Research Experiences for Undergraduates Student (Summer 2023)

"This summer, I had the opportunity to take part in the REU internship at CIRP. During the program, I worked as a Research Assistant on the Preventing Distracted Driving Study (PDD). I was fortunate to be mentored by Morgan O’Donald and Emma Sartin.   

My role on the PDD team involved managing the REDCap database, recruiting and enrolling parent-teen participants, and literature reviews. For the recruitment process, I completed screening and consent calls to inform participants about the aims of our study and their role. I was familiarized with the data collection and transfer processes in REDCap. During the calls and driving study, I gained experience in participant interactions and the study method process. I plan to apply these skills to my research career and education.  

As a former long-term patient at CHOP, I dreamed of working here one day on the researcher side rather than the patient side. Joining CIRP exceeded my expectations and fulfilled my aspiration of working at CHOP. I am forever grateful for this opportunity and how it shaped my career as a researcher.  

As a rising senior at UCLA, this experience has taught me the value of interdisciplinary research. I plan to complete my degree in Psychobiology and Musicology in spring 2024 and continue on a research path in psychology and public health. I look forward to continuing to cultivate lasting connections and relationships at CHOP."