Project: Early Detection of Hypertension and Growth Abnormalities in an HIV Positive Pediatric Patient

Experimental Biology 2008 Abstract
Experimental Biology 2008 Poster

The InvestiGators Organization has had a substantial impact on my career as an undergraduate and will undoubtably have a substantial impact in my professional career. Being a member of the Gator Team has not only fermented my passion for medicine, but also has trained me to see everything from a researcher's point of view. Pursuing my personal project on growth and hypertension in HIV+ pediatric patients has been the most rewarding experience of my undergraduate career. I was able to learn firsthand how to manipulate large amounts of patient data and apply statistics to study relationships. It taught me the value of translational medicine and the importance of preventative healthcare, while introducing me to the powerful effects HIV has on the body's metabolism. My personal project taught me to keep moving forward and to strive for perfection even when it may seem unattainable.

The people that I have met on the team and at clinic have inspired me in more ways than I even thought possible. I was given the opportunity to work in a professional team environment, practice leadership, and understand team dynamics with a group of committed individuals to work towards a common goal. I learned the importance of developing a personal rapport with patients to maximize your influence on their lifestyles. I have grown to be more efficient, better with time-management, and to appreciate every minute the day has to offer. My experience as an InvestiGator has shaped me into the person I am today, and I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to be part of such a wonderful cause.

Notable Roles: Meeting Secretary, Database Director

Time on Team: 2 years

Current Location: University of Florida

Project: Identifying Parameters Which Predict an Increased Risk of Developing Prediabetes

Experimental Biology 2008 Abstract
Experimental Biology 2008 Poster

 

Notable Roles: Team Co-Captain

Time on Team: 2 years

Current Location: Gainesville, Florida

Project: Metabolic Dysfunction in Pediatric Patients Infected by HIV via Perinatal Transmission Versus Horizontal Transmission

My experience as an InvestiGator has helped me grow and develop into a better team member, student, researcher, and learner. Through InvestiGators, my knowledge of HIV, metabolic syndrome and nutrition has increased exponentially and my very own eating habits have improved for the better. Furthermore, InvestiGators has really helped me determine my future career goals. Since picking up an individual project, I have learned that I really enjoy asking questions and finding solutions to things that have not yet been discovered. I have enjoyed it so much that I have decided to obtain my PharmD/PhD.

It was through persistence, determination and dedication that I received the total package of being a member of InvestiGators. If someone would have told me when I first applied for InvestiGators that my experience would have been so rewarding, I would have thought that they were fibbing. But my experience was better than ever. Being a member of the InvestiGator Research Honor Society has truly been a part of my life that I would not change. I have given necessary attributes needed to be an InvestiGator and it has given me much more. I do not consider InvestiGators as just another organization or club that I was part of-- it has become part of me.

Notable Roles: HIPPA/IRB Officer

Time on Team: 2 years

Current Location: Gainesville, Florida

Project: Guidelines for Data Integrity and Archival of Metabolic Assessment Data

Notable Roles: Archiving Officer

Time on Team: 1.5 years

Current Location: University of Florida Pharmacy School

Project: Development and Implementation of Pre-Clinic and Post-Clinic Procedures for Metabolic Assessment of HIV Infected Pediatric Patients

Notable Roles: Website Officer, Pre-Clinic Coordinator

Time on Team: 1.5 years

Current Location: Gainesville, Florida

Major: Kinanthropology – Exercise Physiology

What did you learn from this experience?: That it is possible to do good for others who are not so lucky to be healthy from the position of undergraduate. Connecting the need of practice for students with very important help to others using latest scientific knowledge.

What impact did this experience have on you?: I found out that there are some people who do not hesitate and will always find a way to use their knowledge and rank to help. That it is very important to show to young people that there are always ways how to use their interest and education for others in need. If I have the chance to work as a teacher as Dr. Peggy Borum does I would do my best to work in the same way with students.

Time on Team: 1.5 years

Current Location: Gainesville, Florida

Major: Nutrition-Dietetics, MPH

Time on Team: 1 year

Current Field: Dietitian/Student

Major: Biochemistry

What did you learn from this experience?: There are too many things to list.  My time on the Investigators taught me how to critically analyze journal articles, examine patient data both retrospectively and in the clinical setting, and interact with patients and physicians.  It challenged me to always find ways to improve systems and procedures.  It developed my time management, planning, and higher thinking skills.
My current studies in medicine have been greatly improved because of IG.  I have a much better understanding of some of the basic sciences because of IG, but more importantly my patient care skills are significantly developed because I had almost two years of experience with the team.

What impact did this experience have on you?: Working with an HIV-infected patient population exposes you to the world of people living with a chronic illness that bears a social stigma.  Many patients’ lives were further complicated by the social and economic burdens they faced.  Getting the perspective of the physicians and social worker gave me a more complete picture of our patients than simple data values could have.
Knowing their stories and their background gave my work more purpose and motivated me when the hours grew long.

Time on Team: 2 years

Current Location: University of Florida College of Medicine

Notable Roles: Team Captain

Time on Team: 1.5 years

Current Location: 1st year Medical Student

What did you learn from this experience?: I learned some of the basic skills required to do meaningful research.  I also learned basic communication skills between researchers, patients, and healthcare professionals.  I also learned how to work with a group of people to do research.

What impact did this experience have on you?: This research allowed me to think critically and it opened my eyes to some of the problems in the healthcare field.  By seeing the interaction medication can have on a patients life, I feel this research experience helped me decide to become a pharmacist.

Major: Biochemistry

Time on Team: 1.5 years

Current Location: Pharmacy School Fall 2009