Welcome to Gustavus Adolphus College’s Student Stories Series!
Summer Research Intern at Mayo Clinic
Major: Biology
How did you get the opportunity? What steps did you take to achieve this?
Amanda Nienow in the Chemistry Department at Gustavus Adolphus College regularly sent emails to STEAM students about internship and research opportunities. She shared information about an opportunity at Mayo Clinic, and I applied. After completing the application process and meeting the requirements, I was selected for the experience. This opportunity allowed me to gain valuable exposure to a professional healthcare and research environment.
Tell us more about your accomplishment (include title, role, location, program, etc.)
As an intern in Darren Baker’s lab, I assisted with research focused on how senescent cells contribute to aging and diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. My responsibilities included helping with experiments involving transgenic mouse models, preparing and processing tissue samples, and assisting with laboratory techniques used to detect p16-expressing senescent cells. I also helped analyze brain tissue to study the effects of senescent cell removal on amyloid plaques, neurofibrillary tangles, inflammation, and cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition, I supported data collection and analysis using laboratory software and statistical tools, maintained accurate research records, and participated in lab meetings and scientific discussions. Through this experience, I gained hands on training in molecular biology, neuroscience, aging research, microscopy, and scientific communication while contributing to studies aimed at improving understanding of aging and developing potential treatments for age related diseases.
How did the Engaged Learning Funds help you be able to complete this experience?
The Engaged Learning Funds helped me complete this experience by assisting with housing costs and course expenses during my internship. Having this financial support reduced a significant amount of stress and allowed me to focus on my research and professional development at Mayo Clinic.
How have you applied things you’ve learned here at Gustavus to this opportunity? (i.e., Career & Self Development, Communication, Critical Thinking, Equity & Inclusion, Leadership, Professionalism, Teamwork, Technology)
At Gustavus, I developed strong critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills that helped me succeed during my internship at Mayo Clinic. My chemistry and science courses taught me how to analyze data, solve problems, and think critically about research questions.
