Alyssa Reynolds - Undergraduate research project: 6 points

    

    Over the summer I completed the NYC Train KUHR Summer Undergraduate Research Program at Albert Einstein College of Medicine. This competitive program provided me with research training, workshops, and presentations on research topics in the nephrology sector. I was paired with my mentor, Dr. Kimberly Reidy, whose research focuses on how Par1a/b developmental signaling pathways influence healthy and maladaptive kidney repair after podocyte and tubular injury. Throughout the program, I gained valuable laboratory experience by observing kidney tissue sectioning, preparing slides for microscopic analysis, and performing staining on various samples to see if the genetic modification procedures were working. By the end of the summer, our data showed that the enzyme we engineered in mice played a role in promoting kidney repair following injury. In addition to laboratory research, I shadowed Dr. Reidy during her clinical rounds, which helped me realize the connection of research and patient care. This combination of bench and bedside experiences strengthened my understanding of how molecular research connects with real-world treatment. This experience allowed me to learn more about the world of research and has made me want to continue my own research interests.