Q: How was your experience with Lumi Radix’s SURGE program?
“As a rising high school senior interested in exploring molecular biology in college, the opportunity to work in a real research lab under the guidance of a renowned professor in the field of immunology was an incredible learning experience. I was able to develop foundational lab skills in the first two weeks (filling up 20 pages of protocols in my lab notebook), on topics ranging from RNA synthesis to flow cytometry, equipping me to spend a month planning and carrying out my own experiments.”
Ayushi K. (Aragon High School, California, USA)
Q: What was your research project and how did you go about it on a typical day?
“As part of my research project, I revived an old project that explored CAR T-cell co-cultures to examine the transfer of cellular target proteins. This involved numerous points of problem-solving and critical thinking to overcome the hurdles of the project. Each day in the lab, I would typically run 2-3 experiments to further my project, most of which involved some downtime. During that time, I would analyze old data, review results together with other lab members, or read through publications related to my area of interest. Both the PhD student in my lab and the PI were incredibly accessible and always willing to provide their insight. The PI met with me every day to check in on my progress and ensure that my project plans were on the right track, pushing me to think far more deeply about the experiments and their results”
Ayushi K. (Aragon High School, California, USA)
Q: How has participating in SURGE impacted the direction you see yourself taking in your studies or career?
“Working in the lab was an incredible academic challenge as well an opportunity, and I am very grateful to have gained the experience that I did. After working in this lab, I aim to continue my pursuit of bench research in college and throughout my career, likely combining my interest in data analytics with my newfound passion for molecular biology to work within the biotech sector.”
Ayushi K. (Aragon High School, California, USA)