CIRP Alumni Stories

CIRP Training Testimonial - Emily Sykes

Injury Research Intern/Research Assistant (2015-2016)

"I joined CIRP in April 2015 as a Drexel University co-op student and continued to work as a Research Assistant while finishing my bachelor's degree in Psychology. I became a Clinical Research Coordinator in July 2016. Working at CIRP I coordinate and support several research projects, including: a Teen Outreach Evaluation for Driving Safety grant that focuses on the development of tools and resources for evaluating teen driving programs; a CHOP Chair's Initiative award to develop a hospital-wide governance process to integrate health technologies into pediatric clinical care; a Merck & Co. study to evaluate the technology components of the Merck Engage website and its impact on medication adherence and clinical outcomes; and a University of Pennsylvania grant to understand perceptions of evidence in mobile health applications among consumers, healthcare providers, and app developers by utilizing a national online survey. I began my research career as a Lab Assistant at Drexel University's Electroencephalography Research Laboratory where I gained experience conducting EEG testing and analyzing data. I aspire to continue my education with a focus on the intersection of public health and neuroscience research."

CIRP Training Testimonial -- Christian Parker

Injury Research Intern (October 2014-September 2015)

"As a Drexel student, I alternate seasonally between classes and co-op internships. My first co-op, now over a year ago, took place on the eleventh floor of an externally unremarkable high-rise in the Science Center section of Market Street, at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention. Between October of 2014 and September of 2015, I worked under Dr. Helen Loeb on the Simulated Driving Assessment (SDA) and related projects. I was just coming out of freshman year, with no prior experience working in an office, or for that matter, driving. I was a suburban kid in the big city; I was greener than the Wissahickon Valley in April. The SDA team put me to work making targeted modifications to simulator scenarios and refining the data processing algorithms. My communication skills saw almost immediate improvement, and, with time, I began to realize the extent to which my technical and intellectual capabilities were being nurtured. I found the context of my work came to inform its execution: my job was not to carry out one task at a time, but to optimize a portion of a larger system. The skills I learned at CIRP allowed me to thrive at my second co-op with the Streets Department. I have also found, since finishing my co-op, that the CIRP line on my CV is of interest to a variety of potential employers in my field, Civil Engineering. They appreciate the nuance and distinctive richness of my CIRP experience. The questions CIRP answers are complicated and conceived according to the needs of safety and prosperity, making the work meaningful and unique. Every task is different; every project is fresh; every day is a new and rewarding challenge."

CIRP Training Testimonial -- Genna Clayman

Injury Research Intern (Summer 2015)

"In the summer of 2015, I joined the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) as a research intern under the mentorship of Dr. Jessica Mirman and Megan Fisher-Thiel. I spent the majority of my time working on a research study that aimed to determine the long-term effectiveness of TeenDrivingPlan, a web-based program that was developed by scientists at CHOP to improve the quality of teen practice driving. During my time at CIRP, I built a repertoire of research skills and established connections within the field of adolescent medicine research.

After my internship experience, I joined The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia as a Clinical Research Assistant on the P4 Project (Patients, Parents, and Professionals Partnering to Improve Adolescent Health), a randomized controlled trial aimed at enhancing parent-teen communication on various teen health topics. In this role, I conduct recruitment calls, complete enrollment procedures, and perform health coaching sessions with our participants. In the summer of 2016, I will be returning to Temple University to pursue my graduate degree in Occupational Therapy. Without question, CIRP provided me with a foundation of research experience that I not only draw on each day in my current position, but will continue to build on in my future career."

