ONIF Student Spotlight
November 11, 2022
Name: Catherine Channell
Pronouns: She/her/hers
Major: Biology
Graduation Date: May 2024
Fellowship Award: Harvard Summer Research Program in Kidney Medicine - A 8-week nephrology-focused research program in Boston, MA at 1 of 4 hospitals associated with Harvard Medical School. This includes a weekly curriculum on kidney function, physiology, and case studies as well as lessons in CKD screening, a visit to a dialysis clinic, and an opportunity to shadow. The program concludes with students presenting their research at a national conference (NIH/NIDDK).
What are your current or future career plans? Medical School in some form (either MD or MD-PhD).
How did you learn about this program? A lot of googling summer research programs!
What inspired you to apply for this program? A shared focus I would have with other students in the program & the unique opportunities beyond simply research - this program incorporated as many aspects of clinical nephrology research as possible, from patient interactions to perspectives of practicing physicians - all in a world-renowned research institute with extremely talented lab members and PIs.
What was the most challenging part of the application process? Writing the essays - when you try to put so much of yourself onto an application, it can be hard to stick (inevitably limiting yourself) to a central message or focus and even more so when that message has to respond to the prompt of the application. Once you get to the interview, it's a relief since you already passed on paper and now you can confidently present yourself and in the process - find out if you and the program are really a good match.
What advice do you have for future applicants? Know why you want to apply to this program: what makes it unique, and why then, are you a good fit? Clearly convey that and just be confident! Good luck! (and don't procrastinate your applications).
What would people be surprised to know about you? I have summited Mt. Whitney and I have my SDI-Open Water SCUBA license!
---
For more information about the Harvard Summer Research Program in Kidney Medicine (HSRPKM) visit: https://hskp.bwh.harvard.edu/ or contact ONIF.