Worth the TRIP: How One Week Reignited My Passion for Science by Maruf Mehedi

​My summer did a 180 the moment I opened Temple’s FCCC doors for TRIP Explore. Before joining the Summer TRIP program, my summer felt stuck like a fruit fly on ice. But over the course of 5 days, everything changed – I went from feeling uninspired and bored to having one of the most productive and eye-opening experiences of my life, reigniting my passion for science. These feelings wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for Dr. Austria, TA’s Martie and Izzy, and the friendships I made. Now, I understand the importance of looking beyond the surface and inquiry. 

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​The car ride to FCCC at first felt nauseating and filled with what-ifs – What if no one talks to each other? What if I sound stupid? However, my worries immediately plummeted when I was greeted by TAs Martie and Izzy. Their positive attitudes made me feel instantly welcomed. Around 9:00 am, TRIP Explorers and I were taken to the conference room. We met the lovely Dr.Austria, were introduced to the program, and had one of four career talks with the Vice President of Cancer Center Operations at FCCC, Joshua Lahav. His career talk felt inspiring because he mentioned he majored in psychology – something I am interested in as well.  Afterwards, we received a tour of Temple’s FCCC with Dr.Rall. The building’s design felt intentional, with art pieces radiating peace and positivity. 

​For the next three days, we explored different facilities. These experiences made my morning. One of my favorites was the wet and dry histology labs. In these labs, TRIP Explorers and I learned what histologists do and how artificial intelligence is being incorporated into science to smooth once tedious processes. Being able to explore different facilities and having one-on-one conversations with doctors about their job was a one-of-a-kind experience. 

​​Entering the lab for the first time felt uneasy. For example, I didn’t know what certain tools, like a micropipette, were, and I felt behind. However, this feeling disappeared because of TRIP instructors' help. Both TA’s, Martie and Izzy, alongside Dr. Austria, explained the functions of a micropipette and gave me the clarity I needed. Although it was my first time using a micropipette, by the end of day one, I felt like a pro due to their instruction. This encounter connects to the importance of not giving in to defeatism. If I hadn’t asked questions or received directions, I would continue to be down on myself and not be able to use a micropipette properly. By doing so, I could now approach a micropipette and other lab materials with ease and joy.

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​Furthermore, the assays were extremely engaging. Never once did I feel bored in the lab. For instance, the Negative Geotaxis Assay involved tapping down a vial labeled from 1-8 cm, with 10 male flies inside and waiting 3 seconds. Afterwards, the flies would move, and the greater distance reached represented greater mobility. This process was interesting because every condition had unique effects and the pictures allowed me to compare and contrast results. By completing each assay, it felt as if I were putting missing pieces of a puzzle together. Each assay answered a part of my initial experimental question – valerian and constant darkness in relation to circadian rhythms and their impacts on fly behavior, fertility, and microbiome. Yet, during the assays, I would make some mistakes. Instead of giving up, I would refer to my TRIP lab journal, reread the directions I previously wrote, or ask a TA for assistance. Martie and Izzy’s kindness never made me feel as though they weren’t approachable or feel “stupid” in the slightest. 

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​As I write my blog and reflect on questions like “What parts of the program did you enjoy most?” my mind is caught in a whirl because there were too many moments I enjoyed. For instance, during Dr. Purdy’s career talk, I loved her raw personality and the importance of being persistent in your aspirations. She went from washing dishes in a lab, wanting to work hands-on, to actively conducting research. This anecdote inspired me and reminded me of the sacrifice we make to be where we are today. Next, I enjoyed the atmosphere of TRIP. As I mentioned before, I felt a bit anxious coming into the program. Yet, during lunch on the first day, it felt as if I knew the other TRIP explorers my whole life. We had casual conversations and easily talked to one another.  Specifically, I remember all of them making an effort to pronounce my name correctly instead of its Westernized pronunciation. Moreover, coming into the lab was no longer filled with nervousness but excitement to tackle a new endeavor. On the fifth and final day, I wasn’t ready to leave. I wanted to enjoy more career talks, explore more facilities, continue to have memorable conversations with Darwin, Erin, Manuel, and Sebastian, and film more reels with Martie and Izzy. 

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As a result, participating in Summer TRIP transformed science from something I studied from a slideshow and notes in DP Biology Year 1 into an active pursuit. Hearing directly from Fox Chase staff during the career talks brought fields I once only heard of to life and showed me that there are a multitude of pathways into biomedical research. Additionally, getting to work directly with fruit fly assays showed me how small-scale experiments can extract powerful insights into fruit fly behavior, fertility, and microbiome. This information allows us to create comparisons with humans, as fruit flies share 70% of their genes with us. In conclusion, TRIP Explore replaced my once passive curiosity with active enjoyment for STEM. It solidified for me that I genuinely enjoy the process of hands-on experimentation and inquiry. Through reflection, I’ve realized the value of embracing curiosity and being present, shifting my focus from future anxieties to the meaningful memories I’m creating in the moment.