Week 6 – Contributions

I enjoyed my time working with Dr. Helms’ research group in part because I feel as though I did contribute to the efforts of our project. Most of my contributions came through my research, I was the first student to do research with an electron diffraction technique which required me to create a protocol that could be used by fellow students. I was also able to record the rotation that exists within or machine, which is different for every machine giving us the ability to create more precise measurements. I have also created a protocol for fibrin staining as well as several pictures that will be used as the building blocks for a new project. While I have had many contributions to the scientific process I was also able to help with a couple workshops that was targeted towards underserved communities. The first workshop was already written about but I also helped with another workshop getting young girls interested in science. I helped set up the workshop and was asked of improvements that could be done to improve the accessibility of the science for young students. I did not only contribute to the scientific process but also talked to Dr. Helms about weakness she believes that she has in the realm of leadership. While I don’t expect her to take any of the points that we spoke to heart, throughout my time at my internship site she brought up her leadership style and identified issues. She also asked for my reflections and asked for any advice I would be able to give to her.