 The week-long 2025 Summer TRIP program has been an amazing experience through which I have learned valuable lab skills, deepened my understanding of the research process, found inspiration for future careers in healthcare, and formed great friendships. The hands-on lab work was one of the most valuable parts of TRIP. Every evening, we had homework to write the protocol for the next day’s assay in our lab notebooks. Every morning began with a lecture that gave us an overview of the day’s work. Then we went to the lab, watched a demo, and started working on our own experiments. It was a great balance of guided instruction and independent learning. This was my first time working in a lab, and my first time working with fruit flies, so it was definitely a learning curve. At times, it was challenging to figure out the exact calculations or the most efficient way to transfer flies, but it was just the right amount of challenge. Dr. Austria and our TAs were always there to answer questions, yet they let us problem-solve on our own. It felt like a safe and supportive space to explore, make mistakes, and grow. I will take the knowledge and critical thinking skills I gained in the TRIP lab with me through the rest of high school, into future lab experiences, and into college.  I also developed a deeper understanding of the research process by seeing it in action. Before the program began, we selected a research question, did some background research, and formed a hypothesis. Then we ran our experiments, collected and analyzed data, and drew conclusions. But it wasn’t just a smooth, linear process… there were definitely some bumps along the way. We had to learn how to fail, modify our approaches, and adapt our experiments, which is all part of what real research entails.  On top of all of this, we had the incredible opportunity to explore the facilities of Fox Chase Cancer Center and hear from several of its faculty members. All the career talks were so inspiring and really broadened my perspective on careers in science. I walked away with valuable insights about finding a career and just about life in general.
And finally, one of the best parts of TRIP was the people. We were surrounded by amazing mentors and peers. I made some really great friends and had so much fun with them, both in the lab and during our long lunch breaks and walks to Starbucks every day. I am super grateful to Dr. Purdy, Dr. Austria, and our amazing TAs, Hannah and Sabina, for this incredible opportunity and for all your time, help, and support throughout the Summer TRIP week.
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 Hello everyone! This past week has truly been an unforgettable TRIP. It has been amazing to be working in the laboratory and learning about research– something that is so meaningful to me. Recently, I have been learning about the effects of the food that we consume on our mental health and behavior. For example, did you know that your gut and intestinal health might be related to the neuroinflammation and neurotransmitter production that changes the way you respond to stress? Unfortunately, as high-sugar, greasy, and excessively fibrous foods have exacerbated stress on our digestive intestines, intestinal inflammation-related illnesses such as Inflammatory Bowel Disease have become more common in America. As someone who loves trying new cuisines, I wanted to learn more about the gut-brain axis by investigating the effects of intestinal inflammation on adult fruit fly behavior.  Throughout my experimentation, I have had the opportunity to master many laboratory skills and technologies that I hope to use in the future (especially the serological pipette and incubator). Not only that, but I also had the opportunity to learn about a variety of assays and use them in my research. My favorite assay has definitely been the gut-microbiome assay because of how much it reveals about fruit flies. In all assays (not just the gut-microbiome assay), I believe I have had the perfect balance of freedom and guidance to allow myself to have the perfect mix of creativity and structure in the lab. For example, while performing the female fertility assay, although I had the freedom to tailor every step in the protocol to our flies, if I needed help (as I certainly did after almost allowing my flies to escape), we came together to problem-solve and help one another. I feel that working in the lab to answer a question that was so meaningful to me was the perfect way to spend part of my summer. Although the experimentation aspect of my time with Summer TRIP was significant, I believe that the career talks and FCCC tours were just as exciting. My favorite career talks were from Dr. Purdy and Dr. Rall because their love for everything they do was so evident throughout their discussions. The Fox Chase tours around the laboratories and the animal facilities were some of the most memorable tours I have been on because of just how amazing some of the work the scientists were performing inside of the facilities was. In fact, I learned about the work of one researcher in discovering a gene.  As this program comes to an end, I will especially miss my fellow TRIP interns, TAs, and Dr. Austria. I have loved getting to know everyone in the program. We have tackled obstacles together, shared insights, and learned together. I am going to miss our lunches, laboratory laughs, and snack-times. I wish we had more time in the lab and with one another.
