Current Tufts student Shubhecchha Dhaurali shared the following about being an Intern at the Maternal Outcomes for Translational Health Equity Research (M.O.T.H.E.R.) Lab
What did you do as an intern at this organization?
At the MOTHER Lab Research and Grants committee, I worked on several ongoing projects utilizing different research methods, conducting literature reviews, preparing potential grants, and collaborating with different lab and non-lab members for projects. More specifically, for this internship, I focused on my role as a research assistant, where I worked with CDC-approved PRAMS data and data from Boston University’s Teens and Tots program. More general aspects of my role included conducting literature reviews, preparing PowerPoint presentations and study flyers, attending/leading project meetings, and dedicated efforts into outreach and dissemination of research as well as general administrative tasks. I contributed to the development and publication of abstracts, proposals, posters, presentations and research articles, as well as assisted with the design and production of educational and outreach materials.
How did you find this internship?
Professor Amutah-Onukagha emailed interested students in July 2020 to create the lab with her together (thus, I got an email and I am a founding member of the lab)
What did you enjoy most about your internship?
The skills I learned and the people I worked with!
What did you find challenging?
Learning and reflecting on my experiences afterwards, and not in the moment. Some things I learned about myself through this internship include: I love research! I am very ambitious, but most times to a fault and I need to work on saying ”no.” Academia is not always kind and collaborative, and I need to learn how to better advocate for myself.
What advice would you offer to someone who wants to make the most of an internship like yours?
Develop people and time management skills through internships like this one! People skills I have learned and will continue to develop are clearly communicating with others in person, online, as well as through email, and how to approach someone for informational interviews/conversations. I think this is so important to know and valuable for future interns. Organizational/time management skills I am working on are prioritizing projects, deciding my hours, and getting very organized and clear for weekly meetings with my supervisor which is something other interns should develop in a conversation with their supervisors from the get go of their internship.
Learn more about M.O.T.H.E.R Lab
Dr. Amutah-Onukagha is the Julia A. Okoro Professor of Black Maternal Health in the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine at Tufts University School of Medicine. Her current research interests include maternal health disparities, reproductive health and social justice, infant mortality and HIV/AIDS in Black women. Dr. Amutah-Onukagha also serves as the inaugural Assistant Dean of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for Public Health and Professional Degree Programs.
