Document Type

Article

Domestic/International

Domestic

Location

Boston MA, Mass General Hospital

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

This reflection discusses my summer internship in the Tanzi Lab at Massachusetts General Hospital. Here I gained hands-on experience researching Alzheimer’s disease. My research focused on how exposure to Salmonella, HSV-1, and enterovirus affects tau accumulation. I learned about this through cell culture, brain organoid work, Western blotting, and data analysis, I developed new research skills and learned how much patience, problem-solving, and consistency scientific research requires. I also became more independent as I took on greater responsibility for maintaining cells and organoids and conducting experiments. Connecting my research experience with my neuroscience and sleep coursework at Connecticut College helped me better understand how different biological processes can contribute to neurodegenerative disease. Most importantly, this experience showed me that I genuinely enjoy research, especially working through unexpected results and figuring out what to try next. It confirmed that I want to continue pursuing research and contribute to a better understanding of neurological diseases.

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