I recommend TRIP to anyone who is curious about the sciences or pursuing research. This program certainly fueled my curiosity and taught me the importance of critical thinking and even thinking on “the fly” in the laboratory. Together, I believe my fellow interns and I learned how to work together as a team when we inevitably struggle at something. TRIP is really a great opportunity to explore a question of your choosing, become part of a larger community, and you never know what might come of your experience. With that, thank you so much for taking the time to read my reflection! Until next time, Neava Jagtap From Fruit Flies to Findings - TRIP SUMMER 2025 (the best first steps!) by Laasyakrishna Malneedi9/2/2025  This summer, I was given the incredible opportunity to attend Summer TRIP, a research program which gave me a hands-on introduction into the world of fruit flies / their use as model organisms in studying human health! The program consisted of 5 packed days, where I was able to execute/research my own independent research experiment (Do disrupted circadian rhythms impact adult fly behavior? Can diet have a protective effect?). I learned how to perform multiple assays and got to attend inspiring career talks from professionals at Fox Chase Cancer Center. I’m so grateful to say that I left the program with fun memories, new friends, and a hands-on perspective in science.  One of my favorite aspects of the program was its structure. Each day was clearly organized, a mix of lectures, lab work, and guest talks. I really appreciated the morning lectures that outlined the plan for the day, I think it helped reaffirm/ give me time to mentally prepare for the work ahead. The order of the assays made sense in terms of time management and data collection , and the schedule thankfully always left room for corrections/learning opportunities/extra lab time. The career talks mainly taking place after we completed our lab work made me feel like I was fully able to focus on both the hands-on science and the pivot into hearing from professionals.. The very first day, all of us were introduced to lab safety, equipment, and how to prepare fly food, a much needed learning experience for me since I previously had limited exposure to lab work! From there, we learned fly handling, sorting, and performed assays like negative geotaxis, microbiome, female fertility, and open field activity, all while actively making predictions/analysis during data collection. What I liked was that we weren’t just doing the steps. We were thinking about what was happening, making predictions, and analyzing what our data meant. There was space to ask questions and try again when things didn’t go right the first time, which made the whole thing feel a lot more real/less like a school lab where you just follow instructions.  The assays we performed were unlike anything I had done before. I had never worked with model organisms / conducted real behavioral experiments on flies, so everything felt new and exciting. I found that the protocols were explained very clearly, which helped a lot, but I still learned pretty quickly that reading them wasn’t enough. You really had to understand why each step mattered. One thing that really helped was writing out the protocols in our own words before doing them, an assignment we all agreed was super helpful. Personally, I really liked the Negative Geotaxis / Social Space assays. They were simple to follow and fun to watch, especially seeing how the flies reacted in real time. On the other hand, the Female Fertility and Microbiome ones were harder for me. They took more time and needed a lot of focus and precision. I made a few mistakes, especially in the beginning with transferring flies without losing any but I think improved a lot by the end.  Additionally, the career talks were another major highlight of the program. I found each speaker to be motivational in bringing in new perspectives about how we thought about science, all while keeping us engaged. Honestly, it felt just as impactful as the lab work in some ways. Each speaker had a different story, which helped me realize there’s no single path to working in science and that being flexible is crucial. Dr. Purdy’s and Dr. Glenn’s talks stood out the most to me. Dr. Purdy was honest, straightforward, and talked about staying true to yourself while still putting in the work and surrounding yourself with people who challenge you. Dr. Glenn’s message about failure also made me reconsider what I viewed as a “setback” in the lab. He talked about how you often learn the most from the things that don’t go how you planned. That helped me shift how I thought about my own mistakes in the lab, not as something to be embarrassed about but as moments to learn from.  Out of everything, what I enjoyed most about TRIP was the actual lab work. Even small things, like using a micropipette for the first time/sorting flies under a microscope, made me happy. I loved collecting data, trying to make sense of it, and keeping track of all my notes and questions in my lab notebook. Looking back through that notebook at the end of the week, I could actually see how much I’d grown. And while I originally came in most excited for hands-on science, I didn’t expect the career talks to change how I thought about my future so much. I used to think of science as this straight path with only one version of success, but TRIP helped me realize that there are so many ways to be in science, and all of them are valid. TRIP ended up being more than just a research program for us all. Before this, I wasn’t totally sure if I belonged in science/if I’d be good at research. But being in that environment and actually doing the work helped me realize that putting in the effort to try/learn mattered so much more, and it was okay if I wasn’t” naturally smart” at everything.  I was able to learn so much about research, but also about myself and my own habits. I used to feel a little nervous around lab settings, but now I feel so much more confident in my exploring. Especially at a time when science can be misunderstood/ undervalued, this program helped reinforce that science is about so much more than just finding answers. It was a learning experience which taught the value of asking the right questions, learning through mistakes, and honestly just nurturing our own feelings of “wonder”. I’m so grateful I got to be a part of TRIP this summer!
