My first day at the lab was amazing. I’ve never had the privilege to be with a group of such intelligent individuals within a selective science program, and getting to know each person in our small group was eye-opening. For my kickoff experiment, I’ll be testing the impact of head trauma on the anxiety of adult flies, and if a diet including melatonin can have a protective effect. I’m excited to keep observing the vial of flies I have awaiting me on my desk, and I can’t wait to continue with this incredible program. 

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On the first day of TRIP we started off with a lecture and an icebreaker for people to get to know each other better. We learned about our responsibilities, timeline, and how we can begin to navigate our kickoff experiment. We then visited the lab to begin working on our kickoff experiment! We started by doing some micropipetting exercises. I had previous experience working with micropipettes and scales but the TRIP instructors gave me insightful tricks and tips on how to get the most accurate measurements and work most efficiently. We also began making the fly food for our kickoff experiment. My question is: Does intestinal inflammation impact adult fly anxiety? And does diet have a proactive effect? The drug for my experiment is licorice and the stressor is soap. Once we did the calculations and prepared the fly food with the correct dosages of drug and stressor we got the chance to work together on a packet about making solutions and dilutions. Lastly, we got to take home our own vile of flies to watch the development process throughout the week and record our findings. Already, I’ve enjoyed every minute of TRIP and am excited to explore and see everyone’s research come together!

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My experience at the TRIP Explore 2026 program is one that I will never forget. I am so grateful for this opportunity to learn more about career pathways in cancer research, make new friends and connections at Fox Chase Cancer Center, and engage in interactive learning in the laboratory through experiments and data collection. I thought that the structure of this program was very successful. Through a good balance between lecturing, tours, assignments, and in-lab learning, I was able to learn the most that I could. My favorite component was the lectures and tours from career speakers. It was so insightful to talk with people in the field about their research and what their role is at the cancer center, as well as seeing the different kinds of machinery and software extensively used in research. My favorite was the tour of the Cell Culture Facility where I saw the xCELLigence Real-Time Cell Analysis machine that directly measures cell growth and death rates over time. I thought the assays that I learned how to do are very crucial to understanding certain lab techniques, such as micropipetting, creating solutions, and incubating bacterial colonies on a medium. The concept of each assay was not hard to carry out, but I will admit it was tedious to prepare each assay for each experimental group, especially when sorting or counting flies based on sex. My participation in this program has greatly impacted my passions in scientific research, it was so eye-opening to learn about all the different kinds of machinery that are used, how different facilities collaborate with each other to produce data in a research project, and how institutions like Fox Chase are virtually a melting pot for all aspects of cancer research, whether it is molecular, cellular, tissue-based, or across organ systems, there is no limit to the ways one can participate in cancer research. I will definitely be looking forward to using this machinery more as I grow as an individual into my college education to carry out my own research. One last thing I will say about TRIP Explore: even if you are introverted or have trouble making connections, I really encourage you to grow this skill as though I am slightly introverted I was able to make great friendships here that will certainly help me explore the field and pursue new opportunities.

​My experience at Summer TRIP has been nothing short of extraordinary. Having the opportunity to gain experience in a professional laboratory environment and work independently taught me that scientific research involves so much more than simply performing experiments and collecting data. Before joining the program, I wasn’t sure what to expect. While I had worked in my school’s science labs before, I had never conducted research in a professional laboratory or used model organisms like fruit flies to study how diet and environmental factors affect health. Although the journey (or should I say TRIP) was challenging at times, I left the program with a much deeper understanding of scientific research and a newfound confidence in my abilities as an aspiring scientist. 

One of my favorite aspects of the TRIP program was the amount of independence we were given. Rather than having everyone follow the same set of instructions, each student selected their own question and dietary supplement to investigate. We were trusted to carry out our experiments independently while still having our teaching assistants available whenever we needed guidance. That balance between independence and support made the experience feel like legitimate research instead of a classroom laboratory. My project focused on whether a high-sugar diet affects fruit fly behavior, fertility, and microbiome composition, and whether holy basil could provide a protective effect. One of the most valuable lessons came from seeing that my results did not always match my predictions. Instead of proving my hypothesis correct, I learned that good research is about following the evidence rather than your own opinion. I also learned that research begins long before entering the laboratory. Reading background information on fruit flies, understanding each assay beforehand, and planning the experiment carefully were just as important as collecting and analyzing the data. The structure of the TRIP program was fundamental to our success. Between career talks, tours of the facilities at FCCC, and the demonstrations of each assay, I always felt prepared for the work ahead. 

