Megan White

Description:

In summer 2015, I was very fortunate to receive a undergraduate research assistant internship in Allen Liu's Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Systems at the University of Michigan.  I had minor experience in labs from classes prior to this opportunity, but none of that compared to the experience I had that summer. I helped conduct experiments and analyze data that could help in the fight to cure cancer. Working in the lab made me feel more independent as a researcher and gave me many valuable skills I could use in classes or other research positions I acquire in the future. In my position, I helped to maintain cell lines using culture techniques, conduct experiments on cell polarization and migration using microscopy and immunofluorescence assays, and helped the lab with basic day-to-day tasks like making solutions, and ensuring the lab has all the supplies it needs to function properly. I continued my role as a student research intern in the summer of 2016, learning more essential research skills like PCR and Western blotting. In addition to this, I became the lab manager for the summer, ensuring that the lab had all of the supplies it needed to operate, prepared experiments, protocols, and cell lines, and helped to create and edit technical communication for publication. I am proud to be listed as co-author on multiple abstracts because of my work at the Liu Lab!

 

Skills Gained:​

• Improved multitasking and communication skills

• Improved proficiency with Matlab and Microscoft Excel

• Familiarity with software including Origin, ImageJ and CellProfiler

• Cell culture, Western Blot, PCR, microscopy and immunoflurescence techniques

• Data Analysis and time management skills

 

Lessons Learned/Impact:

This experience made a significant impact on me, both personally and professionally. I feel more confident doing work independently and working under pressure, especially with tight deadlines. This position made me more aware of the very extensive and meticulous work that goes into running experiments and producing meaningful results. I made some very valuable relationships with other researchers in the lab, and realized that it is very important to ask questions when you need help. I feel very personally satisfied knowing that I contributed toward scientific discoveries and made an impact in the research world.