GRIPS Internship

During my internship, I learned about all the steps necessary to launch a research study from beginning to publication. Designing a research study requires several steps. First, you have to come up with an idea and turn it into a research question. Then, you should create a consent form to explain the study to participants. After that, you have to submit the project for IRB (Institutional Review Board) approval to make sure it meets ethical standards. Once approved, you can use data collection tools such as REDCap or Qualtrics to create forms and recruitment materials such as flyers and a website. Lastly, you can start recruiting participants and ensure to get a diverse and representative sample.

I created web pages for two interesting Stanford Genetic courses: GENE 223 and GENE 231. GENE 223, Aging: Science and Technology for Longevity, explored aging as a potential disease and covered topics such as lifespan extension and AI’s role in aging. GENE 231, AI for Beginners, introduced AI basics in healthcare and genetics, including hands-on exercises and ethical discussions. GENE 223 was especially interesting because of its blend of biology, technology, and ethics. What surprised me most about the genetics courses at Stanford was their integration of cutting-edge science with ethical and societal considerations.

I used web development tools such as WordPress and DIVI to edit the website pages. This is different from simply editing Microsoft Word or Google documents because WordPress and DIVI allow for more customization and interactivity, making the sites more engaging. Putting course materials and student papers online benefits everyone by providing valuable resources that can educate people about genetics and longevity, even if they don’t have prior knowledge about these topics.

I met several different researchers during my internship. I met Nasim B, who is a part of the HTAN (Human Tumor Atlas Network) Research Group. They are responsible for mapping human tumors using genomics, imaging, and bioinformatics. Currently, they are working on a general study of how environmental exposures affect humans. This way, they can discover how certain factors affect specific parts of the body. Also, I met Allison Zhang, who is leading the Crohn’s Exposome research study. The study looks at how environmental factors affect Crohn’s disease and hopes to find new ways to prevent or manage the disease. Additionally, I was part of Stanford Healthcare Innovation Lab’s weekly meetings with Shirley Ma, who manages the Wearables Research Study and is the Operations Director of the lab. 

Photoshop:
I used Adobe Photoshop to create and edit images for research figures, presentations, and recruitment flyers. I learned that Photoshop needs the use of layers, image resolution, and color correction techniques.

Figma:
I learned how to use Figma, a collaborative interface to design tool design and prototype course webpages. This interface can be used for vector editing and interactive prototyping.

WordPress:
I learned how to use WordPress, a content management system (CMS), for creating and managing websites. WordPress allows us to maintain course websites and publish student papers.

DIVI:
I learned how to use DIVI, a WordPress theme and page builder, to simplify website creation with its interface. I customized web pages, designed layouts, and added interactive elements to enhance any website’s visual appeal.

Graphic design is integral to every aspect and stage of the research study process and all research projects. It is important for a research project to have clear and informative figures, posters, and presentations. I learned about how different image formats (JPEG, PNG, SVG), resolution (DPI, PPI), and color formats (RGB, CMYK) have different uses. For instance, JPEGs are great for photos, PNGs work well for transparent images, and SVGs are ideal for scalable graphics. Also, resolution affects image clarity on different mediums, and DPI (dots per inch) is used for print images, determining print quality and detail, while PPI (pixels per inch) is used for digital displays. Lastly, RGB is used for screens, while CMYK color formats are for print. By knowing all of these elements in graphic design, we can ensure visuals are high quality and successfully convey the information at hand.

Snyder Lab Research Studies – Genetic Courses: I worked on updating the Snyder Lab’s website, which focuses on personalized medicine and multi-omics approaches. This involved uploading study papers for courses GENE 223 and GENE 231. This allowed me to learn numerous different perspectives and various genetic topics through reading their final papers.

Stanford Healthcare Innovation Lab – Proteomics Critique: For the Stanford Healthcare Innovation Lab, I helped critique a new website on a Proteomics event that Lettie was launching. I helped give feedback about the site’s graphics and animations.

Jagadeesh Collaboratory – Critique: At the Jagadeesh Collaboratory,  I helped critique a new website for the lab, Jagadeesh, that Lettie was launching. I suggested aligning the font styles with those used on other related sites for a more cohesive look and simplifying some of the graphics and language to make the content more accessible and consistent.

Genetics Department – Homepage Banner: I received training on updating how to use the Genetics Department’s homepage banner. This involved learning about graphic design principles and content management. The updated banner allows us to convey the new chairman for the genetic department, providing current information about the department’s news and events.

I helped edit an important research summary illustration as part of a manuscript being submitted to a scientific journal. Research illustration figures are integral to manuscripts because they visually present complex data, making it easier to understand when sharing results or processes from a completed research study. The summary figure provides a ‘summary’ overview of the study, summarizing the main findings in a single image that a person without prior knowledge of the subject could understand. I learned how to create and edit scientific figures using Figma, which is key to communicating scientific ideas. I worked on a figure for Nasim’s research team, which will soon be submitted to a journal for publishing. The figure shows an international study that collected various kinds of data and samples from the participants.