Document Type

Article

Domestic/International

Domestic

Publication Date

2026

Abstract

The Summer Science Research Institute (SSRI) provided me with the opportunityto gain hands-on experience in a professional organic chemistry research laboratory under the mentorship of Professor Timo Ovaska. As a rising junioron the pre-med track, my goal was to apply the skills I had developed through my coursework while gaining a better understanding of the research process. Throughout the eight-week program, I developed practical laboratory skills, including reaction workups, thin-layer chromatography, NMR analysis, and column chromatography. I also strengthened my critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, organization, and time-management skills. One ofthe most valuable aspects of the experience was learning how to respond to unexpected results and setbacks. Rather than viewing unsuccessful experiments as failures, I learned to use them to identify improvements and optimize future reactions. Presenting our research to other SSRI students also helped me develop my ability to communicate complex scientific information to different audiences. Overall, SSRI increased my confidence as a researcher, strengthened my interest in scientific research, and helped me recognize the value of persistence, adaptability, and collaboration in both research and future healthcare settings

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