49 Research Reflection by Joshua Sokeye

Faculty Mentor: Brock O’Neil (Surgery, University of Utah)

My undergraduate research experience has benefited me personally and academically, leaving me with lasting experiences and connections that I can take back home with me. While conducting research, my mentor allowed me to shadow in the clinic as well as the operating room giving me valuable insights into what it meant to play a role in those settings. Being able to shadow and take an active role in those environments reassured my decision in wanting to pursue medical school as a future educational goal. The research project I worked on specifically focused on cancer treatment and its delivery to underserved patients. I was integrated into my mentor’s research team and was in charge of writing parts of the research paper. Writing for the research team improved my ability to articulate thoughts and perspectives clearly, which I believe is a necessary tool in medical fields. I believe that having this skill and ability to write research papers will give me a competitive edge when applying to medical schools. Overall I am extremely thankful to my mentor, REACHU2, and SPUR for providing an opportunity like this to grow. My time in Utah has been filled with many memories and experiences that I am grateful to have been a part of.