30 Research Reflection by Mayette Pahulu

Faculty Mentor: William Holland (Nutrition and Integrative Physiology, University of Utah)

Researching the ASAH2 V171L variant and its effect on ceramide levels in a Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (NHPI) cohort was a meaningful and transformative experience. What began as a scientific project quickly became personal. I realized that this work could directly impact the health of people in my own community-people who are often underrepresented in genetic research.

This project taught me more than lab techniques and data analysis. It taught me how to ask thoughtful questions, how to stay resilient when results were unclear, and how to communicate complex information in a way that respects the people behind the data. One of the most valuable lessons was understanding the importance of cultural sensitivity, especially when working with health data from Indigenous populations.

The challenges I faced-grappling with technical data, presenting findings clearly, and managing self-doubt-ultimately helped me grow. They pushed me to become more confident, focused, and collaborative.

This experience has shaped my academic and career goals. I now want to pursue work that connects biomedical research with public health and equity. Most importantly, this project showed me that research can be a powerful tool for change when it’s done with intention, respect, and community at its core.