Research is the gateway to knowledge and a multifaceted word that encompasses nearly everything that we know. In a way, straight from birth we were investigators, investigating the gooey stuff under the table, tasting Lego blocks to analyze the flavor, getting into things we shouldn’t have. Curiosity spurs, research, research allows for discovery and this discovery gives us knowledge.
In the fall of my sophomore year, I gained my first research experience in the Nephrology and Hypertension lab of Dr. Manoocher Soleimani at the University of Cincinnati Medical School. I learned techniques that will last me throughout my career, I gained the passion and appreciation for scientific research and grew as a professional and person. I volunteered about 6-9 hours a week during the school year and when the summer came by, I began my summer internship working 30 hours per week. During this time, I continued my journey learning laboratory techniques such as tissue culture, western blot, PCR, BCA protein assay, homogenization of tissues, osmolality, pH, restriction digest, plasmid purification, euthanasia, I-stat blood analysis, euthanasia, mesentery dissections, kidney dissections, blood pressure for mice, urine analysis, chemical preparation and more. I became IACUC trained for research animals and got to work within the animal facility, taking important measures of our double and single gene knockout mice. In addition, I began to work under Kamyar Zahedi for his project on Cisplatin, a cancer treatment drug. With Kamyar, we investigated the endoplasmic reticulum stress and unfolded protein response pathways that are caused by this drug, which can lead to cell death by multiple pathways. Essentially, Cisplatin up-regulates the production of the polyamines SMO and SSAT which causes polyamine degradation. This goes to the ERS and UPR and leads to cell death within the kidneys and ultimately results in kidney failure.
In this laboratory, I expanded my knowledge on the literature substantially. I gained several laboratory techniques, and I learned to be extremely precise and tedious with every step of an experiment. Most experiments are very particular, and if you mistake one tiny chemical, or miss a step, the whole experiment could be ruined. Most importantly, I learned what it was like to be a researcher, and work in a laboratory environment. This experience has already helped me in my career and will continue to help me in med school, my PhD program and my future as an urologist.