Document Type

Article

Domestic/International

Domestic

Publication Date

2025

Abstract

This reflection paper recounts my summer experience as a research intern in the American Heart Association Marshall Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (AM SURE) at the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine. Coming from a background in qualitative research, I entered the program eager to develop wet lab skills and gain exposure to cardiovascular science. Through hands-on training in cell culturing, microscopy, and data analysis using Fiji and Prism, I not only built technical proficiency but also grew in confidence, independence, and scientific communication. This internship affirmed my interest in pursuing research during my gap year before medical school and deepened my appreciation for how research and clinical care intersect. The challenges I faced, especially learning new lab techniques from scratch, ultimately helped me grow as both a student and an aspiring physician.

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The views expressed in this paper are solely those of the author.