Time Flies When You’re Having Fun! by Georgia Flego

I’ve found that I love getting lost in an experiment, appreciating the satisfaction of completing trials that I have conducted, and then being able to compile data into creative forms of media... I have learned that my path may not be linear, but if I am willing to roll with the punches, then a solution is bound to show itself. I have learned that I can thrive independently, and can manage my path to find answers to my own questions."

Hello! I am back to give a final, bittersweet update regarding my independent project as well as my reflections on my time at TRIP. It is amazing how in as little as five weeks, I have acquired more understanding of the techniques and culture of the lab than I ever thought I could obtain before a college experience.

For those who have not been following along, I finally settled on testing how three common herbal supplements-- fenugreek, black cohosh, and folic acid-- affect female fertility when implemented individually and in various combinations. Through my preliminary research, I came across the statistic that around 80% of the world population uses herbal supplements for some part of their primary healthcare; however, not a lot of research has been done on the effects of these supplements, including how they interfere with preexisting conditions, or how they react with other medication. This research would be especially important for those actively trying to become more fertile, as the human anatomy can be extremely delicate, and utilizing supplements without in-depth knowledge as to how they affect a body, let alone a growing organism, can pose significant danger. Therefore, it is an increasingly pressing topic that should be explored, and explored now.

Picking up from my last post, I had just conducted my first female fertility assay, and was eagerly awaiting the results of the percentage of embryos that had hatched, which would dictate the overall embryo viability of each condition. As of now, I have conducted six female fertility assays total, eight vials per assay, and twice ran two assays consecutively. By now, I could probably do these assays in my sleep! Although there were some hardships-- collecting developmental data on a maximum of 32 vials, sorting on ice as not to affect the fertility of the flies, working against time with the two hour incubation period per trial, experiencing two complete failures with two of my trials-- I was able to gather an immense amount of data, and procure some interesting suggestions. I had hypothesized that the use of individual supplements would increase fertility, while combined supplements would reduce fertility, however, was proved slightly wrong. Separately, fenugreek was able to increase both the number of embryos laid and embryos hatched; black cohosh and folic acid decreased fertility. Even in combinations, fenugreek was not enough to counter the negative effects of the other supplements. These findings then lead to more inquiries such as the effects of different concentration levels, how male fertility is impacted, or how these herbal supplements affect flies over generations. Although suggestions at this point, my data demonstrates that the world population must be extremely cautious when it comes to using herbal supplements, especially in combination, and must keep in mind to consume in moderation.

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I began TRIP with the hope that I would figure out if I would be interested in pursuing the research sciences, and have discovered fascination in both the minutiae and the bigger picture of the career. I’ve found that I love getting lost in an experiment, appreciating the satisfaction of completing trials that I have conducted, and then being able to compile data into creative forms of media. In addition to the affirmation this program has provided, it has also left me with knowledge that I can apply regardless of where my life takes me. I have learned that my path may not be linear, but if I am willing to roll with the punches, then a solution is bound to show itself. I have learned that I can thrive independently, and can manage my path to find answers to my own questions. Above all, I have learned that I have the capacity to pursue my curiosity, and that people encourage it; it is what creates passionate ambition and exciting innovation.

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​I cannot wait to see what the future holds for all of us! This summer has been one amazing trip, and am so thankful to have gotten the opportunity to have a hands-on lab experience, and to have met such intelligent, driven individuals.