Of the four assays we performed, Negative Geotaxis, Centrophobism, Female Fertility, and the Microbiome Assay, my favorite was the Female Fertility Assay. While it was the most time-consuming because it involved anesthetizing the flies with CO2, transferring them into their collection cages, and later counting both the embryos and female flies, I found it to be the most rewarding. It was interesting to return two hours later and see that the female flies had laid dozens of embryos on the grape plates, then come back the following day to determine how many had successfully hatched. Performing the assay helped me become more confident and organized in the laboratory. Looking back, I can clearly see how much I improved throughout the week. Each day, I became more comfortable handling the flies, made fewer mistakes during live-transfers, and gained a better understanding of the techniques behind each assay. ​

Another highlight of the program was the career talks. Dr. Valentine’s presentation resonated with me the most because he spoke honestly about facing setbacks in life and feeling out-of-place early on in his career. Hearing his story reminded me that uncertainty and self-doubt are common experiences, even among professionals. More importantly, it taught me that growth comes from being willing to learn, change, and seek help when necessary. 

​Beyond the laboratory, I also appreciate the friendly environment that the program created. Since there were only five of us, the experience felt incredibly personal. Dr. Austria and our teaching assistants, Izzy and Martie, were always willing to help us and made the lab a fun place to learn. Looking back, even the Instagram Reels they had us record, which felt pretty corny in the moment, became fun memories and remind me of how much I enjoyed being there. 

Before Summer TRIP, I viewed research as a straightforward process of performing an experiment, collecting data, and analyzing the results. Now I understand that meaningful research begins with asking thoughtful questions, reading previous studies, designing careful experiments, and remaining open to unexpected outcomes. Experiments are followed by the equally important tasks of interpreting your findings and sharing them with others. Before participating in Summer TRIP, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to pursue within STEM. This experience has strengthened my interest in biological research and confirmed that I want to continue working in a laboratory. Summer TRIP taught me to be more curious, patient, and confident in my work. I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to participate in the program, and I know the lessons I learned this summer will continue to shape my future as both a student and aspiring scientist.

​My summer did a 180 the moment I opened Temple’s FCCC doors for TRIP Explore. Before joining the Summer TRIP program, my summer felt stuck like a fruit fly on ice. But over the course of 5 days, everything changed – I went from feeling uninspired and bored to having one of the most productive and eye-opening experiences of my life, reigniting my passion for science. These feelings wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for Dr. Austria, TA’s Martie and Izzy, and the friendships I made. Now, I understand the importance of looking beyond the surface and inquiry. 

​The car ride to FCCC at first felt nauseating and filled with what-ifs – What if no one talks to each other? What if I sound stupid? However, my worries immediately plummeted when I was greeted by TAs Martie and Izzy. Their positive attitudes made me feel instantly welcomed. Around 9:00 am, TRIP Explorers and I were taken to the conference room. We met the lovely Dr.Austria, were introduced to the program, and had one of four career talks with the Vice President of Cancer Center Operations at FCCC, Joshua Lahav. His career talk felt inspiring because he mentioned he majored in psychology – something I am interested in as well.  Afterwards, we received a tour of Temple’s FCCC with Dr.Rall. The building’s design felt intentional, with art pieces radiating peace and positivity. 

​For the next three days, we explored different facilities. These experiences made my morning. One of my favorites was the wet and dry histology labs. In these labs, TRIP Explorers and I learned what histologists do and how artificial intelligence is being incorporated into science to smooth once tedious processes. Being able to explore different facilities and having one-on-one conversations with doctors about their job was a one-of-a-kind experience. 

