Ending Summer Research

The most rewarding part of my summer research experience is learning that I do want to go to graduate school and pursue a career in research. At the start of the summer, I was teetering back and forth on whether I should get a job following graduation, but now I am fully focused on applying to Ph.D. programs. I’ve also met some amazing people this summer. I don’t think I would have enjoyed summer research as much if it weren’t for them making everyday fun. The most challenging part of this summer was realizing the things I didn’t know that I didn’t know. Surprisingly, though I have great time management during the school year, I didn’t know that I didn’t know how to properly manage my time. Balancing lab and personal things like socializing, cooking, exercising, or even just relaxing was extremely difficult for me and it came as a huge shock. I also didn’t know that I’d have as tough a time organizing all my work and data. I’ve always considered myself a highly organized person, but with multiple test tubes of the same thing but made for different purposes, it was easy to get very confused. I’m very glad I’m learning all of this before graduate school.

Our group lab photo. In order of foreground to background: Nick Socci, Olivia Borges, Victoria Caruso, Me, James Russo, Mike Quinnan, and Dr. Randich.
Our group lab photo. In order of foreground to background: Nick Socci, Olivia Borges, Victoria Caruso, Me, James Russo, Mike Quinnan, and Dr. Randich.

Christina Alfano ’22
Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology

3 Replies to “Ending Summer Research”

  1. This picture is awesome! I see a lot of parallels between our two experiences this summer, especially in the challenge you mentioned- keeping your work and data organized. I too found it rather difficult to manage everything I was collected throughout the summer despite the fact that I’m also an organized student.

  2. Hi Christina,

    Sometimes intense work makes us realize that we have to adapt to succeed. It sounds like you had an important learning experience.

  3. Hi Christina!
    I love this picture! I’m so glad you have decided to pursue a Ph.D. after graduation. I know it must have been a difficult decision to make, but it definitely looks like you’ve made the right one!

Leave a Reply to Tiannah Adams Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *