Callum McAllister ’24: Ingenuity In Action reflection

Ingenuity in Action experience: Internship

Where: Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Medical Center in Aurora, Colorado

What: Conducted research under Dr. Nathan Wlodarchak, whose lab is developing novel antibiotics to use against tuberculosis. 

Major: Biochemistry and molecular biology

I spent my time in the lab testing compounds to see how effectively they can inhibit disease processes to kill or prevent the growth of tuberculosis. I was also given time to conduct more individually directed research, and I gathered data on whether compounds found to be effective against tuberculosis had similar effects on other pathogens like nocardia. I learned about how to conduct research effectively, practiced new lab techniques, clashed with bureaucracy, and received invaluable advice on how to navigate my future career path.

Being accustomed to the focused intensity of the block plan was a great asset for me throughout my internship. I was accustomed to quickly getting the handle of new techniques and theory and the quick pace of the block plan prepared me for time-sensitive lab days. Additionally, the experiences I’ve had forming relationships with my professors in the small classes at Cornell gave me the experience I needed to develop valuable connections with Nate (Dr. Wlodarchak) and the other researchers at the lab.

I’m still interested in pursuing a career in medicine, but I value how my internship strengthened and diversified that interest, and my experiences in the Wlodarchak lab have led to me thinking that the right thing for me could be spending more time gaining similar experiences before I launch into more schooling.

Read six more student reflections on their Ingenuity in Action experience.