Unexpected Experience

At the start of the summer I did not know what to expect from the internship and I did not know what I would be doing until I arrived at the lab. Every little part was brand new to me and I learned so much. I can say that I am proud of my project and the outcome of the internship. This internship helped me get familiar with the campus and town where I would be for the next year. It helped me network with very important people and get comfortable with presenting.

I thought the conference was going to be completely different, but I highly enjoyed every presentation. The food was delicious and the hotel service was amazing! I really enjoyed my time at the conference. I also learned many things I did not know at the conference and I looked into potential labs that I could be working in. I was amazed of all the research that is being done.

Even though I was frightened, presenting was my favorite part because I was able to talk about something that I was excited and proud about. I am beyond grateful for winning second place for the undergraduate trainees. I was very surprised that I won second place, but I am so happy! The entire experience is something I will never forget. I will forever cherish my prize. I am happy that I was able to contribute a small portion for the bigger picture dealing with neuroscience and research overall. Everyone that presented a poster did an amazing job. I enjoyed every presentation I watched. The fast pitch presentations were also great; it was nice to have a session where we could listen to research projects in a shorter amount of time so we could learn about more research projects.

This experience also made me realize Idaho State University is the home for me. The people are very welcoming and if it were not for all the help my mentor and my coworkers gave me with my project I would have not been able to win second place. My mentor, Dr. Pilarski, Jessica, Casetin, and I worked like a team and they helped me immensely through the process. Not just did my mentor and coworkers help me but everyone from the Department of Biology and ISU INBRE organizers. I also thank INBRE organizers that plan the entire conference because it was an amazing experience. This is an outstanding program, I am grateful for foundations like INBRE. INBRE has opened up new doors and opportunities for me. I am looking forward to reapplying for the internship over the summer because I would love to work in another lab where I can gain even more knowledge.

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