Name: Kyra Sagal

Year: 2017

Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

What’s happening? We’d love to hear how your internship is going.

This summer, I’ve had the amazing opportunity to continue doing research at the University of Pennsylvania in Dr. David Feldser’s lab. The lab focuses on understanding lung cancer through a variety of different pathways, using both mouse models and in vitro experiments. Not only have I learned a variety of techniques, but I’ve also learned an incredible amount about myself in terms of my career goals and personal interests. Some of the work I do this summer can be used to understand how lung cancer arises and how it can better be treated. The idea that something I have done could contribute to such an important part of the health and medical field feels unimaginable. But that is what’s so amazing about research.

Why I applied for my internship:

I actually was matched with the lab last summer through the University of Pennsylvania’s CTSA Summer Undergraduate Internship Program. After the summer ended, I was asked to continue working in the lab. I absolutely love the work environment. While it is intense, the members in the lab are incredible fun loving, thoughtful, and always willing to mentor me. Having a positive internship opportunity is wonderful in college—it allows you to really see what you want to do in the future. I know that after my research experience, I will be better prepared to enter the medical field, which is my ultimate goal!