By Aamina Rehman
In the summer of 2023, I joined Dr. Michelle Leonard’s Interpersonal Connections and Health Lab. Our group focuses on the links between couple dynamics and health issues. When I was asked by Dr. Leonard if I would like to work with her for the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) program for our project with Artificial Intelligence and relationships, I was thrilled. Up until this point, I had immensely been enjoying my time in the lab, not only when conducting research, but also when bonding with Dr. Leonard and my team members. But, through the SURE program, I was able to work one-on-one with Dr. Leonard and learn how to collect data, distribute studies, collaborate with other professors to offer the study to their students for credit, quantitatively analyze data, and research further qualitative programs for future research, all the while adhering to ethics when dealing with the protected undergraduate population. I also received specialized training from SURE focused on professional development and research skills.
When I was new to the team, I was so eager to learn from my team members. Now, after the SURE program, I feel that I am in a position not only to continue learning but to mentor other new potential members as well. I strongly believe that learning is continuous, so I am always eager to learn in any role that I am serving – whether that be for research, school, my other extracurriculars, or even when engaging in my hobbies like baking.
Apart from research, I was able to gain insight from Dr. Leonard as her mentee. I learned about how she balances her clinical, research, professional, and family life, and I hope to achieve the same balance now and in the future. I know that this experience is invaluable to my future career as an aspiring clinician and the work that I plan to do to help others.
If you would like to join the Interpersonal Connections and Health Lab, please email mtleon@umich.edu.
