Dispatch from a Baylor Summer Fellow | Saiah Lee
The B-TRUE program this summer taught me not only laboratory skills but also a whole new approach to scientific research. Although I expected to learn about procedures and techniques, what I achieved was more meaningful than that. Additionally, I learned to think like a scientist. Research is not about doing everything correctly at once. Instead, it involves continuously asking questions, finding answers, and even learning from mistakes.
New techniques like ovary dissection, RNA extraction, cDNA synthesis, and quantitative reverse transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) have been learned in the Sim Lab for studying the micro-RNA of mosquitoes and ticks. One of the most memorable experiences I had this summer was the cDNA synthesis troubleshooting process with the help of my mentor, Kaylee. After several attempts, we discovered that adding glycogen to RNA helps resolve this problem. This taught me how patience and creativity are important throughout the research journey.
Outside the laboratory, I developed personally. With time, I became more independent and confident in performing experiments. Moreover, I built friendships with my peers, mentors, and graduate students from different labs. Working with them and assisting them in performing their field experiments, I realized that research involves cooperation and sharing of information between scientists.
Another thing I reaffirmed with this internship was my belief that science needs to be done for the sake of people, not just to get publications. Our work in vector biology might lead to a better understanding of mosquito and tick-borne illnesses, and this reminded me once again that scientific research can benefit public health. This idea made me interested in research that will bring some tangible benefits to people's lives.
The B-TRUE program also influenced my career plans. Before the summer, I was focusing on becoming a pharmacist as my future career goal. However, throughout the program, I became more interested in research, which helped me find a path to a PhD in Biology. I find pleasure in asking scientific questions, developing new hypotheses, and working with others to solve problems arising around the world.
Overall, this internship helped me prepare for worldwide leadership and service by developing my character. I want to continue using science and research to serve others and the community and also glorify God in all things.
“It is the glory of God to conceal a matter; to search out a matter is the glory of kings.”
Proverbs 25:2 (NIV)