​​Entering the lab for the first time felt uneasy. For example, I didn’t know what certain tools, like a micropipette, were, and I felt behind. However, this feeling disappeared because of TRIP instructors' help. Both TA’s, Martie and Izzy, alongside Dr. Austria, explained the functions of a micropipette and gave me the clarity I needed. Although it was my first time using a micropipette, by the end of day one, I felt like a pro due to their instruction. This encounter connects to the importance of not giving in to defeatism. If I hadn’t asked questions or received directions, I would continue to be down on myself and not be able to use a micropipette properly. By doing so, I could now approach a micropipette and other lab materials with ease and joy.

​Furthermore, the assays were extremely engaging. Never once did I feel bored in the lab. For instance, the Negative Geotaxis Assay involved tapping down a vial labeled from 1-8 cm, with 10 male flies inside and waiting 3 seconds. Afterwards, the flies would move, and the greater distance reached represented greater mobility. This process was interesting because every condition had unique effects and the pictures allowed me to compare and contrast results. By completing each assay, it felt as if I were putting missing pieces of a puzzle together. Each assay answered a part of my initial experimental question – valerian and constant darkness in relation to circadian rhythms and their impacts on fly behavior, fertility, and microbiome. Yet, during the assays, I would make some mistakes. Instead of giving up, I would refer to my TRIP lab journal, reread the directions I previously wrote, or ask a TA for assistance. Martie and Izzy’s kindness never made me feel as though they weren’t approachable or feel “stupid” in the slightest. 

​As I write my blog and reflect on questions like “What parts of the program did you enjoy most?” my mind is caught in a whirl because there were too many moments I enjoyed. For instance, during Dr. Purdy’s career talk, I loved her raw personality and the importance of being persistent in your aspirations. She went from washing dishes in a lab, wanting to work hands-on, to actively conducting research. This anecdote inspired me and reminded me of the sacrifice we make to be where we are today. Next, I enjoyed the atmosphere of TRIP. As I mentioned before, I felt a bit anxious coming into the program. Yet, during lunch on the first day, it felt as if I knew the other TRIP explorers my whole life. We had casual conversations and easily talked to one another.  Specifically, I remember all of them making an effort to pronounce my name correctly instead of its Westernized pronunciation. Moreover, coming into the lab was no longer filled with nervousness but excitement to tackle a new endeavor. On the fifth and final day, I wasn’t ready to leave. I wanted to enjoy more career talks, explore more facilities, continue to have memorable conversations with Darwin, Erin, Manuel, and Sebastian, and film more reels with Martie and Izzy. 

As a result, participating in Summer TRIP transformed science from something I studied from a slideshow and notes in DP Biology Year 1 into an active pursuit. Hearing directly from Fox Chase staff during the career talks brought fields I once only heard of to life and showed me that there are a multitude of pathways into biomedical research. Additionally, getting to work directly with fruit fly assays showed me how small-scale experiments can extract powerful insights into fruit fly behavior, fertility, and microbiome. This information allows us to create comparisons with humans, as fruit flies share 70% of their genes with us. In conclusion, TRIP Explore replaced my once passive curiosity with active enjoyment for STEM. It solidified for me that I genuinely enjoy the process of hands-on experimentation and inquiry. Through reflection, I’ve realized the value of embracing curiosity and being present, shifting my focus from future anxieties to the meaningful memories I’m creating in the moment. 

​Over the course of five (flying) days, I went on a memorable TRIP with four other high schoolers into Fox Chase Cancer Center (FCCC), understanding the works of a lab, gathering experimental data to answer our own unique questions, and meeting the hardworking people who make the institution what it is today. Each day was packed with exciting opportunities, and each day I left with a newfound feeling of enthusiasm, anticipation, and curiosity as my head began buzzing with new ideas. The career talks, facility tours, and benchwork uncovered a whole dimension of knowledge that my classroom hardly touched, and my dim understanding of a career in research turned into an unexpected realization that I would really enjoy it and I had looked in the right direction. 

​TRIP Explore was structured so that each day, we would have the chance to hear a career presentation, visit a facility, and work on our assays at the bench, and every activity scheduled was well-paced, cohesive, and perfectly planned. Every morning, we gained valuable advice from someone at FCCC, learning about a broad range of careers, from business operations to nursing to clinical research. Every career I was introduced to was so unique yet evidently crucial to the integrity of FCCC, and more importantly, to the scientific community itself. 

