The past week was very exciting for a couple of reasons; one, I had my first mentor visit and two, I’ve submitted the rough draft of my final product proposal. I also did some research and worked on my original work presentation.

 

My first mentor visit was, in my opinion, fairly successful. I went to observe a lab meeting and then stayed to talk with Dr. Phillips and Dr. Wetzel. I printed out the mentor books in advance and arrived about fifteen minutes early. However, the labs had been moved to a new building and I had a bit of trouble finding my way around so I ended up slightly late. I had to go back to Dr. Phillip’s office to ask for directions. However, once I made it I got to listen to a couple of the lab members present their findings. I thought the brainstorming portion was really interesting, and seems like it would be a valuable tool for making sure all research is well thought out. After the meeting I spent some time with my mentors going over the ISM program, dress code (as long as I wear closed toed shoes, I’m good), and dates. Unfortunately, Dr. Phillips will not be able to make it to final presentation night, but Dr. Wetzel might be able to.

 

Additionally, we discussed final project. I entered not really knowing what I wanted to do. After discussing some of their work and my original work involving the flu, we decided that a grant would be the best way to go. I will need to research different types of grants, how to write them, and African Sleeping Sickness (the disease I’ll be writing a grant for). Using what we talked about, I wrote my final project proposal. I’m actually very excited to learn how to write at least one type of grant, because if I end up entering into the medical  research field as I plan to, I will have to write grants frequently. It will be interesting to see what if I like the process.

 

In the coming week I will have another mentor visit, I will need to begin my final product, and I will definitely need to focus on my original work presentation. I will need to finish up the powerpoint and go over my speech a few times just to make sure the information flows and I am within the time limits.