An End to a Momentous TRIP by Izzy Catalano

My TRIP experience has come to an end, and I can wholeheartedly say it has changed my life. Through the kickoff experiment to the independent project and all the skills I learned in between, I am a better scientist and person because of it all. My research question and the rationale as well as my overall experience with the program are so important to me currently and in my future

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To start, my independent project was discussing the generational effects of manganese poisoning and if milk thistle can mitigate said effects. I researched this because as humans amp up the creation of renewable energy, more batteries are created to store said energy. Because of this, more people are mining for the necessary materials to create these batteries, potentially subjecting themselves to heavy metal poisoning. Many metals used in batteries have only begun to be mined to such a high degree recently, meaning that the generational effects are yet to be seen. One of these metals, manganese, could have negative effects on the overall health of offspring. Additionally, milk thistle has been seen to help the effects of heavy metal poisoning because it is an antioxidant. Milk thistle, particularly its active component silymarin, has been studied for its potential effects on heavy metal toxicity.  I was interested to see the effects of each of these things and how they interact. Overall, I concluded that manganese induced hyperactivity, which disagreed with my hypothesis that poisoned flies would act more lethargic. Milk thistle mitigated said effects, but overall did not return levels to normal. This project allowed me to express my own ideas and create a study without a curriculum like in school.TRIP allowed me to explore my mind, making my research project key to my overall timeline in the science world.

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Secondly, my experience with the program as a whole was life changing. The TRIP experience taught me things ranging from physical skills like how to use a pipette, making solutions, etc., to general life skills, like receiving feedback, presenting to my peers, and so much more. I have more knowledge to move further in the STEM field and now have a firsthand lab experience under my belt. One of the most important things I learned was how to work with others in setting but alone on work, bouncing ideas off of my peers while still maintaining my own thoughts. Problem solving was another key skill that I had to learn in the TRIP lab, especially when my hypothesis didn't match my conclusion. Finally, and probably most importantly, I learned time management. For the program, I timed so much of what I did that now I know what I can complete in a certain amount of time. All of these skills will positively impact my future in the most positive ways.

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Overall, the TRIP program was momentous and I am so happy I participated. The amazing peers, TAs, and instructors I had will forever alter my life. A special shoutout to my amazing TAs, Martie, Sabina, and Hannah, as well as my instructors Dr. Austria, Dr. Nick, and Dr. Valdes. I thank all of the people and flies that allowed me to get where I am today.

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