​Dr. Purdy was one speaker whose words and personality stood out to me greatly. She showed us a picture of a long, random swiggle, explaining that life realistically looked like that, not a perfectly straight timeline. She said that everyone inevitably faces setbacks, deals with difficult decisions, and meets the unexpected, so in fact, it is our job to recognize those roadbumps and embrace them. Dr. Purdy also talked about something else that made me realize my passion for a career in research: underrepresentation in STEM. Her advocacy for equality in such an important area has made me understand that I can and need to make a difference too, and that I change this reality for more underserved individuals by cementing my future in STEM.

The facilities tours were the most eye-opening for me. Every tour was so informative, comprehensive, and interactive, and I felt so grateful getting the chance to step foot into a biotechnology lab, watch a cell culture facility staff member work on a sample of cells, and visualize how AI could be used to enhance histopathology scans. It was my first time stepping foot into lab facilities so complex yet cohesive and crucial in the world of science, and my curiosity to learn about the works of the many other ones has made me believe that this is the kind of career I want to pursue.

​My favorite part of a TRIP Explore day was working at the bench. While the extent of new knowledge I learned in the lab was quite overwhelming, mastering new skills, cool techniques, and fun assays was so rewarding. From getting the feel for live transfer (where you transfer fruit flies between vials) to micropipetting nonstop, every day was an exciting opportunity to build my confidence in the lab. My favorite assay, the gut microbiome assay, taught me to be patient, coordinated, and organized on a whole different level, which was definitely a fun challenge for me. After plating my first two conditional groups successfully, I felt like a pro … until on my third round, I spontaneously decided to shake my microcentrifuge tube while the cap was still open and spilled MRS broth on my shirt (oops).

​Aside from that, new skills in the lab became routine, and five days unexpectedly flew by like nothing. Although analyzing my data was not as gratifying as being in the lab, it was still exciting to draw conclusions from the picture my data painted, and interesting to uncover that my hypothesis was rejected. While I wish we had another week to tour more labs, film reels, and try assays with larvae, my week was nonetheless unforgettable. Working alongside like-minded peers in the lab has made me feel passionate about a future in research, and fond memories with my groupmates, TAs, Dr. Austria, and fruit flies have shown me how much value this program holds. Not only did TRIP cured my summer boredom and unproductivity, but it made me a more competent, intelligent, and confident researcher that I’m so grateful to have grown to be. I’m excited to see what the future holds! ~ E.Z.

The 2026 TRIP Explore program was definitely the highlight of my summer. Considering the rest of my summer was about as exciting as watching paint dry, that's saying something. But even if my summer had been packed with unforgettable moments, I know TRIP will remain as one of the most engaging and enjoyable experiences I’ve had. 
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Although five days may seem a little short to leave such a lasting impression, TRIP proved that meaningful experiences are not measured by their length, but by what you take away from them. In just one week, I gained friends, new lab skills (I can gas flies now!), and met mentors who inspired me. 

Every morning began with a career talk, introducing us to a different person and their unique journey into research. By the end of the program, I had met five different mentors just from career talks. The talks themselves were interesting, though the one that resonated with me the most had to have been Dr. Valentine. He reminded us that uncertainty is something everyone experiences. One of his famous lines that still stays with me: “The only thing you can be certain about is being uncertain.” That message changed the way I approach new experiences. As a first-time TRIP student, I was uncertain about everything. However, Dr. Valentine helped me realize that uncertainty is a natural part of learning and growing.

The learning did not stop there. Every day after the career talks, we toured all kinds of different facilities. The staff were welcoming, encouraged us to ask questions, and made each tour interactive, which I thought (and still think) was pretty cool. 

After the tours, Dr. Austria gave her extremely quick lectures right before lunch. Lunch became one of the best opportunities to get to know my fellow TRIPsters. Between jokes, stories, and other nonsense, those conversations truly turned a group full of strangers into friends.

