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This summer I had the privilege to complete a two-month internship through the Hillman Academy, working in the Musculoskeletal Oncology Lab at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Institute and the University of Pittsburgh.
My research centered on the migratory behavior of osteosarcoma cells. Over nine weeks, I developed key research skills, including cell culture techniques, scratch assay protocols, and data analysis. I had the opportunity to present my findings through both a research poster at the Duquesne Undergraduate Symposium and a 10-minute capstone presentation highlighting my methodologies and results. I also had the opportunity to shadow Dr. Kurt Weiss, an orthopedic oncologist, in both the operating room and clinic.
This experience has not only enhanced my technical skills but also enhanced my understanding of the clinical and research aspects of orthopedic oncology and further reinforced my interest in pursuing a career in medicine.