On June 1st , I thought July 24th will never come, but here it is. I’m grateful to have learnt and accomplished a lot in such a short period of time. My HHF research experience has enhance my scientific knowledge and exposed me to the life of physician-scientists. I have always been interested in research, but I wasn’t sure whether its something I would want to pursue as a career. I’m so glad that my summer research experience has led me to strengthening my passion for research and now I’m considering it as a career I would want to pursue devotedly in the future. My mentors and undergrads in Dr. Perfect’s lab have enlightened me and sparked my passion for scientific research.
I feel so blessed to have gotten the opportunity to participate in Howard Hughes Research Fellowship program this summer. I’m grateful for the opportunities I got through HHF like working in Dr. Perfect’s lab for the remaining 3 years and shadowing Dr. John R. Perfect on rounds with interns in spring 2016 not to mention the incredible caring mentors I now have .
During the past 8 weeks, I have grown into a better person and improved on my interpersonal skills . I have made some good friends and good connections. I have had fun conducting my research project. I have a great lab team and I can never ask for a better team. And most importantly, I have found my passion in research, my path to my career and I intend to pursue MD/P.h.d program . Research and working in the lab this summer was more fun than I anticipated and I believe it’s because I love what I was doing and my lab was a perfect fit that satisfied my interest/focus on infectious diseases particularly meningitis.
Through HHF, I have broadened my awareness of research at Duke and I look forward to a successful undergraduate experience as I explore the pool of incredible opportunities at such a prestigious research institution.
Many thanks to Dr. Grunwald, Kathryn Picard, Dr. Calixte , HHMI, ,Dr. Perfect’s Lab ,Howard Hughes fellows and everyone who supported and guided my peers and I through our amazing summer experience.