While the morning talks and tours expanded my perspective, I had the most fun in the lab. Throughout the week, we completed different assays (which I went into detail in my final presentation; go check it out!), learned new lab skills, filmed Instagram Reels, and took so so so many pictures. My favorite moments from this program have to have been the more social part of it. I mean, I even got a hashtag under a post for me (#Darwin)! Being front and center in the final group photos and joking around with my fellow TRIPsters showed me that the program wasn’t just special because of the knowledge I gained or its prestige; it was special because of the people, the connections, and the moments of fun everyone had. 

Looking back, I realize that the opportunity to go on a week-long TRIP this summer is something I will always be grateful for. What started as just another summer program became an experience I will never forget. On the last day, it was clear as day how much this program meant to everyone; none of us wanted to leave, and we all stayed longer than usual just to enjoy our final day together. In a final conclusion, I want to thank Dr. Austria, Izzy, and Martie for making TRIP Initiative such a memorable and enjoyable experience for me.

Hello everyone! This summer, I had the incredible opportunity to attend TRIP (Teen Research Internship Program) Explore at Fox Chase Cancer Center, and to say my experience was absolutely amazing is an understatement. Although I was nervous at first, I found myself looking forward to performing the different assays and the lectures as the week went by. During the program, I was able to perform hands-on assays with the fruit flies and involve myself in the scientific process. These exposures have been an eye-opening experience and have helped me see laboratory research in a new perspective. Through my failures and errors, I learned that only by accepting your mistakes can you further grow as a person. I can confidently say that I am now able to live transfer flies without losing any of them in the process (after losing tons of flies during my assays). I enjoyed every single part of this experience from the laboratory tours to just simply eating lunch with my peers. Although a week seems like a long time when looking at it from afar, it was already the end of TRIP before you knew it! Through summer TRIP I have learned new lab abilities, made new connections, and further enhanced my critical thinking and analysis skills.

​My absolute favorite parts of the program were the facility tours and the lectures. To be able to see the working environments of the different scientists and hearing them talk about their work passionately has made me feel so touched. I’ve always had the idea that scientists were mean, strict egoists who expected everyone to be a know-it-all. However, I have long given up on that stereotype, and I realized that scientists can be warm and understanding. At times, I would get sleepy during the lectures, but I would always perk back up when the lecturer would share their own personal path through life. Dr. Purdy and Dr. Kott’s lectures stood out to be especially. I was able to realize that you don’t have to know exactly what you want to do for the rest of your life by the age of 16. It's okay to change your mind and experience something new, something different. Difference doesn’t have to be scary, and sometimes that change will be the best thing to happen to you!

​Although this was not my first time working in a lab setting or with fruit flies, I would feel completely lost at times. Performing the assays was definitely the most difficult component of the program, and I struggled with live transferring the files the most. However, learning is definitely not linear, and there will be bumps here and there. Through practice and error, I was able to learn a new technique that allowed me to successfully transfer my flies, both in a timely manner and with minimal fly loss. Additionally, I would sometimes have trouble knowing what to do when my food fell out of my vial or when I was confused about a procedure step, but Dr. Austria and the TAs were always there to help answer questions! There was the perfect balance of independence and guidance, allowing us to grow in a safe and supportive environment. I will be sure to use the knowledge and skills I’ve enhanced and gained from this experience throughout the rest of my life and whatever the future holds.

​Overall, TRIP Explore was an amazing program and I am beyond grateful for this opportunity. We were surrounded by supportive mentors and likeminded peers. I’ve made new friends, and I enjoyed spending time with them, whether it be our long lunch breaks or just simply collecting data from our assays. Thank you to Dr. Austria and the wonderful TAs, Izzy and Martie, for making this program so welcoming and enjoyable. I am forever grateful and thank you for the unconditional love and support you gave us.  

​I first heard about TRIP in an email sent out by my chemistry teacher. It immediately grabbed my attention because it offered a new perspective on scientific research. However, the program offered a lot more insight than I initially thought, as it not only demonstrated the experience in the lab, but it also provided tours of multiple facilities and presentations from across the cancer center. Because of the diverse aspects of the program, it showed me a multitude of different paths in STEM, rather than the limited ones that I saw beforehand.

