Biomedical Research & Mentoring Program (RaMP)

My Research Experience

In the spring semester of 2020, I participated in the Biomedical Research and Mentoring Program through University Honors, which matches students to mentors in research laboratories. I worked at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in the Imaging Research Center and was mentored by Dr. David Edmondson who was studying how high exposure to manganese affected the brain. Before I could start with this project, I had to first become acquainted with MATLAB and distinguishing images formed through MRI scans. As I became more proficient, I learned more about experimental design, statistics, and developed my communication skills more. I learned how in order to efficiently conduct analytical research, a broad knowledge of the science behind the experiment, in addition to knowing how to manipulate data, is required. Through a lot of trial and error, I discovered how making a mistake or even doing the wrong thing altogether can help find the right way to completing a task. This experience has taught me to appreciate analytical research and the depth of knowledge that it can provide with its discoveries. Although my time at the lab was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic, I enjoyed working in this lab and experiencing the supportive research environment. This research experience has also affirmed that I would like to experience working in environments with more patient interactions. I've included the presentation that I gave at the end of the program. It showcases what I studied at the lab in addition to what I gained from my time there.