Final Thoughts On This Summer
The seminars were necessary to the internship experience, I felt. Sometimes on low days when your research is not at all that exciting or satisfying, you realize that there are some really cool things going on at Duke. Who knew someone was looking into the reproduction of marsupials? I am glad that there was a variety of topics presented instead of just cell biology, for example. That might be because I work in a cell bio lab looking at small things under a microscope or in agarose gel. I prefer to work with things I can easily see and touch.
The most rewarding aspect of this experience is getting to know people. This sounds cliche but it's so true. I didn't realize how much my lab enjoyed my presence until the last two weeks of the program. Having someone with more knowledge and skill than you appreciate your input and contribution can truly make you happy and proud. Additionally, I missed all my fellow fellows the most during that poster session and wished I got to know them more. Maybe we needed more planned social events but I should've participated more.
I would recommend the Howard Hughes summer fellowship to anyone who wants to expand their skills and social network. I want to thank everyone who made my summer eye-opening and enjoyable. Good luck!
