About the Internship
The Indiana Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center’s Clinical Core works to identify, recruit, and longitudinally assess participants with Alzheimer's disease or other dementias and families. They also work to obtain and facilitate the storage of neuroimaging data and samples from research participants while promoting and supporting cutting edge research pertaining to dementia and cognitive aging. They collaborate with other IADRC cores to provide education and training opportunities to researchers and trainees at all levels and to educate and support affected participants, family members, and the community at large.
The Indiana Alzheimer's Disease Center Clinical Core is dedicated to advancing the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of Alzheimer’s disease through innovative research and comprehensive clinical assessments. Our work directly impacts individuals and families by striving to improve quality of life while driving breakthroughs in prevention and care. Did you know that more than 6 million Americans are currently living with Alzheimer’s? Early detection, made possible through research studies like those conducted at our center, can significantly improve outcomes and accelerate the development of life-changing treatments.
Materials I created:
Workplace
Skills and Strengths:
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Research knowledge
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Past Experience: Higher level science courses with lab
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This skill will help me perform well at the internship site because hands-on research and data analysis are integral components of their work.
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Future Career: This skill in the future will help me get possible jobs in research before going to medical school.
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Experience working with patients
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Past Experience: Volunteering at hospitals and working at Camp Riley
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Since this site is the clinical core, I have the opportunity to interact with patients and my experience will help me with the professionalism and compassion during patient interactions.
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Future Career: This skill will be very helpful in my future career as a doctor since I will meet with patients every day.
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Having a strong work ethic
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Past Experience: Previous hard-working jobs
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This skill will help me have important qualities as an intern like responsibility, reliability, and perseverance, which are essential for completing tasks.
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Future Career: This skill will help me with any job in the future and show my employers how dedicated I am.
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Team Role and Growth:
This year, I have been a dedicated and supportive team member, contributing to the efficiency of our research by assisting with everyday tasks. Over time, my role has expanded as I took on more responsibilities, demonstrating adaptability, reliability, and attention to detail. Initially, I focused on routine essential tasks like sending mailings, preparing charts, and filing neuropsych tests. Even small contributions, like making copies and preparing materials, played a crucial role in keeping the team organized and allowing researchers to focus on critical analysis rather than administrative hurdles. However, as I gained experience, I began managing more complex tasks, such as creating flyers to inform study participants about our research components.
These contributions not only supported the team but also helped move the research forward. By handling essential logistics and streamlining communication with participants, I enabled more efficient data collection and reduced delays in project timelines. This, in turn, allowed our researchers to concentrate on data analysis and interpretation, helping the research progress to its next phase more smoothly.
Throughout the year, I have developed stronger problem-solving skills, increased my confidence in handling tasks independently, and deepened my understanding of the research process. Moving forward, I would like to continue growing by taking on more responsibility, further integrating myself into the research efforts. My experiences this year have reinforced that teamwork, consistency, and attention to detail are essential to making an impact, and I look forward to continuing to contribute in more meaningful ways.
Successes and Challenges
Successes:
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One notable success has been working on a project to organize and streamline online research data. This has taught me the importance of organization and attention to detail in research. Completing this task has reinforced my confidence in managing data systems, a skill I plan to utilize in future roles.
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A notable success has been my consistent completion of daily tasks, such as mailing packets to research participants and organizing participant charts. These responsibilities have reinforced my ability to manage time efficiently and maintain meticulous attention to detail. This success has deepened my understanding of how small, precise actions contribute to the overall success of large-scale research projects, a mindset I plan to carry into future roles.
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I had the opportunity to take on new responsibilities beyond my initial role. After expressing interest in more creative opportunities, I was able to assist with making materials for patients to simplify the optional procedures our research study includes. This experience not only broadened my technical skills but also demonstrated the value of advocating for my own learning. It reaffirmed the importance of seeking out challenges and taking initiative, which I will continue to do in my future studies and career.
Challenges:
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A challenge I have faced is adjusting to remote teamwork, particularly when working from home, which was initially difficult due to communication gaps. To overcome this, I made a conscious effort to schedule regular check-ins with colleagues and ensure alignment on project goals, which improved the flow of work.
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A challenge I’ve encountered is the monotony of daily tasks, which can sometimes limit my engagement. To address this, I’ve started brainstorming ways to expand my involvement. For example, I recently spoke with my supervisor about taking on additional responsibilities, and they encouraged me to explore opportunities to assist with more hands-on aspects of ongoing research studies. I also have been in the process of being able to shadow neurologists. Moving forward, I plan to take a proactive approach in identifying areas where I can contribute, ensuring a richer learning experience.
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Another challenge I encountered was learning how to navigate unfamiliar research software and databases. At first, I struggled with extracting and organizing data, which slowed down my progress. To overcome this, I took the initiative to review training materials, seek guidance from my colleagues, and practice using the software on smaller tasks before applying it to larger projects. Over time, I became much more comfortable with the system, which improved my efficiency and accuracy. This experience taught me the importance of persistence and resourcefulness when facing technical challenges; skills that will be crucial in both research and medical practice.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned that communication, initiative, and adaptability are crucial for success in any professional setting. Moving forward, I will continue to seek mentorship and lean on the expertise of colleagues to overcome obstacles. These experiences have also strengthened my ability to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world research, which will be invaluable in my future academic and career pursuits.