This summer, the MS research team was one of the inaugural sites for the National MS Society’s undergraduate internship program. Two outstanding interns—Noor Ahmed, a rising senior at The Ohio State University, and Jeremy Luo, a rising junior at Vanderbilt University—took part. Elena Skirgaudas, a Boston College undergraduate, also volunteered for the program under the mentorship of Acting Assistant Professor Erin Mistretta, PhD, and Professor Aaron Turner, PhD. Professor Dawn Ehde, PhD, and Assistant Professor Sarah Simmons, MD, PhD, coordinated the program at the University of Washington.
“This summer has been an incredible learning experience. I was able to engage with clinical research and observe multidisciplinary patient care. I saw how research and practice intersect to improve outcomes,” said Elena Skirgaudas. “This experience has sparked a new interest in neuropsychology and women's health, and inspired me to pursue research-integrated medical practice in the future,” she added.
The program was not only an opportunity for students to gain valuable experience but also a chance for the team to contribute to the development of the next generation of MS researchers. The novel internship program was covered in an article by the MS National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
“Working with the team at the UW MS Research Center has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Through contributing to several research projects, engaging directly with participants, and working with MS clinicians, I have gained valuable insight into how the integration of research and clinical care can lead to meaningful improvements in patient outcomes,” said Noor Ahmed. “With guidance from my mentor, Dawn Ehde, and the team, I have been able to make a direct contribution to MS research, and I am excited to continue working with this team as we finish this project. Overall, this experience has reinforced my interest in MS research and encouraged me to continue working in the field of MS,” she added.
Updated September 10 with addition information about the program coordinators.