During my first semester at Longwood, I was enrolled in BIOL 251 (Intro to Ecology and Evolution). Throughout the second half of the semester, we were tasked with designing and executing our own research during our lab periods. My group and I chose to research differences in death rates between time period, sex, and location using survivorship curves. During each lab period and outside of lab, we diligently researched to find cemeteries with data we could pull and plug into an excel. These data had to include the birth year, death year, and name of the individual (used to determine sex). Our conclusions came from the survivorship curves we were able to compute using excel.
One of the main things I learned how to do during this lab was how to graphically express data using excel and how to interpret and compare survivorship curves. As shown in the presentation linked at the bottom of this page, we had many survivorship curves to compare and interpret. Our data was expressed in the form of line graphs and bar graphs to showcase different pieces of information we wanted to highlight. I learned many things about myself during this group project as well. This was my first experience working in a lab where we were tasked with designing and executing our own research project, and I learned how much I enjoy that process. This class pushed me to pursue independent research projects. With my knowledge on excel from this lab, I was able to use many of the same calculations in my PRISM project with Dr. Franssen. In these two labs, I was tasked with drawing my own conclusions from my own research projects and correctly expressing said conclusions through presentations.
Looking forward, there are many places I can apply this knowledge, but perhaps the one that will be most useful to me after medical school. There will be many times where I am challenged in my career and have to draw upon my knowledge in scientific research to diagnose and treat patients. Without the ability to draw conclusions, there is no possible way I can diagnose patients and plan the adequate treatments for them. In addition, analyzing quantitative data will be an everyday occurrence in my field, especially if I follow through with oncology where science is always advancing and literature is continuously being published. I will use these skills learned in BIOL 251 and PRISM to make adequate conclusions based off of said literature. These two laboratory experiences not only prepared me for my future endeavors at Longwood, but they prepared me for my future as a physician.
Linked here is my BIOL 251 presentation.
Linked here is my PRISM poster.