While at Pitt, I conducted research both in a laboratory and abroad in Tanzania. In the spring of 2017, I took a course offered at Pitt called “Biology 2 Lab: Water Channels” in which I created and conducted my own research project on a mutated water channel in kidney cells. By the end of the term, I lost both of my partners and finished and presented on a three person project on my own. This was not easy, however I worked with my professor to overcome this adversity. I conducted sucrose gradients, cell transformation, cell lysis, western blotting, gel electrophoresis, and more in order to contribute to the science world and understanding of the disease of Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidous, the disease that results in a malfunctioning AQP2 Water Channel.
Second, I conducted community-based research while in Tanzania. I studied the differences in healthcare systems in the United States and Tanzania as well as examined the perspectives of Tanzanians on the current system and different types of medicine in Tanzania. I examined the effect and outlook of Traditional and Biowestern Medicine in Tanzania as well and conducted interviews of Tanzanians in order to gather information. I visited several hospitals and clinics in both cities and villages in order to gain insight as well. This allowed me to exercise my duty as a global citizen as well as exchange cultural values and information with Tanzanians at the same time
