Students take part in medical research

University of North Georgia (UNG) students Rediate Degu and Nadine Effiom recently participated in the six-week Northeast Georgia Medical Center Graduate Medical Education Summer Research Internship.

Interns had the opportunity to take part in meaningful research or quality improvement, development of a research project and clinical observations.

Degu, a senior from Lawrenceville, Georgia, pursuing a degree in biology with a minor in English, has always known she wanted to work in health care. She is applying to medical schools and appreciated the research internship as she prepares for her final semester at UNG.

"I like learning the why behind what we're doing," Degu said. "The program's whole goal is to close the gap between research and clinical practice."

Her research in the summer program focused on "near-miss" sepsis cases, in which patients may have exhibited sepsis but went undiagnosed, and seeing how their hospital readmission rate compared with those treated for sepsis.

She appreciates the culture of mentorship at UNG.

"I've been prepared really well to attend medical school. The Biology Department has been great," Degu said. "They want to help you know the options you have for STEM careers."

Degu has previously conducted research with Dr. Evan Lampert, professor of biology, and recent graduate Kaitlyn Timmons and two other students on a defensive dietary chemical and its effect on parasitoid wasps and culturing moths. She also researched how a parasite grows inside caterpillars, a project with Lampert; Dr. Cathy Whiting, professor of biology; Timmons; and recent graduates Josie Ayers and Elizabeth Taylor.

Effiom, a junior from Riverdale, Georgia, pursuing a degree in biology, was already volunteering with Northeast Georgia Health System before taking part in the summer program. She enjoyed getting to network with a variety of people within the organization.

"My favorite part was shadowing the physicians," Effiom said. "You really get an idea of what type of career you're going into."

Her research with the summer program focused on the delays in treatment regarding pancreatic cancer. This was Effiom's first research experience, and she embraced the opportunity.

"I was immersed with lots of information," Effiom said. "Although it was unfamiliar territory, it was an incredible and valuable learning experience."

Being part of the American Medical Student Association chapter at UNG has helped Effiom gain confidence in her ability to apply for medical school and allowed her to gain hands-on experience. She is also grateful for those who have invested in her growth.

"UNG is a smaller university, so you truly have those one-on-one connections with your professors," Effiom said.