Theresa Beers

I was conducting research in the Ramalingam Lab here on campus at Syracuse. I was conducting gene expression analysis on brown adipose tissue samples from mice to analyze the effect of paternal fish oil supplementation on the health and potential obesity in the offspring. I worked to collect the data of the female 16 week samples so that I could make a comparison of males and females in my thesis paper. I enjoyed the challenge of learning the bench work protocols and problem-solving when the data was not looking as it should.

I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the solitude of the lab and figuring out the protocols and problem-solving on my own. I learned a lot about how research is conducted and the various steps and time that it takes to produce a scientific paper and it made me appreciate the process even more.

I aim to publish my thesis, and this experience has also made me realize that I could see myself leading further research projects later in my career. I may also have the opportunity to continue working in my lab during my gap years.

I was able to work on collecting data throughout the summer months, accommodating for taking days off of work and traveling to and from Syracuse.

This experience enlightened me to the broader scope of science. While I am hoping to one day pursue a career as a physician, I now also know that I enjoy the research process as well and could factor such into my future career.