 Participating in the Summer TRIP Initiative was one of the most rewarding experiences I have had. The structure of the program was very organized and allowed me to learn step by step without feeling overwhelmed. Each week built on the previous one, which helped me gain confidence as I learned new skills in the lab. We used four different vials with two variables, a stressor and a drug, which were set up in all the necessary combinations. That design helped me see what each factor did on its own and what they did together. I appreciated how the program combined lectures, hands-on work, and career talks. It was a good balance between learning scientific concepts and actually applying them. One of the most interesting parts of TRIP was learning the different assays and how they are used. At first, I was nervous because some of the protocols seemed complicated, but the instructors gave clear instructions and answered questions along the way. This made the process much easier. I learned how important it is to pay attention to detail because even small mistakes can affect the results
The career talks were another highlight of the program. I really enjoyed hearing from scientists in different fields because it opened my eyes to the variety of career paths in science. It made me realize that science is not a straight road and that it is okay to explore, pivot, and grow. Hearing those stories reminded me that there are many ways to contribute to science and that passion and perseverance are just as important as technical knowledge  For my project, I chose to study the effects of head trauma and the drug Rhodiola on fruit flies. It was interesting to see how the drug improved the activity of the flies that had experienced head trauma, but it did not have the same positive effect on flies that were not stressed. Being able to analyze the data and interpret what it meant was a great learning experience. This part of the program showed me how challenging and rewarding research can be.
Overall, participating in TRIP increased my interest in science and research. Before this program, I was not sure what it would be like to work in a lab, but now I can see myself pursuing research in the future. TRIP gave me hands-on experience, introduced me to inspiring scientists, and taught me how to think critically. It also showed me the importance of teamwork and communication in science. I am grateful for everything I learned in this program, and I know the skills I gained will help me in my future education and career.  I liked the structure of the program. Lab time was heavily integrated into the schedule and having career talks was beneficial as a 17 year old looking for guidance. I enjoyed performing assays and I believe that they were relatively easy to perform. Although adjusting to higher-tech equipment was tough, I got the hang of it quickly. For example, I had never used a micropipette. If I did not learn how to use it, I would not have been able to perform the assays. Having instructions from the TAs before we performed the assays was helpful. Although writing lab protocol out the day before was helpful, I believe seeing how to perform the assays in person is more effective. I liked the career talks but I wish there were more orators from the hospital side of Fox Chase. Dr. Rall’s talk resonated with me the most because he took time to explain the type of people that are good scientists. This was very helpful to a high school audience looking to see if science would be heavily integrated into their futures. My favorite part of this program was being in a professional lab environment. I was able to use different types of equipment which will better prepare me for my future (whether in a college lab setting or a research career). I also enjoyed how close I was able to get with other TRIP students. This made TRIP more fun. Overall, this program positively impacted my interest in science and research. I now know that I like the research side of science which will be helpful to know for my future.
