I really liked the daily feedback and support I was able to receive from my PI during this remote internship experience, where I focused on the segmentations of two infant brain MRI images and had to label 32 different brain parts in order to help create an atlas for automated segmentations. During the process, the ability to learn about each neuroanatomical structure and where there location was on each brain was certainly a very educational experience, as I was able to tie in knowledge that I learned inside the classroom to my internship. I also liked really liked the hands on experience, as this was a task that professional segmenters would actually complete in research and I was able to independently work at my own pace to segment for 6 - 8 hours a day as I liked, which my PI was very flexible and accomodating with a schedule where I also had to fit driving classes.
What I wish was different
I wish I could see what the automated tools were behind the MRI segmentations that I performed manually were and how they worked, which probably thought would not have been that possible with my limited computer science background. I also wish that I could have visited the lab that I was doing research at to actually see the equipment and communicate with my PI and graduate students or postdocs in a real life setting, rather than remotely as this recent pandemic has left us with no choice.
Advice
Reach out to as many PIs as possible when looking for a experience like this especially during this pandemic. My original experience was cancelled, and I cold emailed PIs whom I thought were doing interesting research at the local Boston Hospitals. Also, if you secure a Biomedical research related internship, try to communicate with your mentor or PI as much as possible and also try to attend as many educational panels or clinical rounds that they may be hosting at your internship as possible.
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Research Assistant/ Coordinator
June 2016 • Boston, MA
What I liked
The opportunity to take on a role of an RA in addition to working on my own experiment was challenging but allowed me to grow as an individual. I was given multiple opportunities to work on tasks outside my comfort zone, which can be tedious but is definitely worthwhile.
What I wish was different
Advice
Even if certain tasks seem tedious, if the opportunity opens up, always chase after it! The skills you'll learn will definitely help in the long-run.
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Research Intern
June - August 2018 • Boston, MA
What I liked
The working atmosphere and environment in Martinos Center.
What I wish was different
I should have done a better plan beforehand about the working schedule.
Advice
Always prepare for the skills necessary (database app, for example) before starting the internship.
