"Doing research with Dr. Stokes defined my undergraduate experience. We studied a range of topics, including the effects of short and long term vape exposure on the lung function of rats (spoiler alert, the effects aren't good) and how female rat hormone cycles affect breathing patterns. Both of these topics are under-studied, and I am honored to have helped expand the body of research concerning such important issues. In Stokes Lab, I learned so much about research, physiology, and the scientific method. It greatly expanded my academic knowledge, and I will be using the critical thinking skills that were built in the lab for the rest of my life. In addition to all the skills I learned, I also had an absolute blast hanging out in the lab with Dr. Stokes and the rats; learning new things and solving problems was always a great adventure, and the environment fostered a passion for what we were researching and for the subject in general. This great love of Anatomy and Physiology I have gained, has driven me to pursue medicine, where I will use my research skills and passion for science to help others. If you are thinking of working in Stokes Lab, just go ahead and take the plunge, it's worth it!"