Jackie Bollinger’s summer break is anything but a break. The Oak Park native is heading into her junior year at the University of Michigan. But from June to August, she’s working with Rush’s Arka Mallela, MD, MS, assistant professor, Department of Neurological Surgery, through the Summer Scholars Program in the Division of Translational Science at Rush Medical College.
The Summer Scholars Program is designed to provide students with a well-rounded introduction to biomedical research. Students conduct hands-on research with faculty mentors and participate in professional development workshops, scientific seminars and a research symposium that help them develop the communication, critical thinking and professional skills needed for future careers in science and medicine.
“Our goal is for every student to leave with greater confidence, stronger scientific skills and a deeper appreciation for the collaborative nature of research,” says Jennillee Wallace, PhD, assistant professor, department of Microbial Pathogens and Immunity, and director of the program.
Bollinger is studying Biopsychology, Cognition and Neuroscience. The experiences and opportunities she’s getting from the Summer Scholars Program are helping her figure out what exactly she likes to do so she can pursue an area that is interesting and impactful to her.
“I get to observe various procedures and surgeries. So, for example, I've seen a few awake craniotomies, which were tumor resections, and then I've also gotten to see other neuropsychological testing,” Bollinger says. “Mallela’s lab and the Center for Brain Mapping enhanced my neuroscience perspective and made me think about patients on more of an individual level instead of just a universal perspective that all brains have the same function in the same place.”
Rush’s approach to general neurology is exactly that — working with patients to find the cause of their symptoms and meet their unique needs and goals.
A future inspired by personal and professional growth
Bollinger is taking what she learns in Mallela’s lab and combining it with her own experience at Rush to become the best healthcare provider she can.
“I was a patient of Rush, so this place has always had a special place in my heart,” Bollinger says. “I've always found that Rush has treated me very well. They've listened to me, and they've helped me based on my goals and my experience. So getting to come back and join these teams that I'm hoping to someday be a part of — it's important to me.”
The nine-week program has taught Bollinger a lot about the profession and herself as a future healthcare professional. But she says there is still so much left to learn, and she’s excited to do that with Mallela’s guidance.
“I want to learn more about neuroanatomy, and I think I'll get that through more observation and talking with Dr. Malella because he's very communicative with his students, and that's great,” she says. “He encourages lots of questions and has given me the chance to connect with different specialties and professionals, which has been very valuable to me.”
For more information on how to get involved, visit the Summer Scholars Program's page.
