Summer Check-In
Where are you working/interning this summer? Company and Location.
I'm currently working as a Research Assistant in the Roberts Lab here at Dickinson College, where we're investigating thereprogramming of Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) cells.
Please describe your day-to-day responsibilities in this position.
On a day-to-day basis, I assist with cell culture, flow cytometry assays, running real-time PCR experiments, western blotting experiments and analysing phenotypic changes that occur during cell reprogramming. I also assist in maintaining lab documentation and collaborate with other researchers on experimental design and troubleshooting.
What made this experience appealing to you?
This position was especially appealing to me because I was allowed to spend some time in the lab before officially joining the team, which helped me feel more confident and prepared. The learning environment is incredibly supportive, and Professor Roberts does a great job explaining not just how to do each procedure but why each step matters in the context of the bigger research goal. I knew right away that this was the kind of place where I could grow both technically and intellectually. It’s a great environment for learning, and I’m gaining skills that will directly transfer to many postgraduate opportunities in the research field.
How does this experience relate to your career or life aspirations? What are you looking to personally get out of it?
This role directly supports my aspirations to pursue a career in biotechnology research. I’m hoping to strengthen my lab skills, deepen my understanding of cellular behaviour, and build the kind of scientific mindset that will serve me well in both academic and professional settings.
How has your athletics career prepared you for this role?
My background in athletics has definitely helped prepare me for this role. Being a student-athlete has taught me perseverance, resilience and attention to detail of which are essential when working in a lab where experiments require consistency, careful planning and also the ability to problem solve and pivot when things don’t go as expected. It also helped me in understanding that no role is too small and that everyone and everything we do is important to the overall success of the lab.
What are you looking forward to for this upcoming year for your sport?
This coming basketball season, I’m excited to continue pushing myself and contribute to my team in any way I can. I’m looking forward to being back on the court with my best friends!
Having the opportunity to be on campus has kept me focused on my goal of getting better and working towards the season
