During my fellowship, I interned with the "Neural Stem Cells and Neuro-Imaging Research Group" at the Hellenic Pasteur Institute in Athens. I contributed to an experiment investigating the potential of a specific transcription factor to reprogram astrocytes—glial cells in the brain—into neurons. My specific lab group worked with the re-programming of astrocytic cells to neurons in vivo and in vitro. This work sought to expand on previous research that highlighted the role of microRNA in promoting neurogenesis, with the ultimate goal of discovering new approaches to repairing degenerated neurons, which could have significant implications for treating neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's. My primary responsibilities involved hands-on laboratory work, such as conducting real-time PCR and performing the accompanying data analysis. We also harvested primary cell cultures from mice, and applied various treatments to these cultures, before analyzing the morphology results using light microscopy staining. Outside of my internship, I became immersed in Greek culture by taking language classes, art classes, and by attending local Greek music festivities. It was a wonderfully fulfilling summer!