Summer TRIP “Flies” By While Learning and Having Fun by Simran Kamal-Bahl

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. 

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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.

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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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