Research Experiences for Undergraduates Student (Summer 2022)

Throughout my REU internship this summer, I gained knowledge and skills I never knew I could. I was fully immersed for 10 weeks in a Neuroscience laboratory studying the various impacts of mild traumatic brain injury in rodent models. Working under the mentorship of Dr. Akiva S. Cohen and Rebecca Somach, I learned various new techniques, including rodent handling, perfusions, brain dissections, brain slicing using a vibratome, primary and secondary antibody staining, and how to image with a fluorescence microscope. Another skill that I learned was conducting an experiment from start to finish.

During the internship, I became more resourceful and adaptable, learned how to troubleshoot, and heightened my communication and collaboration skills. I also assisted with additional research projects and studies while networking and meeting various new people within the CHOP community.

I quickly found comfort in the welcoming, positive, and supportive environment provided by the Cohen Lab and soon realized how widespread kindness is throughout CHOP. Saying that this was an incredible experience would be an understatement. I am grateful for every opportunity this program provided me. I look forward to further working in this community and presenting my research in the future as one of two winners at the 17th annual CIRP Student Research Day!