CIRP Training Testimonial - Danielle Kovalsky

CRISSP Intern (June 2014-August 2014)

"During my time as a CRISSP (CHOP Research Institute Summer Scholars Program) intern in the summer of 2014, I was able to spend ten weeks working with Dr. Meghan Marsac. My work was heavily involved in recruitment for the K-23 Parent-Child interaction study, which allowed me to have direct contact with patients and their families at CHOP. This opportunity helped me to improve upon my patient interaction skills and was an invaluable part of my internship experience. With my time as a CRISSP Intern, I was also involved with the development of the Injury Cellie Kit. This included assisting in the creation of a guidebook for parents of children who suffer from traumatic injury. My experience at CIRP gave me a deep understanding of how much work goes into the research process, but also showed me how rewarding such work can be. Working at CHOP this summer has reinforced my love for pediatrics as I plan to work with children no matter what career path I choose. In addition, the mentorship I received during my time at CIRP was above and beyond anything I could have expected. Dr. Marsac and other CIRP faculty made it a priority to help guide and meet with me as much as possible. The advice I was given during this short period of time has helped me immensely.  

I am currently a senior at Penn State University and will graduate in the spring with a degree in Bio-behavioral Health. I plan on continuing my research work at CHOP following graduation and eventually going on to medical school. I know that the research experience, bedside manner skills, and mentorship I have acquired at CHOP will surely be an asset in my future career."

CIRP Training Testimonial - Henry Miller

Injury Summer Intern Student (2014)

"During the summer of 2014, between my first and second year at Temple Medical School, I had the privilege of working with Dr. Kate McDonald at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) in the area of teen driver safety. I had the opportunity to learn how to operate a driving simulator and recruit students to take practice drives to assess some of the simulator's new metrics and reprogramming. In addition, I analyzed video data from teenagers who had driven the simulator to assess whether or not there was a correlation between driving errors and online driving training.

As a medical student, I am taught how to treat people who are already sick or injured.  At CIRP, I learned from wonderful mentors, including Dr. Flaura Winston and Dr. McDonald, about the impact of preventive medicine, particularly in the lives of children. I am hoping to apply CIRP’s interdisciplinary and team approach to other medical challenges I encounter in my career."

CIRP Training Testimonial -- Carolyn Moy

CIRP Co-Op (2013 - 2014)

"During the spring and summer terms of 2013, I was offered the opportunity to work at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention through Drexel University's Cooperative Education Program and was able to continue my involvement through most of my junior year. I assisted Dr. Meghan Marsac and Dr. Nancy Kassam-Adams with studies of parent-child interactions, coping after pediatric injury, and other acute medical trauma. My primary responsibilities included data management and quality assurance using Excel and SPSS, enrolling eligible patients in the studies, and medical abstractions from the electronic medical system. From this experience I have developed invaluable skills that can be applied in any professional work environment. As someone who has decided to pursue a Nursing degree in the near future through Drexel's Accelerated Nursing Program, my interactions with patients and other healthcare professionals will be translatable to my future career, especially since I am interested in working with children.

I am so incredibly grateful to Dr. Marsac, Kristen Kohser, Dr. Kassam-Adams, and the other members of CIRP that I was fortunate to interact with on a daily basis. As a mentor, Dr. Marsac made my professional and personal development a priority, which gave me the confidence to pursue a career that fits my values and personal preferences. I hope to continue my pursuit of a career in healthcare and continue to develop everything I have learned during my time at CIRP!"

CIRP Training Testimonial -- Dandi Zhu

Research Assistant (September 2012 - May 2013)

"During my time at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention, I had the opportunity to work with Dr. Aditya Belwadi and Tom Seacrist to analyze and test the biofidelity of current crash test dummy designs. At the time, I was a sophomore studying Bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania with minors in Mathematics and Engineering Entrepreneurship. My time at CIRP was a tremendous learning experience for three primary reasons: the availability of my mentors, my hands-on involvement, and the culture at CIRP. 

Both of my mentors were easily accessible and always willing to provide guidance and career advice. I also gained invaluable skills applying my Matlab knowledge to analyze impactful data and learning how to use video tracking software in conjunction with Microsoft Excel. It was rewarding to transform raw data into visuals, trends, and ultimately, recommendations for future dummy designs. The inclusive culture at CIRP provided a supportive atmosphere to grow, both personally and professionally. I recently submatriculated into the Masters of Bioengineering program at the University of Pennsylvania. Thank you, Dr. Aditya Belwadi, Tom Seacrist, and the rest of the CIRP team for such a rewarding experience!"

