56 Research Reflection by Dhruvan Gopinath

Faculty Mentor: Nirupama Ramkumar (Internal Medicine, University of Utah)

My work in Dr. Ramkumar’s lab has been perhaps the most significant part of my undergraduate career. Having the ability to learn and explore in a groundbreaking field has been incredibly eye opening and enjoyable. I have had the opportunity to perform advanced techniques such as the RTPCR, Western Blots, Histology staining, as well as the UUO mice surgeries. Niru also taught me much about her work, helping me understand the relevance of her projects from some of our technological advances to how our specific projects leverage them. In the future, I hope to be able to continue performing research while I remain in school and in my future career. There are many medical school programs that would allow me to continue building upon the foundation that I have received here. Alternatively, depending on acceptances, I have the option of working towards a Master’s degree or a PhD. Wherever my career goes, I hope to continue pursuing research in the future.