 Summer TRIP was definitely a wonderful experience for me. Dr. Austria, the people at Fox Chase as well as my peers were all genial. Overall, I think that the program is quite well structured; however, I think that it’d be better to have more lab time. Obviously, a two-hour lunch is nice, but we could’ve done more in that extra time. I think that the assays were quite well designed and weren’t that challenging. Dr. Austria, Hannah, and Sabina all did a great job explaining and demonstrating all the assays to us. To me, the career talks were quite enjoyable, but they definitely need to be shorter. After a while it just seems like the speaker is just droning on and on about their life and I stopped listening. I think that Dr. Rall’s talk resonated with me the most since he touched on failure in the lab and went in depth about how it is okay to fail. Personally, I enjoyed getting to learn about Drosophila and its anatomy, as well as doing the actual assays the most enjoyable. The hands-on aspect of this program was definitely one of the main reasons why I applied, and getting to be in a proper lab and work with an actual specimen was extremely enjoyable. Even though it was messy, I did actually enjoy making the fly food. Me and my peer, Aniketh, figured it out together and I thought it was quite therapeutic. My interest in science and research was deepened during this program, and I feel like I belong in the STEM field after participating in Summer TRIP. Thank you for everything!
 Like learning to drive on the interstate for the first time on my way to Fox Chase, my time at Summer TRIP has taught me so much that can’t be learned from textbooks. Through my many failures (thankfully in the lab rather than on the road), I learned to perform four separate assays and, eventually, transfer flies without losing too many. While one week seems like too little to learn anything substantial, Summer TRIP has gained me new friends, new lab abilities (I can now hold five vials in one hand), and a phrase to remember: “mentors, mentors, mentors.”  Almost every career talk included some variation of that phrase. Many of the talks emphasized that mentorship is valuable because it allows you to grow as a person. Mentors are those who give you a glimpse into the type of person you want to be, or the type of person you don’t want to be. Careers can be very easily generalized, but having tangible experience or stories of mentors’ experiences can help you identify what you want in a career. Summer TRIP was not only an opportunity to gain exposure to laboratory science, but also to learn the nuances of various careers from our mentors at Fox Chase. Although these speakers were not mentors in the typical, long-term sense, they were mentors in that they provided us with valuable perspectives to learn from. Dr. Correa emphasized that success in a career does not indicate that you have to let go of other priorities. The job of a physician, and the path to becoming one, is often viewed as all-consuming. While being a doctor definitely requires a massive amount of dedication and sacrifice, Dr. Correa demonstrated how priorities like family can coexist with a demanding career.  A STEM career also does not indicate that you have to fully suppress your individuality, even if it deviates from the stereotypes associated with it. One of Dr. Purdy’s own mentors, unafraid of judgement, dyed her hair blue in a lab sink just before their first meeting. Success in a career does not require you to completely adhere to the ideal perception of that career. Working in the lab with Dr. Austria also showed me that years of experience in science can come with fun little skills, like the ability to twist open a cap with one hand. I still haven’t learned how to do that, but I do think that my left hand dexterity somewhat improved last week.  From my own, one week experience, I have found that it is really impossible to be fully prepared for an assay that you have never personally performed before. As I worked through several lab procedures over and over again, I began to develop some of my own tips and tricks that made my life a little easier. Scraping yeast paste onto a grape plate does not sound in any way difficult, but I struggled for an embarrassingly long time. The yeast paste really did not want to come off the scoopula, so I eventually learned to scoop more yeast paste than I needed and gently tap the center of the grape plate.
