All the Ways Research Has Helped Me

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Inis Trifka ('25), a double major in Economy and Science Technology and Society, conducted research on Medicaid coverage, particularly related to postpartum coverage. Inis was mentored by Dr. Emily Gregory (Department of Pediatrics) and this research was supported by the Penn Undergraduate Research Mentoring (PURM) Program.

I’ve always been interested in the intersection of business and health sciences. While the knowledge I’ve picked up from my classes has been extremely useful, I was searching for practical experience. When I stumbled upon a PURM project on Medicaid payment reform, I realized it encompassed all my interests, and I could tie in all the knowledge gained from academia to real world issues to become a “mini-expert.”

It was daunting mastering Excel, reading through hundreds of articles, and learning the jargon associated with Medicaid and hospital settings, but conversations with my mentors/peers helped me develop greater familiarity with the language I was working with and the field as a whole. Doing research through Penn has also allowed me to foster relationships. Getting to know my mentors, seeing other members of faculty in and out of the office, and spending time with friends on campus has been rewarding. Weekly meetings with my mentors, as well as our impromptu ones, taught me to be comfortable asking questions and admitting uncertainty. Seeing my friends involved in research through Penn last summer was a great way to unwind after work. Sitting in cafes, celebrating birthdays, and going on trips were great ways to maintain a healthy work-life balance. The flexibility of this opportunity and the benefits of research has opened a door of new opportunities to get involved with my team throughout the academic year.

This experience showcased how I interact with new material and how I respond to challenging situations. This research taught me that things aren’t always straightforward and sometimes the answer requires even more research. My goal is to go into healthcare and life sciences consulting, where the skills I’ve developed in communication, critical analysis, and writing will be useful. In a case/class regarding healthcare, I won’t shy away from a new concept. A future goal I’ve developed is finding opportunities in women’s health where I can apply my knowledge from the classroom and from research. - Inis Trifka

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