Discovery in the TRIP Lab by Mekhriyona Ilkhomova

Things in the TRIP lab are starting to get really interesting. We recently finished our kickoff experiment and presented our work. I think what really makes things fun is that everything is hands-on. We’re doing real-life experiments and coming up with real results. At first, I was uncomfortable with this new experience. As I continued to learn and create some momentum, I realized just how much I was enjoying it. I would come into the lab, and time would speed by without me even realizing. The kickoff experiment was a really good introduction and learning stage to get used to the lab. I’m looking forward to our independent projects where we can apply everything we learned to answer our own questions.

Currently, we are setting up our independent projects, and it's getting me excited for what is to come. I’m testing if Omega-3 could mitigate the negative effects of blue light exposure on physical activity and memory. I chose this question because it's very relevant to us in this increasingly technological world filled with screens. We’re constantly exposed to screens, so why don’t we try to understand the negative effects they may be having on us and how we could mitigate them? That’s what I hope to do through this project, as this topic will only become increasingly important as technology advances.

Throughout my time at TRIP, I've formed relationships with my peers and a friendship with Richard. We help each other out when we don't understand things and discuss how we could improve each other’s work. We share ideas and learn from each other often. Also, I'm very grateful for my teachers (adults? Not sure what to call them) because they encourage us to figure things out on our own. I find it very motivating and empowering that they trust and believe in us. Overall, this program has led me to discover that I’m interested in lab work, and that's very insightful as I choose what careers I want to pursue after high school.