After graduating from Columbia University in May of 2024 with BAs in Biology and Computer…
SIX QUESTIONS FOR FIRST-YEAR RESEARCH ASSISTANTS: ANNIE NOLAN
Annie became so hooked on New England during her four years at Dartmouth College studying Biology and Philosophy that she decided to extend her stay! While Boston may be different from the small town of Hanover, NH, Annie has made herself at home at OrACORe working on projects like BriCC-PIKASO, KArAT, OAPol, TeMPO, and TOPS. Post-grad life has also reintroduced Annie to reading for pleasure and her most recent accomplishment has been finishing “A Brief History of Time” by Stephen Hawking. While fascinating, Annie notes that she only recommends to those who are theoretical physicists or those who are okay with 85% of the material going straight over their heads, with Annie falling into the latter category.
What about this research position attracted you to it?
I applied to OrACORe because I was looking for an interdisciplinary research position that used my technical training in biology but did not neglect my other interests, such as policy and ethics. At OrACORe, I envisioned myself working in science while still being able to write, collaborate with colleagues and participants, and work on large-scale problems – and my vision was right! Another selling point for me was the computer-modeling aspect of the position. At Dartmouth, I took one class in scientific computing and absolutely loved it, but I never had space in my schedule to pursue the subject in depth. At OrACORe, I get to develop some of the computer science-based skills that I would have liked to have fostered in college.
What do you enjoy most about working at OrACORe?
What I most enjoy about working at OrACORe is the sheer diversity of what I can accomplish in a single day, as well as who I am able to accomplish those things with. Because OrACORe is involved with several different clinical-based studies, all in different stages, my work is always evolving. Not only does this always keeps things interesting, but it also always helps me work efficiently. When I recognize that I am numbers saturated, I can switch my focus and call a KArAT study participant to check in on their recovery post knee replacement. And after a block of time calling subjects, I can always turn to editing a manuscript or writing a blog post. And the best part about all of this is that no matter which project I shift gears to work on, I know I will have a great supporting team of research assistants as collaborators. I have never had trouble getting a question answered, finding support when I needed it, or gathering a group to eat together outside during our lunch break!
What is one piece of advice/wisdom you would offer to someone considering applying to a research position at OrACORe?
My biggest piece of advice would be to take advantage of the unique hiring process. I did not realize while I was interviewing that I was also meeting so many of the people that would define my time at OrACORe. Not only will you meet the faculty members, but you will also have the chance to talk to many of the RAs with whom you will work every single day. As you meet them, I would encourage you to think about how you would like to be a part of our little community! Being a part of OrACORe means being a part of our team, so it is important that you can envision yourself as a team member.
What does a day in the life at OrACORe look like for you? What is your favorite project that you are working on and why?
The first thing I do each morning is catch-up with my office mate, Annie (other Annie, as I call her). Once we cover how we spent our previous evenings, I like to plan out the calls I have to make that day. Usually these include a combination of recruitment calls for TOPS and motivational health coaching calls with KArAT participants. The latter calls comprise what I find to be my most meaningful work at OrACORe. As a trained motivational interviewer, I work one on one with KArAT participants to help them create goals to increase their physical activity after knee replacements. Because I call participants weekly, I can form quality long-term relationships, and I get to hear about how their lives change week to week. After I plan out my calls, I like to capitalize on my most-productive hours of the day to work on the project that demands the most of my brain power – OAPol! Whether I am working through drug-costing analyses or reading through the technical appendix of a past OAPol manuscript, I can always count on OAPol to stimulate my mind! Lunch is often communal and until late fall, we try to spend the lunch outside. Many afternoons are filled with RA check-ins where we meet to discuss problems and progress, sending fitbits to KArAT participants, editing manuscripts, updating MOOPS, planning a co-worker’s birthday party, or prepping newsletters to send to PIKASO participants. There is so much to do in a day at OrACORe and every day is unique.
What have the first few months living in Boston looked like for you so far?
As I moved away from Hanover, NH, and into a city, I thought I was saying my goodbye to trees. Thankfully, Boston has surprised me, and I constantly find myself in one of the city’s many green spaces with my favorite being the loop around Jamaica Pond. Being in a new city has also motivated me to practice what I preach to KArAT participants and really get my steps in while exploring all the nooks and crannies of what Boston has to offer. On my walks/runs I love checking out new areas or sticking to my tried and trues like walking along the esplanade or down Newbury Street. I have also loved trying new restaurants, showing visitors from home and college around my new city, and rummaging through thrift stores. Another plus to Boston is that my brother lives close enough to the city that I can always visit when I am feeling homesick or in need of a dog to pet!
What are your plans post-OrACORe?
While I am still open to a few options, it is ultimately my intention to attend Law School after OrACORe. I am looking for a career that compliments my passion for science and bioethics, but also leverages my love for reading, writing, and philosophical thinking. These criteria have led me to explore options such as health law, patent/IP law, as well as health policy. Working at OrACORe has reminded me that I always work best when I am contributing to positive change, so chasing a high-impact career is certainly a priority of mine. No matter where I end up, I am very grateful to OrACORe for helping me hone the time-management, critical thinking, and inter-personal skills that will serve me wherever I go!
