This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to work in Dr. Carlson’s lab at Wabash College, where our research focused on Terrapene Carolina Carolina or eastern box turtles. We tracked 14 turtles equipped with transmitters and encountered more than 50 additional individuals in the field. Every day brought something new whether it was hiking through the woods, carefully recording observations, or learning to navigate unfamiliar terrain in search of our study animals.
One of the most valuable skills I gained was learning to use radio telemetry to locate our tracked turtles. At first, the equipment felt complicated, but with practice and patience I became confident in interpreting the signals and narrowing down the turtles’ exact locations. I also learned the importance of precision when collecting and recording scientific data. Even the smallest details mattered (habitat conditions and measurements) because each contributed to the bigger picture of understanding these animals and their ecosystems.
Equally important, I discovered the significance of teamwork in research. Fieldwork with turtles is not something you can do alone; it requires trust, communication, and collaboration. Whether it was dividing up responsibilities, troubleshooting equipment, or navigating long days in the field, our success depended on supporting one another.
I am deeply grateful to Wabash College and Dr. Carlson for giving me this opportunity. Not only did I grow as a researcher, but I also gained insight into the qualities I’ll need as I pursue a career in medicine. Like turtle research, medicine requires patience, careful observation, attention to detail, and the ability to work with others for a greater purpose. The persistence and teamwork I practiced in the field mirror the values I hope to carry into patient care as a future physician.
This experience reaffirmed my passion for science and strengthened my resolve to pursue medical school. I’ll always carry the lessons I learned this summer in the lab, in the field, or someday in the clinic.
