#My100Days Researching Treatment for Injured Soldiers
John (Jack) Dougherty (CGS ‘22), from Pennsylvania, spent his gap semester in San Antonio, Texas interning for the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research. During his internship, Jack worked with the Orthopedic Trauma Research group to develop more efficient ways to treat injured soldiers. He also enjoyed activities in the greater San Antonio area, including “swimming” with Beluga whales and trying local foods. We caught up with Jack to see talk about the most memorable parts of his #My100Days experience.
Why did you choose CGS?
I chose CGS because I wanted this extra time to explore some new fields for myself. I also didn’t want to miss out on the opportunity to participate in the internship that I have been a part of since late August; I knew if I passed up on the chance, it may not come again. Not only that, but I won’t have four straight free months again until I graduate school four years from now, so I knew that having this gap semester and taking the internship was the best choice for me.
How did you spend your gap semester? How did you decide to do what you’re doing?
I spent my gap semester working an internship at the U.S. Army Institute of Surgical Research at Fort Sam Houston in San Antonio, Texas. One focus of the Orthopedic Trauma Research group that I worked with is to develop and enhance the most optimal methods in preventing and combating infections in injured soldiers. The main research that I have been conducting here has involved utilizing various microbiology techniques to evaluate the synergy between multiple antimicrobials and antibiotics to combat pathogens. My aunt that lives near the base heard about the internship and told me about it. I knew it would be an amazing opportunity, so I applied and got accepted.
How has the time been valuable to you?
This time has allowed me to explore a field that is brand new to me, get some very important hands-on experience in a real lab setting, and it has brought me some new-found knowledge in how medical research is conducted and gone about. It has also given me the chance to spend some valuable time with a relative that I rarely get to see.
What were the most memorable moments of your gap semester?
The internship as a whole was easily the most memorable experience, and something I’ll never forget. Spending time with my aunt and exploring San Antonio with her has been amazing though! We went to The Alamo, ‘swam’ with Beluga whales, went to a rodeo, explored caverns, and went on a lot of other adventures. I also tried a lot of new foods while I was here like
tamales, fajitas, creamed corn, I had In-N-Out and Whataburger for the first time, and I attempted and won a three-pound burger eating challenge (something I will never try again).
What advice would you give to future CGS students when planning their gap semesters?
I would strongly recommend utilizing the gap semester as an opportunity to dive into some interests they haven’t had time to explore to this point. There’s no expectations or requirements for them during this time, so they are free to do almost anything they want. If they aren’t working a job or an internship, they should definitely take a couple of classes from colleges with BU certified transfer credits (or do both if they can!). They should try some new hobbies and explore as much as they can!
What are some skills that you have acquired during this time? What have you learned?
I have gained a lot of new skills, including the usage of various lab equipment and machines, how to write a proper research paper, the correct way to handle and work with live bacteria, and so much more. I also learned the precautions you need to take when working in a lab, how much trial and error there is in the field of research, and how to act and dress professionally when I’m in a real work setting.
What are you most looking forward to about the next four years in Boston?
I’m really looking forward to growing as a person, exploring some new fields and interests, gaining all kinds of experience, branching myself out, and meeting some amazing people. I’m very excited to see the person that I become by the time I graduate BU!
— Compiled by Sarah Eckerson