Impact:
One thing that surprised me was how much we can learn about our health just from tissue stiffness. When tissue becomes stiffer or softer than normal, it can be a sign of serious problems like cancer or heart disease. Studying such alterations can give us better ways of diagnosing diseases at an early stage and maybe even curing them one day. The impact of what I do is that it helps towards this greater goal of understanding how our bodies work. It’s nice to think that what I’m learning and accomplishing today could one day be part of research that saves lives.
Contribution:
The developments that I make in tissue research, even if small, have the potential to make a significant difference to the scientific community. I love knowing that this work can enable more people to be involved in research through increased accessibility to research devices. The more research is open, the more perspectives there will be. With more perspectives, we will have more research developments.
Bigger Picture:
Research is a large group effort where knowledge is shared and builds on each other. My work adds to this effort and can be used to help learn more and fight disease. What inspires me is the idea that if more people can study tissue stiffness, then more discoveries can happen. Each new piece of information helps build a clearer picture of how our bodies work. Over time, this can lead to earlier diagnoses, better treatments, and healthier lives for people everywhere. Over time, this can mean earlier diagnosis, better treatments, and healthier lives for people all around the world.
Next Steps and Goals:
At Florida State University, I plan on continuing to innovate in the field of tissue research and growing as a researcher.
I am excited to begin working as a UROP leader to mentor students new to the field of research, going back to where my research at FSU all started for me. My goal is to share my passion for research as well as help guide students to find their passion for research. It feels just like yesterday when I was sitting in the UROP classroom beginning my research.
I also look forward to working as a chemistry learning assistant for the second year in a row in general chemistry. I enjoy helping students gain a deeper understanding of topics and working through challenging topics that may seem daunting. Chemistry 1 is one of the first core science classes at FSU, so it is filled with many new students who are going through the hard transition into college. Students’ experience in this class can be pivotal in their college academic time, so it is important that they get the best help possible.
My goal is to attend medical school right after I graduate college, so I am getting ready to apply to medical school next year. My experience in research will greatly benefit me in my next chapter and far beyond, as research is a huge part of medicine.
I am extremely grateful for this opportunity and everyone who has supported me on my way.
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