To start my summer, I had the privilege of working in Dr. Walsh’s research lab. We investigated the impact of saturated fatty acids on the formation of lipid droplets in GT1-7 neurons, as well as their viability. Through multiple experiments (Gel analysis, qPCR, BCA assays, and cell staining), we found that Palmitic acid increased cell death and showed no significant increase in lipid droplet formation; however, Oleic acid did not increase cell death but showed an increase in lipid droplet formation. These are preliminary results, as the sample size needs to be larger to determine with certainty if these claims hold any weight. Nevertheless, the data collected during this five-week internship leads me to believe those claims will continue to be true with the larger sample size.
Forgetting the quantitative results, some key takeaways for me were the acquisition of new lab skills and the development of teamwork abilities. Through this internship, I developed the skills necessary to work in a cellular biology lab, as I now know how to operate in a cell culture hood and handle cells in general. Similarly, my collaboration skills also developed. I had two fellow
interns working beside me, and I needed to learn how to work effectively with them. The best example of this was when we were working on the qPCR. We came together and created a system where we all do small portions of the process (like an assembly line) to speed up the process. This is an excellent example of how my teamwork skills have improved, as well as how my way of thinking has evolved. Instead of focusing on completing the task at hand, I began thinking about how this experiment would lead to the next one, how to allocate time for all the experiments throughout the day, and how to streamline processes.
This internship was a fantastic experience. It also sets me up exceptionally well for my future goals. I am interested in pursuing a career as a researcher and working in a lab, where I can conduct experiments similar to these. I loved every second of this internship, which only reinforced my dream. I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Walsh for providing me with the opportunity to work in her lab as well as the lessons and advice she passed down to me along the way.
