pursuing a career in research, and I am now completing a research project and thesis of my own as part of the honors program at Johns Hopkins University."
CHOP Mentor: Joel Fein, MD
Alexander Reibstein
CIRP Co-op (2009)
"Upon leaving CIRP in 2009 I went on to complete my Civil and Environmental Engineering degree at the University of Maryland. Recently, I've begun working for the City of Philadelphia Streets Department as a Traffic Engineer. I have been appointed to the city's Traffic Operations Center, which is currently under construction. The valuable lessons I learned while at CHOP in engineering practice and professionalism continually benefit me as I begin to shape my career."
CHOP Mentor: Shresta Marigowda, MS; Flaura Winston, MD, PhD
Alyssa Mathew
CIRP Trainee Research Assistant (2009-2010)
"I was part of CIRP for a year, working with Dr. Meghan Marsac, Kristen Kohser, and Dr. Nancy Kassam-Adams on projects that sought to understand responses that both children and parents had to acute injury. I also contributed to the development of a website for children coping with the stress of their injury in a gaming form. I am currently a student at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and will soon move out of the classroom and begin rotating through hospitals. The year I spent at CIRP gave me the confidence I needed to continue pursuing medicine. The pediatric trauma knowledge I gained at CIRP has been critical to my contributions to group discussion in my classes and will prove to be integral to my success on hospital rotations."
CHOP Mentor: Meghan Marsac, PhD
Amanda Chapman
CIRP Co-op (2009-2010)
"Since leaving the Center in 2010, I graduated with a BS/MS dual degree in Biomedical Engineering. I'm now working in Data Management at DSG Inc., a clinical trial software company in Malvern, PA. My experience with human subject data, data analysis and MATLAB programming at CIRP have been invaluable to me since I've started my career."
CHOP Mentor: Sri Balasubramanian, PhD
Besa Orana
CIRP Co-Op (2009-2010)
"During my one year experience with the Outreach and Advocacy team at CIRP, I helped to develop the award-winning teen driver website teendriversource.org. The projects and people from CIRP not only helped me improve as a young professional, but also contributed to my experiences at my next two co-ops as a Business Development Coordinator at a successful digital advertising agency and as a Marketing Specialist at ARAMARK Education. I am grateful for the broad range of experience I have been able to attain through my co-op opportunities, and I began working at ARAMARK Education after graduating from Drexel University in December 2012.”
CHOP Mentor: Christine Norris, BA
Brendan Quinn
Government Affairs Fellow (2009-2010)
"I worked as the Government Affairs Fellow from July 2009 to May 2010 under Suzanne Hill, Ayana Bradshaw and Dr. Joel Fein. While at CIRP, I worked on efforts to arrange a coalition of small safety groups and major automotive companies to push teen driver restrictions at the national and state level. I also helped the Philadelphia Collaborative Violence Prevention Center liaise to communiy agencies with similar missions. After graduating with a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Pennsylvania, I commissioned as an officer in the US Army. I recently completed a year-long deployment and am back seeking civilian employment working in government affairs or a similar field. The experience at and support of CIRP has been absolutely essential for my career search and I loved every day I spent working with the team."
CHOP Mentor: Suzanne Hill, BA; Ayana Bradshaw, MPH; Joel Fein, MD, MPH
Lindsey Swigart
Penn Work Study Program (2009-2012)
"During my undergraduate years at the University of Pennsylvania, I was part of the Penn work study program at CIRP under Rachel Myers and Chrissie Forke. We worked on several studies surrounding relationship violence in adolescents and young adults, most recently on a study that would help college faculty and staff understand how students view and use campus resources available to them for dealing with violent relationships. My work at CIRP fueled my desire to complete my senior nursing thesis on the role that student health nurses play in caring for college students dealing with relationship violence, and how they can promote awareness and education for healthy relationships. I graduated from Penn in May 2012 and now work at NYU Langone Medical Center in an oncology unit. I am looking forward to using my experience at CIRP as a foundation for providing evidence-based care throughout my nursing career, and hope to continue working in violence prevention in the future."
CHOP Mentor: Rachel Myers, MS, Chrissie Forke, RN, MSN, CRNP
Mary Lauren Magargee
CIRP Research Assistant (2009)
"I spent several months working at CIRP under the mentorship of Dr. Meghan Marsac, evaluating the effectiveness of a website to help parents better understand their child's reaction to an injury from a potentially traumatic event. Since then I have graduated with a degree in Sociology from Boston College and am currently working as a research coordinator in the surgery department at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, MA. My experience at CIRP taught me patience, understanding, and the importance of communication between a research subject and the research team. What I learned at CIRP has been an invaluable part of my life and I continue to use many of the skills I gained during my time there."
CHOP Mentor: Meghan Marsac, PhD
Katherine Donlon
CIRP Co-op (2008-2010)
"I spent almost two years at CIRP working under the mentorship of Dr. Meghan Marsac helping to compose and submit two publications on childhood injury, one of which has currently been accepted for publication. Currently, I am in my second year of the Clinical Psychology PhD program at Virginia Tech, helping to conduct research in the area of trauma. I was drawn to this lab because of my pediatric injury work at CIRP. The experience I gained at CIRP and from Dr. Marsac was invaluable in informing my decision to pursue graduate school and in developing my future career objectives, in addition to providing me with a platform to begin conducting professional research. I look forward to completing my graduate work and returning to the pediatric setting.”
CHOP Mentor: Meghan Marsac, PhD
Ewa Kalicka
CIRP Co-op (2007-2009)
"I recently graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine with an MS in Counseling and Clinical Psychology. I am currently working at an inpatient drug and alcohol facility as a counselor. If it was not for my internship at CIRP, I would not have the appreciation for research that I do today. The CIRP staff I had the pleasure to work with helped me better understand the importance of research as a vehicle to inform policy and practice."
CHOP Mentor: Ken Ginsburg, MD, MSEd
Danielle Erkoboni-Wilbur
CIRP Research Coordinator (2005-2009)
"I worked as a Research Coordinator at CIRP for over four years on both Partners for Child Passenger Safety and the Young Driver Research Initiative. For many years I also worked closely with Dr. Flaura Winston on a NHTSA-sponsored project designing an intervention promoting booster seat use in underserved communities. This work later brought me into urban neighborhoods in Beijing, China to pilot the program across cultural boundaries. This work taught me the skills I now use every day to work in communities and serve as an advocate for children's health and safety. I left CIRP in 2009 to begin my degree at Chicago Medical School (CMS). In my time at CMS, I have continued to distinguish myself as a community leader, running a non-profit free clinic for uninsured and underserved populations on the Northside of Chicago. I will currently applying to pediatric residency programs and I look forward to continuing my career as a strong advocate for children's health."
CHOP Mentor: Flaura Winston, MD, PhD
Aiko de Vries
CIRP Co-op (1998)
“During my research year as a Dutch medical exchange student at the University of Pennsylvania, I had the opportunity to work at CIRP to study pediatric and parental psychological effects after traffic injury. Through the excellent guidance of seasoned research professionals, I was able to build a study that eventually led to a new and flourishing research line at CIRP. The atmosphere I experienced was innovative and ambitious, yet open and safe for researchers at the start of their careers. At CIRP, I built the foundation that helped me obtain a PhD in renal transplantation and pursue a career in academic medicine.”
CHOP Mentor: Flaura Winston, MD, PhD