By Narjis Nusaibah ’26
Last summer I had the invaluable opportunity to intern at Stanford University as part of the Cardiovascular Institute Summer Research Program, co-funded by the Class of 1970 Endowed Internship Fund. This experience not only deepened my understanding of cardiovascular science but also broadened my perspective on professional development and research. This internship was my first experience with hands-on clinical research, culminating in my final project on the therapeutic potential of essential oils in atherosclerosis.
I worked with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to explore how natural compounds can modulate inflammatory cytokines associated with this condition. Although I was not assigned to a specific project initially, I took a proactive approach to my learning, collaborating with various postdoctoral researchers in my lab. This strategy allowed me to gain a broad understanding of both wet and dry lab techniques, including cell culture, flow cytometry, ELISA assays, and data analysis using software tools. By immersing myself in different areas of research, I developed a holistic view of the scientific process, which will undoubtedly be beneficial in my future endeavors.
Initially, I felt overwhelmed by the scale of everything at Stanford. However, as the weeks progressed, I learned to advocate for myself and carve out my own niche within this vibrant environment. The support from the CVI team was instrumental; their dedication to my learning reassured me that I was not navigating this journey alone. They encouraged me to seek out resources and connections, which ended up being some of my best outcomes this summer. I also greatly valued the opportunity to attend talks and engage with some of the leading experts in their fields. Even when a topic didn’t directly align with my interests, the enthusiasm and passion of the speakers were inspiring, and their energy made me more excited about my own work. I also got to meet and shadow two of the Carleton alumni working at Stanford. They were very welcoming and some of my best resources; Carls really do help Carls!
The most significant skills I strengthened during this internship were adaptability, self-advocacy, and collaborative problem-solving. I learned the importance of being adaptable in a dynamic research environment, which often requires quick thinking and flexibility. My ability to communicate and collaborate effectively with others was honed as I sought guidance and shared insights with my peers. These skills are essential as I consider my future in medicine, particularly as I contemplate applying to medical schools. I am immensely grateful for this internship experience and the support from the Class of 1970 Endowed Internship Fund. Their generosity made it possible for me to explore my interests in cardiovascular science and gain practical skills in a real-world setting.