From the Classroom to the Lab - Treasure Cephas

Introduction

Hello, I am Treasure Cephas, a senior at Oxon Hill High School in Prince George’s County, Maryland.  As a proud member of the Class of 2025, I applied to the METEOR program for two main reasons.  I wanted to gain firsthand research experience, and I desired to collaborate closely with leaders in medical research.  The METEOR program – hands down – provided both.  As someone who intends to study psychology in college, I was drawn to the Neuroscience Research Center.  Knowing that research is a critical part of psychology, I hoped to build a solid foundation in research methodologies through real-life studies.  The METEOR program developed me far more than I could have imagined.  Not only where my research skills strengthen, I also became more proficient in critical analysis and presentation.  Now, I am more prepared to finish my senior year strong and enter college next year.

Career Goals

As mentioned, I intend to major in psychology towards the ultimate career goal of becoming a clinical researcher, possibly focusing on developmental disorders or neurological conditions. Research plays a critical role in psychology, and I wanted to explore how research methods are used in a laboratory setting. Through the METEOR program, I gained insights into the types of research that would be useful in my career, such as understanding the behavioral and neurological impacts of genetic mutations. The hands-on experiences I gained this summer have given me a clear understanding of the scientific process and made me more confident in pursuing research in psychology.

Research Project Overview

This summer, I had the privilege and pleasure of working in the Corbin Laboratory of Developmental Neuroscience at Children’s National Hospital. Under the leadership of Dr. Joshua Corbin, my day-to-day mentor, Dr. Nandkishore “Nandu” Prakash guided me through a project focused on the Foxp2 gene, which is crucial for speech and language development. Mutations in Foxp2 are linked to certain language impairments and Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Both are proven to impact social interactions. Our study aimed to explore how Foxp2 mutations affect social behavior through the medial amygdala (MeA), a brain region involved in regulating innate social behaviors. By using a mouse model, we sought to understand how these mutations could explain social deficits observed in individuals with ASD.

To study this, we designed experiments that involved behavioral tests in which mice interacted with novel (or new, unfamiliar) objects or conspecifics (other mice). We recorded their behavior in a three-chamber setup to analyze their social interactions. One of our key goals was to determine whether Foxp2 plays a direct role in regulating aggression, social bonding, and mating behaviors. Although our data collection is still in progress, our initial results suggest that Foxp2 significantly affects social behaviors and MeA function. These findings could potentially provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms of ASD.

Research Contributions and Challenges

As part of the research team, I was responsible for analyzing behavioral data from the three-chamber social interaction tests. I carefully logged the time mice spent interacting with novel objects or other mice, which helped us quantify social interaction deficits. One challenge I encountered was ensuring that I consistently recorded all unusual behaviors, such as erratic movement patterns. At first, I struggled with distinguishing between normal exploratory behavior and abnormal aggression, but with guidance from Dr. Nandu, I became more comfortable identifying these subtleties.

Additionally, I noticed an action that we were not initially evaluating. After discussing my observation with Dr. Nandu, he thought it was a noteworthy addition. However, that meant I had to redo some work. Dr. Nandu encouraged me by sharing that “Data is never done!”

Additionally, our experiments faced some delays due to equipment malfunctions, which affected the quality of our video recordings. However, overcoming these challenges gave me valuable experience in troubleshooting and adapting to setbacks in the research process. Even our poster was delayed, but Dr. Nandu made sure that it arrived on time after making several phone calls. Overall, these challenges taught me patience, precision, and persistence. All are crucial skills for any future researcher.

Skills and Insights Gained

Working on this project provided me with several new skills and insights. First of all, I learned how to analyze and record behavioral data accurately using a systematic approach. I also developed a deeper understanding of how genetic mutations, like those in the Foxp2 gene, can lead to complex social behaviors, especially in conditions like ASD.

Moreover, I gained practical experience with the three-chamber behavioral test, including how to set up and log data, which formalized my awareness of how experimental designs are actually structured in practice beyond the typical science fair project. In addition to research expertise, I learned about teamwork and collaboration in a lab environment, which was critical since we often had to troubleshoot issues together. These skills will undoubtedly benefit me in my future academic and research pursuits in psychology.

Shadowing Experience

During the METEOR program, one shadowing experience that stood out to me was when I attended a neurology research session with Dr. Michael Shoykhet. His presentation, Research Foundations and Building Your Hypothesis, helped me understand the intricacies of designing experiments and formulating research questions – something that I previously thought I understood as a Science & Technology scholar at my high school. Watching how Dr. Shoykhet structured his research hypotheses made me realize the importance of clear objectives in scientific studies. His approach also helped me better understand how to apply hypothesis-driven methods to my own research in Dr. Corbin’s lab. It was eye-opening to see the connection between theoretical research principles and practical application.

Field Trip Experiences

One of the most memorable field trips during the METEOR program was our visit to the George Washington (GW) Simulation Center. This experience gave me a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how medical professionals train in high-stakes situations using advanced simulation technologies. The variety of dummies used for

different medical scenarios impressed me—particularly the maternal dummy used in child-birthing simulations. It truly demonstrated the full details involved when delivering a baby safely while caring for the mother. We also saw other mannequins that were used to practice procedures such as IV insertions, blood draws, and even cardiac monitoring.

Next to the GW Simulation Center, I thoroughly enjoyed our field trip to the Johnson & Johnson Innovation (JLABS) at the Children’s National Research and Innovation Campus. While there, we learned about the intersection of medicine and entrepreneurship. Listening to multiple doctors and entrepreneurs share their journeys was inspiring. They talked about the importance of persistence and learning from setbacks, which I found valuable not only for research but also for life in general.

These field trips broadened my perspective on the diverse opportunities in the medical field and gave me new insights into the importance of hands-on learning in both research and medicine.

Learning Experiences

One of my favorite learning experiences was a Lunch and Learn session at JLABS, where we heard from several doctors about their career paths. Hearing about their journeys was incredibly motivating. One particular point that resonated with me was how many of them faced significant challenges early in their careers but persevered by continuously adapting and learning. They emphasized the importance of resilience and the need to stay curious and open to new opportunities, which I found particularly relevant as I prepare for college and beyond.

Other Lunch and Learn sessions, along with the lectures, also introduced me to new concepts that I had not previously considered, such as the business side of medicine. It became clear for me that it was not just about science and research, but also about how to bring innovations to market and navigate the healthcare system. All these discussions expanded my understanding of what it takes to succeed in the medical field, and it made me appreciate the blend of research, clinical work, and entrepreneurship in order to make a real impact on healthcare.

Conclusion

The METEOR program has had a tremendous impact on my personal and academic growth. It solidified my passion for psychology and research, and now I feel more prepared to pursue a career in this field. Not only did the program enhance my research skills, but it also provided me with valuable life skills such as teamwork, communication, and adaptability. Equally important for me was to feel more comfortable navigating in a professional work environment. My METEOR experience has served me well for the current classroom, college readiness, and future internships and jobs. For future interns, I would advise making the most of every opportunity—whether it is research, shadowing, or networking with mentors – soak it all up – from the first day to the poster presentation. So that, you too will rise as one of the next generation of researchers from the classroom to the lab!