I was involved with basic science research which studied Irritable Bowel Disease on an transgenic mice models. Specifically, the work I did investigates the role of colon inflammation on iron toxicity. Specifically, my role was to collect animal tissue samples by dissections and run various assays including: ELISA, Bleomycin-detectable iron assay and immunoblotting. This laboratory gave me the ability to put scientific theory into practice while studying a disease that affects millions of people worldwide. In addition to this research, I have also conducted research at the Center of Childhood Obesity Research. One of the research studies I was involved in teamed up with Geisinger Wyoming Valley Hospital in which pediatricians, WIC nutritionists and WIC mothers were interviewed. The goal of this project was to develop an understanding of the perspectives of the parties to ultimately improve communications and reduce redundancies between the parties to ultimately provide better health outcomes for children participating in WIC. In this project I was responsible for qualitative data analysis and coding the pediatrician interviews. In addition to this, I worked on a pilot study which identified the associations of maternal-infant sleep-wake patterns and maternal psychological state with postpartum weight retention, infant rapid weight gain, and infant feeding practices. Ultimately the goal of this was to develop an in depth knowledge to improve future interventions aimed at optimizing responsible parenting in relation to childhood obesity. Since obesity is an epidemic in America, this research is extremely important in determining evidence based preventions and interventions for childhood obesity. During downtime, I would frequently assist in making nutritional/health related teaching lessons for local Head Start schools in and around State College, PA. I was fortunate