Current student, Patricia Clemente, shared the following about being a Summer Intern in the Weera Lab here at Tufts University this past summer…
What did you do as an intern at this organization?
As an intern in Dr. Weera’s lab, I helped with data collection by running Fixed Interval (FI) aggression experiments. FI reinforcements provide a reward after a consistent, fixed amount of time has passed and the target behavior is performed. I started by running experiments with an FI of 0.5 and gradually increased it to an FI of 5 as the study progressed and we approached the end of data collection.
In addition to lab work, I read scientific literature on aggression and its neural mechanisms. I discussed key ideas and questions with Dr. Covington, ensuring I understood each concept accurately. I also attended weekly lab meetings where I was exposed to other projects on stress, alcoholism, and introduced to advanced lab techniques, such as RNAscope and fiber photometry.
How did you find this internship?
I worked with the Career Center to connect with labs across campus based on my interest areas, and met with faculty of the Psychology department to learn about needs in various labs.
What did you enjoy most about your internship?
I enjoyed getting hands-on experience with neuroscience research, especially in addiction neuroscience. While I have always been interested in the biological side of the brain, most of the required coursework for my major focuses on the cognitive and behavioral components of it. Hence, it was rewarding to directly investigate the neuroscience of aggression while developing practical skills like operating research equipment and conducting FI experiments.
What did you find challenging?
One of the challenges I faced during my internship was working with the research software, as our lab used an old software that occasionally had technical issues. I often worked alone, so troubleshooting felt nerve-wracking and frustrating. Nevertheless, I was able to resolve these issues with the help of my mentors and colleagues in the lab, whose patience and guidance taught me not only how to solve similar problems but also how to approach technical difficulties with more confidence.
What advice would you offer to someone who wants to make the most of an internship like yours?
Observe other experiments, attend lab and other related meetings, or read up on the broader context of the lab’s work—make the most of every opportunity to learn!