CIRP Training Testimonial -- Julia Lockyer

CIRP Co-Op (2012)

"I began my two years at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) as a Drexel Co-op student under the mentorship of Dr. Allison Curry, PhD in April 2012. My time was split between two studies, Graduated Driver Licensing Decal Law: Effect on Young Probationary Drivers, and Teen Driving Plan, an evaluation of an online intervention for learner teen drivers. Upon completion of my internship, I was invited to stay on as a Research Assistant, working on a new study examining the neurocognitive and visual effects of concussions on athletes at CIRP.

Currently, I am in the process of earning my Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling and Health Psychology at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine while also completing a Psychology practicum in the Sleep Center at The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. I am especially grateful for the outstanding mentorship I received and the endless opportunities to challenge myself while at CIRP. In the future I hope to pursue a doctorate in Psychology and work with children and adolescents who have eating disorders."

CIRP Training Testimonial -- Tyler Chance

CIRP Co-Op (2013-2014) 

"I joined the CIRP@CHOP organization on my third and final co-op at Drexel University. Although I was undoubtedly attracted to the world-renowned work the CHOP team was doing, it was the “Digital Communications” job title that reeled me in. Most of my time spent working with the Outreach team involved gathering analytics and organizing that data into easy to understand reports so the team could make informed decisions regarding our website and marketing strategies.

During my co-op I was able to bring together my passion for marketing research and analytics with some of my creative tendencies. I had the opportunity to write pieces that are featured on the CHOP affiliated sites, as well as maintain social networking pages. I also learned about the process of updating pages as an administrator on many of the CIRP sites, something I had no experience with prior to this co-op.

If there’s one thing that I’m ultimately grateful for about this position and my time here at CIRP@CHOP, it’s the knowledge that I’m headed on the right path in my professional life. I’m now confident that marketing analysis and research is what I’m going to pursue in my post-college career."  

CIRP Training Testimonial - Lindsay Zajac

Clinical Research Assistant (Summer 2013)

"In 2013, I participated in CHOP’s Research Institute Summer Scholars Program (CRISSP). Under the mentorship of Drs. Meghan Marsac and Nancy Kassam-Adams, I contributed to two studies exploring strategies for the secondary prevention of posttraumatic stress and examining adjustment in children and families after acute medical events and injuries.  I also designed an independent research project on threat appraisals and coping strategies after pediatric injury. Presenting my findings to the CHOP research community at a poster session was a significant experience because it confirmed my deep commitment to research, particularly with regard to how I could translate scientific findings into knowledge that would directly benefit families and inform clinical practice.

Witnessing families cope with potentially traumatic events taught me the importance of developing preventive interventions, as I learned how parents sometimes contribute to children’s psychosocial and emotional burdens.This experience amplified my interest in understanding parent-child interactions and how children respond to other types of adversity, such as maltreatment or disruptions in care.  I am currently a graduate student in the Clinical Science doctoral program at the University of Delaware. My research focuses on how adversity, attachment, and parenting in infancy impact children’s peer relations in middle childhood. As a graduate student in the Infant Caregiver Project Laboratory, I am involved with several projects evaluating the effects of the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up (ABC) intervention, which was designed to help neglecting parents learn to provide nurturance, respond in sensitive ways, and reduce frightening behaviors."

CIRP Training Testimonial -- Melissa Dubois

Summer Intern -- 2013

“I worked at CIRP under Dr. Catherine McDonald for the summer after my freshman year in 2013 as part of Drexel University's Students Tackling Advanced Research Scholars (STARS) program. My experience at CIRP was a great introduction to the field of research and has since helped me land three other co-op opportunities: at Exponent, DSM Biomedical (formerly Kensey Nash), and Globus Medical. My CIRP experience was also a great stepping stone to help me gain admission into the Pennoni Honors College at Drexel, which has opened doors to many other opportunities. I am excited to be graduating with my BS and MS in Biomedical Engineering next June, and I hope to continue my education sometime in the future while working in the medical device industry."

