My Metamorphosis During TRIP by Megan Xie

I remember writing in my TRIP application essays that the most valuable part of TRIP would be the hands-on lab experience. However, after the past five weeks, I realized how much more I have gained than just that. 

In the last few weeks, I worked on my independent research project, which tested the effects of different fruits on the gut microbiome. I chose this project after reading about how poor diet is a health concern in the U.S. and reflecting on my picky eating habits, especially when it comes to fruit. After having to sort 20 male and 20 female flies into each of my eight vials for every repetition (with the help of Diya), I’ve become so much faster at it, and I have also learned to be more patient, especially with these kinds of tasks that require lots of time and energy. TRIP has also given me an opportunity to use different laboratory equipment, such as pipettes and micropipettes, and I have learned how to perform a variety of assays. From the number of mistakes I’ve made in the past few days, I’ve learned how to remain calm and try to figure out how to fix them rather than just panicking, and how messing up is just another part of the learning experience.

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From the results I have so far, my data looks a bit inconclusive because each agar plate from the microbiome assay suggests something different. However, I combined my data into one graph, and I did find a difference in microbiome diversity between the control vial and the vials with fruit. The control vial had three different species, whereas the ones with fruit had five or more, and the banana vial had seven! I have also been collecting developmental data for my vials, and although I have not finished yet, my data suggests that the flies in the grape vial had the highest percent eclosion.

In addition to the hands-on portion, something important that I have also gained is the friends I’ve made and the TRIP family that I proudly have joined. Every time I come to the TRIP lab, I am excited not just to work on my project, but also to see my fellow TRIP peers. Their unique and easygoing personalities combined with the hard work and dedication they put into what they do continue to inspire and motivate me. Although we have only seen each other for ten days, I feel as if we have known each other for years, and I’m sure that we will continue to be lifelong friends.

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To me, the end of TRIP is just a new beginning because I have come out as a transformed person. Metaphorically, TRIP has helped me “eclose” from my pupal case, and the lessons I learned have helped me “metamorphosize” into a fruit fly with wings that can carry me further in exploring my passions for science. My mindset has changed a lot, as I have learned the importance of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. I have met so many amazing people and learned so many skills that I will carry throughout my life.