This fall, the sophomore URI ESTEEMED trainees dove headfirst into research, spending about ten hours per week researching under the guidance of faculty and graduate student mentors. 

The cohorts’ current projects range from conducting neurological research in rabbit models to developing an acoustic microneedle patch for drug delivery. Trainees frequently had to learn material that was far advanced beyond what their classes have covered in order to understand the context of their research projects.

“My experience allowed me to learn and develop skills that I may not have gained in my regular classes,” said Lisa Agyemang, who worked in the Quinlan laboratory.

Trainees honed their soft skills alongside the scientific techniques they learned in the laboratory.

“Collaborating with the team helped me improve communication skills as well as my presentation skills,” said Victoria DeLaCruz, who was in Professor Jeong’s lab working on an isolated DC-DC converter for an IEEE competition.

Students frequently presented at their lab meetings to other members of their lab group.

“The lab meetings were incredibly important, as everyone was supportive and provided insightful feedback, helping me resolve challenges in my designs,” said Liza Agyemang. 

Trainees worked closely with their mentors to develop a project that fits the NIBIB mission as well as their interests within the lab’s research areas. 

“My mentor, Dr. Andreu, played a key role in my research experience, giving both technical guidance and ensuring I felt comfortable,” said Liza Agyemang, who worked on 3D printed devices to assist in nanoparticle research in the Andreu lab this fall after beginning there as a member of the RI-INBRE SURF program last summer.

Trainees also dealt with challenges that arose during the research process. Reflecting on not achieving the results he was expecting in his project this fall, Hamzeh Tanbakji reflected that he learned two important lessons about research in the process: “First, as hard as things may get, don’t ever give up when research doesn’t go the way you expected, as success comes with repetition. And second, celebrate the small steps and accomplishments, and enjoy the research journey.”