Deans’ Summer Research Fellowship (DSRF) Story: Sophia Lehrman

Author: Sophia Lehrman

What challenges did you encounter during your research and how did you work through these difficulties?

During my summer of research, I was challenged by the often slow pace of measurable progress in the field of science research. At times I was frustrated and felt like many of my efforts were in vain, as experiments would inevitably fail or lead to unexpected results. Working through these difficulties required me to adjust my perspective on progress. The most valuable lesson I have learned in college has been through engaging in science research: progress is not linear. Understanding that all of the setbacks that I had deemed to be 'failures' were actually small steps towards my goals helped me sustain motivation throughout my project.

What sparked your interest in this field?  

Science has been my favorite subject since 5th grade, when I had an especially amazing science teacher. Since then, this love for science has manifested into a more specific interest in neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases. My research on Parkinson's Disease has developed my understanding of the neurobiology of the brain in both a healthy and diseased state. Working in this field has also sparked my curiosity in the brain-gut connection and how these two organs may interact in the context of Parkinson's Disease.

Curious about DSRF?

This project was made possible through the Deans’ Summer Research Fellowship (DSRF)—a unique opportunity for rising juniors and seniors in the Trinity College of Arts & Sciences to pursue funded summer research full-time!