CIRP Training Testimonial -- Annie Ferris

Research Assistant (2012-2013)

"I worked at the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) as a Research Assistant for a year and a half while I was applying to medical school. From day 1, everyone at the center was helpful and encouraging to me as a new employee and a future medical student. Dr. Dennis Durbin, Dr. Mark Zonfrillo, and Dr. Flaura Winston were particularly instrumental in mentoring me on my path to becoming a doctor. The other members of the Teen Driving Study I worked on- Dr. Jessica Mirman, Dr. Allison Curry, Chris Gantz, and the other RCs and students- were a dynamic and energetic team such as I have never encountered in any other job.  Additionally, there were many other like-minded individuals in the Center who all helped and supported each other on the difficult road to medicine. I was accepted to the majority of schools I applied to, and I credit CIRP and my experience with various aspects of research there as one of the main factors for my success. I will be going to Jefferson Medical College in July 2013, and perhaps doing a dual MD/MPH program. The passions and interests of the doctors and researchers at CIRP helped reveal new aspects of community service that have inspired me to make a difference in Philadelphia."

CIRP Training Testimonial -- Daniel Martinez

Drexel University STAR (Students Tackling Advanced Research) Scholar
(2012-2013)

"Beginning at the end of my freshman year at Drexel University, I spent a nine-month tenure with the Center for Injury Research and Prevention (CIRP) under the mentorship of Dr. Aditya Belwadi, working mainly on a 3D Child Restraint Systems (CRS) project related to pediatric biomechanics. The period of time I spent at CIRP helped me to develop skills with the software Hypermesh and other 3D modeling software to recreate images of child restraint systems on a computer to overlap and analyze the data as related to the geometry of car seats. Throughout my sophomore year at Drexel, I created a plan of study to prepare for my 5-year BS/MS program in Biomedical Engineering, which I will officially began during the summer of 2013. Additionally, I have begun learning Chinese in preparation for studying abroad in Hong Kong in fall 2014. I look forward to doing research in the field of Biomechanics under my Master's program, and I am grateful and certain that the experience I obtained at CIRP under Dr. Belwadi will greatly benefit me in my future academic and career ventures."

CIRP Training Testimonial -- 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."

CIRP Training Testimonial -- 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."

CIRP Training Testimonial -- 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."

CIRP Training Testimonial -- 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."

CIRP Training Testimonial -- 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."

CIRP Training Testimonial -- 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."

CIRP Training Testimonial -- Martekuor Dodoo

Penn Work Study Program Research Assistant (2009-2012)

"I joined CIRP during my undergraduate years at the University of Pennsylvania as a Research Assistant for the Philadelphia Collaborative Violence Prevention Center. During my three years, I worked on a variety of tasks, including literature searches, staffing surveys, manuscript preparation, and IRB submissions. Since leaving CIRP, I earned a master's degree in Biomedical Science and am currently (exactly) half-way through medical school.

My time at CIRP provided me with a great deal of knowledge and experiences that have shaped my career plans. This position taught me about the administration behind the clinical research that I would come to love. I was also able to see the work that goes into running a large research center, from grant writing to the collaboration of a large and diverse staff. I’ve already used some of this knowledge on research projects and in running my school’s student-run free clinic. However, the most important effect of my experiences is that I added clinical research and public health to my future career plans as a doctor. I look back on my time at CIRP fondly and am grateful for the amazing mentorship I was lucky to receive."

CIRP Training Testimonial -- 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.”

CIRP Training Testimonial -- 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 nonprofit free clinic for uninsured and underserved populations on the Northside of Chicago. I am currently applying to pediatric residency programs, and I look forward to continuing my career as a strong advocate for children's health."