Saphir Niakadie
Class of 2005 - Present
H.S. of Medical Sciences
Topic: 2006 Evidence of a Functional Receptor in Prostate Cancer Cells (LnCaP)
Topic: Using Western Blot to Determine Mechanisms for the Inhibition of Proliferation of Human Prostate Cancer Cells
About:
When my school was looking for students to participate in summer internships, I immediately signed up to work in the hospital. Then my guidance counselor told me that I qualified to work with Dr. Sat, I said hey why not try something different. I honestly wasn't all that excited because I always dreamed of becoming a doctor. But the day of the interview I was extremely nervous I couldn't even think straight. Dr. Sat made things easier, he asked about my family, what I do on my spare time etc. He basically wanted to get to know me. After I was relaxed he asked me why I thought I was qualified for the internship, what made me unique and what fields of science I was interested in. After the interview I was sure that I screwed up. Little did I know. I was one of the very few that where selected form my school. I was placed at Long Island University- Brooklyn Campus to work along side Dr Anthony DePass who was a terrific mentor. I really didn't know what to expect or what exactly my mentor wanted me to do. But the college students working with him made me feel right at home, they made sure that I understood all the procedures and techniques
I learned a lot this summer, from the lab to the lectures that were held. I met new people and build up a stronger and brighter character. I also discovered that I have a lot of patience because it takes hours sometimes days to get the results that you are hoping for when you work in a lab. It was a great experience and I wouldn't change it for the world. Thanks to this internship I would love to pursue a career in research. It was definitely worthwhile and I would encourage anyone who was interested in the medical field to join this program.