Elisha Fredman: Starting Early in the Lab BACK

Published by AFAR

I arrived today in the lab at 7:00am. In my undergraduate research, my PI was a PhD researcher who had no preference for what time we arrived to the lab, as long as the work was done. I guess that is one of the differences I have encountered working with this group of doctors, specifically surgeons, who have always started the work day at a significantly earlier hour. Being mentally focused and present this early in the morning has not been easy, but I am growing accustomed to it.

Arriving in the lab, I say good morning to at least eight or nine other doctors and residents, all dedicated to the same goals of solving medical mysteries and coming up with solutions to the quality of life difficulties that come along with aging. Even before I arrive at my work station, a feeling of overwhelming purpose washes over me, as I think about being part of this large and motivated team. In this respect, it has been very powerful conducting research as a part of a large and active lab because it has helped me appreciate the expansiveness of the questions we are trying to answer. Being part of such a large group also gives me hope that the work that I do, supported by the efforts of many others with their unique skills and abilities, can have a true and significant impact on the world of medicine.

Thus far, the research itself has consisted mostly of computer-based data system searches and literature reviews. For my project, I will try and insert siRNA into the inner ear of a mouse model for Meniere’s Disease in order to block the neurodegeneration process that causes the progressive hearing loss characteristic of the disease. Laboratory research, however, is a slow and methodical process. Before any experimentation can be done, I must first carefully examine the available data-bases of siRNA and try to select the most appropriate match for our mouse vector. It would truly be a shame to go ahead with a multi-week protocol to find that the initial product was not the right one. In addition to locating the right substrate, I then must review the relevant literature for instances in which others have previously used it, and what their findings were. While this stage is perhaps not the most riveting, it is an essential part of the process, and keeping my mind on the bigger picture helps me press on.

One of the most rewarding parts of working with this group of medical professionals has been the advice and mentorship that I have received from them. Many of them have taken the initiative to get to know me and my clinical interests, and then offer their own stories and suggestions. As such, in addition to meeting some interesting people and learning about the topics that I am researching, I am also further developing my own concept of what I may want to do down the line in my medical career.

Elisha Fredman
Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine

"Diary of an MSTAR Student" follows scholars in the 2011 Medical Student Training in Aging Research (MSTAR) Program, highlighting their summer experiences. As they continue their path of research, training and clinical practice, read their daily thoughts at www.afar.org/mstarblog. New diary entries are posted every day, so check back soon.