In the summer of 2024, I spent seven weeks in the BIO 5 Institutes KEYS (Keep Engaging Youth in Science) high school internship. The training program aims to foster a close-knit community of students while allowing them to explore their diverse interests in STEM research. Although the process of writing, submitting assignments, and approval was difficult, I knew every day of KEYS inspired me with new knowledge and tasks that would help me to grow for my college and future career.
My research was in a cardiovascular pharmacogenomic lab. Although a fancy term, it can best be explained as a lab that studies the genetic factors in the dosing variability of certain heart medications. My research centered around the common blood thinner Warfarin, and highlighted the question of how genetic factors can affect the dose patients get. During the internship, I grasped new terminology, techniques, and background information I initially thought it would be difficult to understand. The hands- on experience from working in the Karnes lab allowed me to perform the experiments and techniques I had only learned on paper before and in school. With hands-on and data collection always comes analysis, so the computational experience was invaluable as well.
Aside from all the intriguing scientific knowledge I gained about genetic alterations and drug metabolic pathways, I experienced what a laboratory environment and community is like. I made new friends and connections through our weekly KEYS seminars, which will always remain invaluable in both my personal and academic life.
As a rising junior in high school, I was blessed to achieve this experience, as now I have connections and resources. After finishing my lab project, I did not stop there; new questions surfaced that I would love to investigate. Research is a never-ending wonderful and engaging experience, and the opportunity of receiving hands-on exposure to STEM fields, especially as a high schooler, is essential.