Yet another exciting adventure for the Science, Health, and Medicine cohort of the Women’s Leadership Program (WLP). This past week, the ladies and I travelled to the distinguished National Institutes of Health, or more commonly known as the NIH. The NIH is the United States funded medical research group that houses the largest hospital in the world for clinical trials. As a result of this prestige, much important research goes on within the (rather large) boundaries of the NIH campus.
At the beginning of the tour, we met a fantastic woman named, Erika. Erika led us to a conference room, passing a wall with all of the nobel prize winners from the NIH and only four of them were women, we need to get on that ladies! In the conference room, we were flooded with information regarding all the possible programs that we could undertake at the NIH while we were in college, and after graduation. Even high school students can get in on the action and join summer programs that engage young scientists in some amazing research. I was awed by the plethora of options that the facility offers, some of the programs even offer housing and a stipend for living expenses! I thought it was crazy to stay away from home for the nine months each year in class, but now I am considering taking an extra 10 weeks of summer in the D.C. area to join one of these extraordinary experiences (not sure how mom would feel about that). Natasha presented all of this information to us in tandem with Erika before introducing us to some women specialists at the NIH.
Jodian, Tiffany, and Helen are all incredible women who call the NIH their home. As experienced individuals, these ladies were able to give the cohort and myself a realistic perspective on what it is like working for such a prestigious facility. They shared their trials and tribulations that it took to reach where they are now. I was amazed to hear about how many times one of the ladies had changed her mind about what career she would like to have: she started as a law student before, and after many changes, she ended up as a veterinary researcher. It was wonderful to hear from these women and to gain their views on research and how to get into the job that you desire and that works for you.
I had no expectations leading up to the NIH visit. I wasn’t sure if it would be a tour of the overall facility or something else altogether. It was a nice surprise to get such an in depth view from talented scientists. After speaking with the three women that I mentioned above, we were split into three groups to get a sneak peek into some of the laboratories of the NIH. I chose to visit one of the neurological labs with a few other students and Professor Jordan. The lab was focusing on a particular neurological disorder and how the endoplasmic reticulum in the long nerves of the spinal cord might be producing the effects of the disorder. I was amazed to see the laboratory and look at the rat neurons that were being produced by the lab team from fetal rats in early gestation. It was incredible to see all of their fancy and new equipment in the lab, it is good to know that these labs are still continuing to receive funding in light of current legislation.
This trip was another win for the WLP, we gained advice from respected researchers, learned about possible future opportunities in research experience, and got the opportunity to look at professional labs up close. I look forward to seeing where else my T.A., Brianna, and my Professor, Carly Jordan are going to take us next.
Until next time,
Elizabeth Matison
The George Washington University Columbian College of Arts and Sciences
BS Candidate in Biological Anthropology
Class of 2021
Photo of rat neurons taken through the eyepiece of a compound microscope at 400X magnification.