44 Research Reflection by Mia Kowalczyk

Faculty Mentor: Robert Campbell (Internal Medicine, University of Utah)

I have had the privilege of collaborating with Dr. Campbell and his team at his Eccles Institute of Human Genetics lab over the past two years. During this time, I have volunteered and actively engaged in grant research activities. I have formed invaluable relationships with Dr. Campbell and his research staff, who have generously shared their knowledge with me and provided me numerous growth opportunities. Throughout the years, I have worked on various protocols. Initially, I spent six months mastering the process of isolating CD34+ cells from human cord blood. This introduced me to the dynamics of a formal laboratory environment, identifying key resources for guidance and support, and acquiring fundamental laboratory techniques. Subsequently, I embarked on a second protocol focused on isolating platelets from mouse blood. This specific protocol served as the foundation for my research project, which aimed to investigate the role of platelet activation and signaling originating from mitochondria calcium uniporter (MCU). Through my UROP endeavors, I have gained hands-on experience in diverse areas such as western blotting, calcium flow machinery, aggregation chambers, imaging and more. Now equipped with a solid understanding of the laboratory, its techniques, and advanced equipment, I am capable of working more independently while still benefiting from research staff’s guidance. I am now collaborating with Dr. Campbell and his team as we delve deeper into understanding the mechanisms underlying ischemic stroke injury — with a particular focus on thromboinflammation and platelet activation mechanisms. I am thrilled to have had the opportunity to continue conducting research under Dr. Campbell’s supervision and mentorship, as it promises further growth and knowledge expansion. Participating in the UROP program will greatly support my journey toward medical school and my aspirations of becoming a physician. Dr. Campbell’s lab experience has established a strong foundation of a research lab environment, which is vital for my future interest in pursuing research. I gained insights into the process of successful paper writing, effective research presentation skills, and the rigorous paper review process. These skills will prove valuable when applying to medical schools that highly value research and publication experiences. Ultimately, the UROP program has equipped me with tools and experiences to excel in an undertaking of a medical career.