Final Post!

This will be my final post for this year's STEAM internship program (2015). I have had an amazing experience working with such great people and learning new procedures every week. I never thought I would be able to accomplish the successes I have accomplished this year. I'm glad to say I am very proud of myself! And I am also very excited to continue working in the same lab during the summer.

Questions:

• What were some of your proud moments this year?

From the beginning, I had doubts about whether I would be able to accomplish much through my internship. But I did a lot more than I thought I would be able to. In the end I concluded the existence of a new gene and I found the presence of that gene in various types of cells. It may have took one whole year just to reach a small conclusion, however I also learned techniques and strategies involved in DNA and RNA lab work that I believe will aid me further in my educational career.

• What were some of your challenges this year?

It was very challenging to grasp all the background information about DNA and the process of replication, transformation, etc. I came in every week confused about the process and the different components that I should have known. But as time progressed, I started understanding and the information started coming easier to me. Once I got my routine down pat, I was able to excel in telling other people about it, especially during Reunion weekend.

• What words of the advice do you have for future Signature students?

If I were to give advice to future Signature students, I would say that they should make the most out of this experience because it will go by very quickly.  Don't take the spot of someone who would have worked harder and gotten more out of the internship. Appreciate the learning experience, because out of everyonce who applied, you were chosen to demonstrate what you are capable of. And lastly, ask your mentor questions! It may feel like you don't know much, but in reality you know a lot more than you think. Asking questions is going to further enhance what you already know. You learn from mistakes, so don't feel like you can't make any.

-Iman Ahmed '15