​First and foremost, the program is focused on research and working in the lab. However, I had a very limited idea of what lab work was. In my mind, it was like the activities that we did in my previous courses, but in TRIP, I learned very quickly that lab work can be a lot harder than that. On the first day, we learned how to transfer flies, and I was immediately humbled, as it needed to be done quickly and efficiently while also being done carefully. Not only did I have to minimize the time with an open vial, I also had to sort them on ice to keep them unconscious. This required me to work as quickly as possible because if I wasn’t able to complete it fast enough, the flies would die. Although this process was intimidating at first, it became a lot easier over time, to the point where I would only lose one or two flies every time I sorted them. It was very rewarding to be able to learn a new hands-on skill in science and greatly improve, but the mistakes shown through in my results, as some of them were completely invalidated. However, it opened up another world of potential improvement in lab skills.

​In a similar vein, the facility tours painted a picture of the daily life of a researcher, by allowing me to see it in action at the professional level. For example, the cell culture facility demonstrated not only the precision required to maintain sterility when working with cells, but also the various methods of storing and manipulating them. Another example is the genomics facility, where they are able to sequence and study DNA. However, this also showed how the ecosystem between researchers worked, as the facility rents out the machines to whoever wants to use them. In other words, it demonstrated the collaboration required for research, which added a new depth to my understanding of the career.

​Finally, the presentations given showed me the uncertainty of the future. A lot of them set out to go into a specific profession but came out to be something else entirely. Additionally, this allowed me to see the myriad of different careers and roles that can be found in a hospital. For instance, we received two different career talks by nurses, but they still had vastly different roles as one was an educator while another was a bedside nurse with a diverse array of nursing experiences. This showed me that wherever people end up in STEM, there is going to be a specialized niche that they can fit into.

​Even though TRIP is presented as a hands-on learning experience, it is so much more than that. It is a wonderful look at the complex interactions and daily life of many different aspects of a hospital. Of course, it gave me valuable skills for working in the lab, but it also opened my mind to a variety of possibilities for my future because of the numerous perspectives on science and medicine. Not only that, but the facility tours provided insight into the higher level of academic research that I was unable to have before. Overall, the TRIP program helped excite my scientific imagination and my desire to be challenged.

It has been an absolute privilege to participate in the summer TRIP program at Fox Chase Cancer Research Center. This program has not only improved my confidence in choosing healthcare as my primary career pathway, but it has fundamentally changed my view of healthcare and research as a whole. TRIP is tailored to expose young high school students to different careers in healthcare. Throughout my time at Fox Chase, my mind was enthralled, partly because I met a histopathologist, PhD RN (which is only 1% of the nursing field), two nursing educators, a urologist, and a biologist, all of whom were extremely passionate about what they do and were more than happy to answer all of our questions. 

During TRIP, we had the opportunity to do several assays with flies, which I found to be both challenging and rewarding. The microbiome assay was very enjoyable, and I learned about the importance of sanitation and got a good grasp of pipetting with different liquids such as broth and ethanol. We were tasked with making both diluted and undiluted samples of bacteria from the crushed-up flies. Both the TA’s and Dr. Austria demonstrated the experiment in such a way that students can navigate the experiment with total ease, so much so that I found the assay to be fun. When signing up for this program, I didn't think I could learn so much in a span of a week, but I must confess that this program has been fascinating and an enlightening experience. 

Before this program, I was unsure about my decision in choosing to pursue a career in healthcare, partly because many healthcare programs required long and rigorous training that my family and I do not have funds to pay for. But after being exposed to so many scientists of different racial backgrounds who were able to find success in the medical field, I was sold. Dr. Austria advised me to focus on choosing a career where I would be fulfilled. It was such an honor to be educated by such a wise and resilient woman.

TRIP has inspired me to look into more research opportunities across Philadelphia. Additionally, I have been looking into different careers such as dentistry and Nurse education, which are all careers that I never considered before TRIP. I also appreciated how TRIP connected me to driven and like-minded individuals such as myself.  My lab mates and TA’s were extremely kind, intelligent, and inquisitive. We shared similar interests and experiences but also had completely different backgrounds, which cured my imposter syndrome in no time. I look forward to applying for the winter program and possibly being a TA for the next summer cycle