Research Experiences for Undergraduates Student (Summer 2023)
"My summer internship experience was nothing short of enlightening and fulfilling. Over the past few months, I had the privilege to contribute to a crucial research endeavor aimed at improving Philadelphia sports coaches’ and school nurses’ understanding of concussions in youth. More specifically, I contributed by deidentifying audio transcriptions from semi-constructed interviews with school coaches and nurses. I also completed the CDC Heads Up concussion education program, identified areas where the Minds Matter Concussion Team could improve the program based on the interviews, and even presented this during a team meeting with the CDC.
This journey has granted me a unique window into the world of pediatric healthcare and injury prevention by allowing me to shadow two concussion specialists in the clinic and conduct concussion education outreach with a youth summer camp. Through interactions with patients, I understood how meticulously removing personal identifiers from the interviews plays a small but integral role in safeguarding the privacy and confidentiality of the participants, which is vital for ethical and trustworthy research.
Working closely with the Minds Matter Concussion Team exposed me to the intricate nuances of concussions and the challenges involved in addressing them among the youth population. It was eye-opening to discover the diverse range of perspectives school nurses and sports coaches hold regarding concussions – from varying levels of knowledge to differences in approaches for prevention and management. This experience underscored the importance of comprehensive education and awareness campaigns to ensure young athletes' and students' safety and well-being.
Collaborating with professionals who are at the forefront of injury prevention and pediatric healthcare has taught me invaluable lessons that extend beyond the realm of research. I learned the significance of interdisciplinary teamwork, effective communication, adaptability, and problem-solving. Additionally, witnessing the application of research findings to real-world scenarios has deepened my appreciation for the profound impact that research can have on improving lives.
Reflecting on this summer internship, I am filled with accomplishment and gratitude. I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to meaningful research that holds the potential to shape policies and practices surrounding youth concussion care. This experience has ignited a passion to continue exploring the intersection of healthcare, research, and injury prevention. I am honored to have been part of a dedicated team making strides in pediatric injury prevention, and I am excited to carry the lessons and insights gained from this experience with me as I embark on future endeavors in healthcare and research.”