Research advocate and enthusiastic Wildcat: Mariam Rana (KEYS ‘22)
Local Tucsonan Mariam Rana found the confidence through the KEYS Research Internship to champion research experiences for fellow undergraduate students at the University of Arizona.
The KEYS Research Internship helped Mariam Rana find the support and tenacity she needed to be a successful college student pursuing medicine at the University of Arizona.
Mariam Rana’s love of research is infectious.
Once an apprehensive intern of the BIO5 Institute’s KEYS Research Internship, today, she is an University of Arizona double major in physiology and medical sciences and public health guiding others to find their own path in science.
“At the time, I didn’t realize how much the KEYS Research Internship was doing for me,” said Rana. “Looking back at it now, I realize KEYS gave me the confidence and inspiration to help others find research opportunities on campus.”
Along with her involvement in fraternities, event planning, and tours at the U of A, Rana has used KEYS as her launchpad towards her career goal of becoming a pediatric cardiologist.
Discovering the power of science and community
Rana decided to apply to KEYS as a recent Salpointe High School graduate after hearing about a friend’s positive experience. Surrounded by so many unknown faces, Rana recalls feeling intimidated. But she soon settled into the fast-paced nature of the training all KEYS interns undergo the week before they are placed in labs with their mentors.
“You get a lot of training before you go into your lab,” said Rana. “Right off the bat, you have a lot of support.”
Based on her interest in medicine, she was placed with Jennifer Andrews, associate professor of pediatrics at the U of A College of Medicine - Tucson, who runs a human research lab focused on improving the lives of those impacted by different genetic conditions and diseases.
The KEYS Research Internship was an inspiring scientific and community-building experience for Mariam Rana (far left).
One of the conditions is Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a group of 13 heritable disorders that affect the connective tissues in the body by targeting the skin, joints, and blood vessels. Because of the spectrum of signs and symptoms, there is currently no uniform treatment or symptom management.
Rana’s KEYS research project focused on hypermobile EDS, where patients often have joint hypermobility and pain, as well as fatigue, easily bruised skin, and digestive problems. To assist the Andrews lab with creating better alternative treatment plans, she reviewed pre-transcribed interviews and created codes for the types of treatment hypermobile EDS patients sought, from behavioral and diet changes, to medicine and supplements.
The project not only ignited Rana’s excitement about medical research, but also showed her the importance of building connections.
“I love that I was able to dip my toes into the research part of medicine and find a community of like-minded people,” said Rana.
Sharing her enthusiasm for research
Building community has stayed with Rana in her journey as Wildcat at the University of Arizona. She is part of the Blue Chip Leadership Experience, gives tours as an Arizona Ambassador, and is a member of Phi Delta Epsilon, a co-ed professional medical fraternity.
Mariam Rana (holding up right corner of the purple flag) is part of the University of Arizona chapter of Phi Delta Epsilon, a co-ed professional medical fraternity that helps students prepare for medical school.
Even with all that on her plate, Rana finds the time to share her love for science as an undergraduate research ambassador.
“It’s overwhelming to come on campus and find a research lab— people don’t know where to start,” said Rana. “We work with students individually, helping them craft emails and connect with professors, as well as networking and tabling to let the student body know about available opportunities.”
Even with her busy schedule, U of A junior Mariam Rana (speaking) still finds time as an undergraduate research ambassador, assisting other students on campus in finding potential lab experiences.
Rana decided to share that knowledge and excitement with incoming KEYS interns as a peer mentor during the 2024 summer. Known as KEYS Crew, these student workers are the first point of contact for interns, providing assignment feedback, practicing science literacy skills, and cultivating social bonds that help the interns through an intense summer of research.
“As a KEYS Crew member, Mariam had such a natural ability to connect with students. She approached every conversation with unwavering enthusiasm for the interns, especially when they were sharing about what they were learning in their labs,” said Robyn Pratt, outreach and engagement specialist for the KEYS Research Internship. “Anytime I speak with her, I always leave the conversation feeling more motivated and excited for the future.”
A KEYS Crew member in 2024, Mariam Rana (blue shirt) was thrilled to help KEYS intern through their summer of research.
The KEYS Crew experience also helped Rana realize that she wasn’t finished exploring her own research interests.
“My time as a KEYS Crew reminded me that I can try out different fields to figure out what might best prepare me for my future,” said Rana.
She is currently investigating a potential position in a physiology lab that she discovered during her time working as a peer mentor, and is excited to continue and share her enthusiasm for research with anyone who needs it.