Completing an Internship at Boston Children's Hospital (5pts) - Kai Washington (Class of 2028)

 

This past summer, I had the opportunity to complete a month-long research internship in Dr. Michael Do's lab at Boston Children's Hospital and Harvard Medical School as an R25 Scholar with the CU Boulder R25 Sleep & Circadian Research Program. During my time in the lab, I was involved in research focused on melanopsin-expressing cells in the retina and their role in regulating various physiological processes, including sleep. This experience offered me a firsthand look at the dynamic environment of a research lab and deepened my appreciation for the collaborative, curiosity-driven community that drives scientific discovery. Throughout the internship, I gained hands-on experience with a variety of lab techniques, from retinal-tissue staining and immunohistochemistry to microscopy, which allowed me to see the intricate processes of cellular research up close. I also attended multiple lectures covering cutting-edge developments in sleep and circadian biology, which broadened my understanding of the field and inspired me to think critically about how light and biological rhythms intersect with human health. Overall, this internship not only strengthened my technical skills but also gave me a greater appreciation for the value of research in advancing knowledge and fostering innovation.

Kai Washington