My Summer Science Experience at Fox Chase by Kashvi Gupta

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

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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.

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