During her SyNergy internship, she was not only introduced to lab work and its research projects but also could conduct experiments and demo trials. She focused on mitochondrial morphology in different cell populations in models of multiple sclerosis. “The program was very diverse. On the days when I could do experiments myself, I learned the most. Being able to carry out a series of experiments twice in a row resulted in some great progress, which was motivating,” reflects Lale.
Yi-Heng Tai, a postdoctoral researcher at LMU Hospital, supervised Lale and prepared her lesson plan. “Her schedule was indeed quite diverse,” confirms Yi-Heng, “I felt like it would be a good chance for her to see and observe different topics and techniques we focus on daily.” Apart from the actual experiment – consisting of sample preparation, antibody staining, and confocal microscopy – she also participated in several demos of many of the actual high-tech experiments related to multiple sclerosis that are ongoing in the labs. “I found this kind of schedule very helpful and would highly recommend it for future interns,” adds Lale. “It allowed me to prepare my experiments before even starting my internship – knowing what to expect.”
Thomas Misgeld, one of the speakers of SyNergy, comments: "Lale's experience and Yi-Heng's mentorship nicely illustrate the intention of our Jugend forscht program, where we offer lab internships to students who succeeded in the science olympiad – namely, to engage senior high school students and university freshmen, who have already proven their motivation for research, into actual neuroscience projects in our Cluster. At the same time, this provides 'near-peer' mentoring, which benefits both the student mentee and the Ph.D. or post-doctoral scientist mentor with a chance to experience 'research and teaching' first hand."
The four weeks in the lab helped Lale plan her future: “It was an important confirmation that I definitely want to do my MD thesis in a wet lab, possibly in the neuroscientific field. And that in the meantime I want to continue doing lab internships.”
About Jugend forscht
Jugend forscht is Germany's best-known competition for young scientists. It encourages and supports talented achievers in the areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). It seeks to inspire young people to become involved long-term and, after the contest, to help them with their careers. Students from the 4th grade up to the age of 21 can participate. More information: www.jugend-forscht.de
