We ask all VIPER Lab seniors to share a reflection on their time with the lab. Our first one comes from Quinn Holden-Schrock who has been working with the lab since Fall 2024!
I started working in the VIPER lab as an undergraduate research assistant during my fourth year as an undergraduate Women’s Studies and Psychology student. I was drawn to the VIPER lab because of its focus on using research to implement community building as a way of addressing health disparities, particularly around issues of women’s health and chronic vulvo-vaginal pain. While I was initially an inexperienced researcher, I felt strongly that research should be guided by principles of addressing disparities and harm—and should move toward finding solutions. Through this lab, I found that while our research was not always the main focus, I felt like our lab actually made a difference in others’ lives, including my own. The VIPER lab supported my personal growth, including my personal values, research interests, and research skills.
On a personal level, the support and mentorship in the VIPER lab helped me develop confidence in my own skills and values. The VIPER lab helped me feel more comfortable talking about chronic vulvo-vaginal pain with individuals in my personal life, a conversation that can be a little awkward. However, I now feel proud that I can have these difficult conversations, especially about a topic that impacts so many women. Additionally, I have learned a lot about menopause due to our screening of the M Factor film— this screening prompted me to start a conversation with my own mother about her experience with menopause. Participating in this lab allowed me to get excited about learning opportunities and about how research can make a difference.
The VIPER lab also influenced my research interests; I am more interested in learning about health disparities, which will likely influence my career path. From conducting our initial literature review, to attending the Anarcha-Lucy-Betsey conference, I learned about the huge disparities in health care for people of color in the United States. For Black women, pain is often dismissed and overlooked in health care settings, which can lead to stress, an increase of pain, and sometimes their death. I would like to continue learning about health disparities, as they impact us all. If we center the most marginalized people in our research, we can learn about and create a more equitable healthcare system. As Dr. Keecha Harris said at the Anarcha-Lucy-Betsey conference, “if we can fix it for black women, we can fix it for everyone.”
In terms of my research skills, the VIPER lab has helped me develop skills in reviewing literature, writing, journaling, and developing projects. Our PI, Dr. Adams, was an incredible resource for developing research skills. Throughout our time in the lab, she walked us through each step of the process, patiently showing us the best research practices. As I wrote my capstone thesis in the fall semester, these skills helped me develop a comprehensive literature review and analysis. Throughout the spring semester, these skills have aided my honors thesis research. Additionally, Dr. Adams has aided my thesis research through one-on-one mentorship, advice, and constant feedback. I know that without the VIPER lab, my honors thesis research would not have been possible.
Overall, the opportunity to be a research assistant in VIPER lab has given me opportunities to explore the research process and the world of academia. While I do not plan to work in academia or with academic research, I believe it is critical to every field and career. Understanding the research process gives me the ability to critique research and explore research throughout my life. Additionally, if I decide to pursue research at any point in my career, this lab has given me the tools to do so. I am so grateful for this opportunity, and especially to Dr. Adams for making it possible for me.
By Quinn Holden-Schrock