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Former Carnitine Team Members |
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Casey Courtney |
Project: Carnitine Intake of Pediatric Patients Receiving Ketogenic Therapy
I came into the InvestiGators not knowing exactly what to expect, but was very, very excited. Right away I was being trained for all sorts of skills, including pipetting, various assay procedures, and leadership positions. I was learning about metabolism on a much deeper and more interesting level than that taught in classes. I looked forward to every meeting and, once I became more and more familiar with the material, caught myself pondering what I'd learned on the way to classes or home. I became more and more fascinated with how the three teams were involved in each other's work. Even now, over a year later, I still feel like a kid when I learn more connections.
Perhaps my favorite part of being on the team was just listening to Dr. Borum talk during meetings about her ideas for not only the present, but for the future as well. This is not a "we're-just-trying-to-reach-this-one-goal-and-that'll-be-it" research experience. This is more like a scavenger hunt, with each new piece of information found leading us to more and more discoveries. As for the teams, there are endless possibilities for learning and leadership; many times, the advantage of having a large group is that people can offer their different skills to the team. I may not be the best researcher or data analyzer, but I love teaching assay techniques and showing people how to prepare for the piglet surgeries. I was even lucky enough to be one of the members responsible for the behind-the-scenes preparations of the surgeries.
All in all, the time I was able to spend on the team was, I feel, invaluable. The amount I learned and the meaningfulness of the team's goals made each hour put into the team a worthwhile experience. My friends often spoke of their "research", how every couple of hours they'll stop in between classes to change a solution or wash some dishes. All I could ever do was shake my head and smile, feeling almost sorry for what they're missing out on.
Notable Roles: Personnel Officer
Time on Team: 1 year
Current Location: University of Florida
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Wesley George |
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Satyam Kalan |
Project: Effect of Gender and Age on Carnitine Compartmentalization in the Normal Rat
Notable Roles: Computer Hardware & Software Officer, Lab Safety Officer, Website Officer
Time on Team: 3 years
Current Location: Gainesville, Florida
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Dayong Lee |
Project: Dietary carnitine intake and its effect on urinary carnitine excretion.
What I learned from this experience:
1) How to practice good research procedures
2) How to perform various laboratory techniques
3) How to work with other members who have different backgrounds and disciplines
4) How to manage the lab, complying with all the regulations such as IRB and Biohazard
5) How to draw conclusions based on scientifically collected, calculated, and confirmed data
6) How to engage in discussions in academic manner
7) How to read scientific journal articles and what to get out from them, and
8) On the whole, how to become a professional researcher.
I realized I want to be a criminologist with concentration in toxicology after writing my thesis, “Dietary carnitine intake and its effect on urinary carnitine excretion.” Substances’ different effects on the body depending on their dosage deeply fascinated me, more than my desire to go to medical school. Thus, the greatest impact of this experience would be that all the skills and lessons I learnt as a member of the InvestiGators gave me courage and confidence in my decision ot pursue the study I had really wanted to do.
Notable Roles: HIPAA/IRB Officer
Time on Team: 3 years
Current Location: M.S. in forensic science at University of Illinois—Chicago. planning to pursue a Ph.D. in toxicology
Current Email Address: Dlee76@uic.edu
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David McDonald |
Project: Effects of Chemical Diabetes, Starvation, and Endocrine Hormones on Blood and Organ Carnitine Concentrations in Rats
Experimental Biology 2007 Abstract
Experimental Biology 2007 Poster
Experimental Biology 2008 Abstract
Experimental Biology 2008 Poster
The InvestiGators has had a profound effect on my life. During my time in IG, I had many new and wonderful experiences that are atypical of most undergraduate research positions. I had the opportunity to write a protocol for our piglet experiments, analyze and write up manuscripts based on carnitine data, learn more about running a website, work with human blood samples, present posters at national conferences, organize and lead my team, and through it all I was always treated as Dr. Borum's colleague. Because of IG, I have decided to go to graduate school to pursue a career in biomedical research. The InvestiGators is definitely a worthwhile experience that has helped me get to where I am today.
Notable Roles: Team Co-Captain, IACUC Officer, Lab/Radiation Safety Officer, Website Officer, IG President
Time on Team: 3.5 years
Current Location: Duke University Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Program--Ph.D. candidate
Current Email Address: mcdonaldda@gmail.com
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Vinny Picascio |
Project: Quantification of Seizures in Epileptic Patients on a Ketogenic Diet
I have had the opportunity to be a part of the InvestiGators for a little over a year and can say with no regret this commitment has been one of best choices of my life. The investigators helped mold me into the person I am today, both personally and professionally.
On a personal level, I have formed friendships with students of similar scientific interests and goals. Through interactions with these students I have learned the importance of trust and loyalty. I have also experienced the advantage of being pushed to strive for the highest level of performance. By being exposed to a large number of unique individuals, I have had the opportunity to learn something different from every student.
On a professional level, I have learned countless skills and information that I will treasure for life. I have learned to work in a team atmosphere as both a leader and learner. I have learned valuable scientific skills such as laboratory techniques, data analysis, assay procedures, and many other research procedures. Most importantly, I feel the InvestiGators has prepared me for whatever the future has in store for me.
Notable Roles: IRB/HIPPA Officer
Time on Team: 1 year
Current Location: University of Florida
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