Hi! My name is Francky Maemble and I am a rising senior at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign studying Integrative Biology with minors in Public Health and Informatics. This summer, I had the esteemed privilege of being an intern under the Summer Undergraduate Internship Program (SUIP) as a part of IDEAL Research. As a returning intern, I was thrilled to rejoin Dr. Rebecca Simmons’ lab, where I had the opportunity to work closely with Dr. Yu-Chin Lien.
My summer project focused on investigating the effects of maternal exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals on the placenta, an area that has profound implications for reproductive health. This project allowed me to delve deeper into the molecular mechanisms by which environmental factors can influence fetal development and long-term health outcomes. Throughout the summer, I significantly improved my scientific technical skills gaining hands-on experience with techniques such as RNA and mitochondrial DNA isolation, as well as qPCR! Mastering these methods was crucial, as they allowed us to analyze gene expression and mitochondrial integrity in placental tissues.
In addition to laboratory research, I participated in professional development workshops and seminars. These included:
- faculty research talks where I was exposed to a wide range of biomedical sciences research topics;
- resume and CV workshops that were particularly valuable in helping me refine how I present my academic and research experiences; and
- a session on demystifying the graduate school application process, where I learned about crafting compelling personal and research statements, securing strong letters of recommendation, and selecting programs based on research interests and fit.
Attending the PRCCEH Symposium was another highlight of my summer, as I witnessed the importance of translating scientific findings into actionable knowledge that can benefit the broader community. I also saw how crucial it is to include community members who are directly affected by environmental health issues in these discussions.
Adding to my development as a scientist was the opportunity to present my research at conferences. I presented at the Leadership Alliance National Symposium (LANS) and the SUIP Symposium, where I articulated my findings to both experts and those less familiar with my field of research. I enjoyed engaging with fellow researchers from diverse research backgrounds and answering questions, which led me to consider new perspectives about my work.
Reflecting on my experiences this summer, I realize how profoundly they have reinforced my interest in both research and outreach. In the future, not only do I see myself pursuing a career advancing scientific knowledge in reproductive biology, but I also envision myself working within communities to improve knowledge in areas of maternal and child health. Finally, I am thankful for the guidance, mentorship, and opportunities I have received this summer, and I look forward to paying it forward someday.