METEOR Experience - Amber Johnson
Introduction
My name is Amber Johnson, and I am passionate about neurology, genetics, and biomedical science. I applied to the METEOR Program because I am eager to immerse myself in a hands-on research environment where I can learn how discoveries in the lab translate into real-world solutions for childhood diseases. The program’s focus on mentorship, research, and career development aligns with my desire to pursue a career as a genetic counselor in both clinical and laboratory settings.
I am particularly interested in how genetic research can be used to diagnose and treat rare and common childhood disorders. Through METEOR, I hope to gain experience working with leading researchers and clinicians, enhancing my understanding of the challenges and rewards of translational science.
By participating in METEOR, I believe I will be better prepared for the challenges of graduate study and the evolving role of a genetic counselor. The exposure to advanced research and mentoring will help me achieve my goal of contributing to the field of genetics and improving patient outcomes, along with gaining exposure to the medical and lab settings.
Research Project
Over the summer, I worked in Dr. Irene Zohn’s lab at the Center for Genetic Research with a post-doctoral research fellow, Laura Rech Cechniel researching, “The Impact of Maternal Obesity on the Increased Risk of Developing Metabolic-Dysfunction Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD).” Our research question was at what point in gestation does MASLD start to develop, and will a diet with high fat, sugar, and cholesterol have similar effects?
To determine if a diet with 40 kcal% fat, 20 kcal% sucrose, and 2% cholesterol, which is the cafeteria diet, will have similar effects to a 60 kcal% high fat diet, we fed the mice during gestation with a control diet, high fat diet, and a cafeteria diet. Then, we dissected the livers from the pups at P0 and weighed them. After that, we sectioned the livers, stained with H&E, Oil red O, and Masson’s trichrome to review them under the microscope looking for steatosis, fibrosis, and inflammation. In addition, we also examined pup livers from moms that were fed the diets until day 14 of gestation to evaluate if exposure during early gestation is sufficient for development of the metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease.
The project is still ongoing, but from my summer experience we concluded that no statistical differences were observed in the liver weight between experimental groups. However, further investigation will be done with histopathological analysis, where we expect to see changes in the offspring liver between groups. Throughout my experience, I learned to pipette, perform lab safety, perform stains, and dissect pups.
Shadowing/Field Trips
I shadowed Dr. Batshaw in the developmental pediatrics clinic at the Children’s National Research Institute Campus. Shadowing his clinic provided me insight into managing and diagnosing childhood developmental disorders like autism and ADHD. It highlights the collaborative nature of healthcare, showing how pediatricians work with specialists like geneticists and neurologists. Observing patient interactions, individualized care plans, and working with kids helped me understand patient advocacy and clinical decision-making. This experience helps shape an appreciation for the empathy, communication, and teamwork required in medicine, particularly in fields like genetic counseling, where developmental issues are crucial.
The George Washington University Simulation Center is a state-of-the-art facility that provides hands-on training for medical students and professionals. It had live mannequins, simulated patient scenarios, and advanced technology. You could also practice surgery in one of the rooms with a machine you put your hands in. The main takeaways I got from this trip were that the center enables learners to practice clinical skills, improve decision-making, and enhance patient care in a realistic, controlled environment.
Both of these experiences shaped my overall internship experience because they allowed me to see different perspectives of the healthcare field and be hands-on. I learned a lot doing these two experiences and I loved them.
Learning Experiences
All of the lunch and learns, lectures, and shadowings were enjoyable. However my favorite lecture was Dr. Joshua Corbin’s lecture about the amygdala. His lecture about the amygdala and autism was very informative and educational. I learned how the amygdala had a role in autism and its exact functions. It deepened my understanding of the medical field by showing how the brain influences emotional processing and social behavior. Since the amygdala is linked to fear, anxiety, and social interactions, learning about its connection to autism helped me understand how neurological differences contribute to symptoms. This knowledge is essential for understanding the biological basis of autism and informs how clinicians approach diagnosis and treatment. My younger sister is on the spectrum, so I found this lecture very interesting and informative. It also highlights the collaborative nature of healthcare, involving neurology, psychology, and genetics, and how these fields work together to improve patient care. A lunch and learn that I enjoyed was the one we had at CNRIC. I learned a lot about the different paths and careers that one can take in the medical field. We had some very wise people speaking to us as well, so I learned a lot from them too.
Conclusion
Overall, the METEOR Program had a huge impact on my educational and career goals. I was able to stay in my lab for the school year and make good connections. METEOR also exposed me to different careers and helped me figure out what I wanted to major in for college. The program was amazing. I made new friends, learned a lot, and gained lots of lab experience. I was able to better my oral speaking skills and organization skills through presentations as well. To future interns, make the most of your experience and enjoy it! It all goes by so fast.
