Ulonna Ugochi Dike

While in the International Baccalaureate Program at Parkdale High School in Riverdale, MD I had the opportunity to take a college level course in Biology. After taking the course I realized that this was what I wanted to pursue as a major in college. The summer before entering the University of Pittsburgh, I was participant in the Quest Summer Research program. It was here that I got my first experience in research and I loved the hands on experience I acquired. I was determined to continue doing research the following summer.

Which brings me to Maryland’s NHLBI Research Training Program. In this program I had the pleasure of working in the Division of Cardiology with Dr. Bill Balke’s research group. My project was to test the effects of the ACE Inhibitor enalapril on the rate of relaxation of heart cells in hypertensive rats. Taking part in the project was rewarding because the results found could eventually aid in treating heart failure—a condition that affects nearly 5 million Americans each year. Through this project I learned so much including how to isolate heart cells, how to take blood pressures from animals, and how to obtain and analyze heart cell contraction data using IonOptix MyoCam. I gained invaluable knowledge pertaining the latest technology used in research and science in general.

My long-term goal is to obtain an M.D. specializing in obstetrics and gynecology. As a doctor I want to work in underprivileged nations particularly in Africa where health care facilities are sometimes scarce and doctors are far and few between. I believe that it is absolutely necessary to use our individual gifts and knowledge to help others in need.

This program has definitely given me a head start on my road to medical school and accomplishing my future goals. The people in my research group were so helpful and kind and extremely enthusiastic about helping me along the way. I also had the pleasure of living with and getting to know some of the most wonderful and intelligent people I’ve ever met. I’ve made friendships here that will last a lifetime. My overall experience in this program has been wonderful and this is a summer I will never forget.

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