Summer TRIP has given me so many memories, from our frequent Dr. Peppers to our googly-eyed fly morgue. I am so thankful for everyone I met at Fox Chase, and I can’t wait to see where our futures will lead us. Fly high! - Elaine  I really enjoyed the structure of the program. The balance between lectures and lab time was perfect, and the career talks were a definite highlight. I also found the longer lunch breaks to be incredibly fun and a great way to connect with others. I learned so much through this hands-on experience, especially while performing the assays. Although I noticed that external noise and light in the lab affected the results of the Negative Geotaxis and Centrophobism assays, the procedures were very manageable, and I felt well-supported throughout. The instruction clarified any questions and allowed me to conduct the procedure to the best of my ability. Dr. Rall’s talk resonated with me the most. He perfectly captured what drew me to science and helped reignite a passion that had been extinguished by years of discouraging experiences with science teachers and education. His words reminded me of how I used to think when I was younger. It was both nostalgic and exactly what I needed to hear. What I valued most during this experience was the opportunity to connect with the other people in the program. I’m incredibly grateful for everything I learned and for all the friendships I made. When I look back, I know I’ll remember the knowledge I gained, but even more, I’ll think of the people who made me smile and supported my growing interest in science. This program reminded me why I love science so much and helped take away some of the self-doubt I had about pursuing it. Last week turned out to be the most eventful and memorable week of my summer. Going into the first day, I felt both excitement and nervousness as I had no idea whom I'd meet or exactly what activities I'd be doing. When I walked into the building, I immediately noticed my group consisted mostly of girls, along with only one other boy named Eleazar. Fortunately, Eleazar and I became good friends as we bonded over the fact that we were the only boys in the group. During the program, my research focused on how a high-sugar diet impacts fruit fly behavior. Some peers explored similar dietary questions while others studied stressors such as head trauma, which I found fascinating. It was really nice to discover how versatile fruit flies could be as a model organism for addressing diverse scientific inquiries. Overall, I think the structure of the TRIP program is good. Having our research early in the day gave us plenty of time to conduct experiments, analyze results, and troubleshoot any issues that arose. The various assays I learned were both intriguing and valuable. Prior to TRIP, I never imagined I'd be measuring female fertility or gut health in relation to diet, and these experiments opened my eyes to new ideas of what could be investigated. The thorough instruction provided on the first day was especially beneficial, teaching critical lab skills such as micropipetting and learning how to handle the fruit flies, both of which were essential throughout the week. Though initially challenging, mastering these techniques was deeply rewarding, especially handling the flies. I also found the career talks to be particularly valuable. They provided insight into succeeding in medical and scientific careers, and I gained a better understanding of how hospitals and research institutions operate. Ultimately, TRIP proved to be a wonderful experience, providing foundational knowledge and firsthand insight into scientific research. This program has strengthened my interest in pursuing future opportunities in science and has deepened my appreciation for research.  I feel so grateful that I was given the opportunity to attend Summer TRIP. This experience has deepened my passion for science and inspired me to pursue it throughout my education and as my career. During TRIP, I got to listen to a series of career talks where I was given advice on how to achieve success. For example, I learned that hard work is more valuable than smarts and that finding a mentor is vital. The knowledge I gained made my goal of being a research scientist seem so much more feasible, because now I have some of the tools I need to accomplish it. Now that this future seems possible for me, I am even more inspired to work my hardest to get there. TRIP’s experiential learning aspect also helped to push me to pursue my dreams. Before I attended TRIP, the idea of doing lab work at a higher level than I had experienced in school was exciting but also made me a little nervous because it was new. Now that I have more real life experience with working in the lab, I feel more comfortable with it. My path towards accomplishing my goals doesn't seem as intimidating, and so I feel readier and more excited than ever to take the next steps. My favorite part of TRIP was definitely performing the assays and analyzing my results. The assays helped me learn so many new things, like how to micropipette and make solutions. With this knowledge, I feel so much more confident going into future science classes where these skills will be necessary. Performing the assays was a really gratifying experience. They required a lot of focus and precision, but my effort was rewarded with data that I could analyze and interpret. It was really fun working with the flies and I loved seeing my hard work culminate into what became my final presentation. Interpreting the data was also really interesting to me. I had never analyzed experimental results to the extent that I did during TRIP, and I really enjoyed getting the chance to think in ways that aren’t used often in school. I feel like my scientific abilities, like the skill of interpreting cause and effect, have grown greatly due to this wonderful experience.
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