Approaching graduation from the University of Arizona, I had the opportunity to extend my research experience in Peru.  I initially thought of the offer as an excellent way to gain more laboratory experience and explore a foreign country.  I had no idea at the time that I would make some amazing friends, see incredible places, and have the chance to truly immerse myself in another culture. 

I lived in the "gringo house" in Miraflores, Peru for three months with approximately eight other students.  I was surprised and very fortunate to live in one of the nicest areas of Lima.  Everyday my fellow roommates and I would take the hour-long combi (mini bus) ride to the Universidad de Cayetano Heredia where our laboratory was located.  We were within walking distance of two major grocery stores and to Parque Kennedy, which is a huge square with tons of restaurants, cafes, and shopping.

I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Robert Gilman, Professor of International Health at Johns Hopkins, for my research project.  My research involved using guinea pigs as a model for chronic Chagas disease.Chagas disease is highly prevalent in Peru and throughout South America and is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi that can be transmitted to humans via an insect vector.  Thus, for the purpose of this study, guinea pigs were infected two months prior to my arrival in Peru to ensure that they were in the chronic stage of the disease.  Each week, six tissue samples were collected from the selected number of guinea pigs and my partner, Elise Madrid, and I extracted the DNA and performed PCR to determine which samples were positive for Chagas.  In addition, a few weeks into the study the guinea pigs were re-infected with a more virulent strain of T. cruzi to determine if the level of infectivity would increase resulting in more infected tissues.  The results did prove that guinea pigs are, in fact, an effective model for chronic Chagas disease.

During my first few days in the lab I felt rather out of place.   There are lots of people working with Dr. Gilman, therefore, making the atmosphere a bit chaotic at times.  The large number of people, and the fact that everyone was speaking Spanish was a little overwhelming at first, but after a few days I felt right at home.  Everyone in lab was extremely helpful and friendly, and it allowed me to practice my Spanish while they practiced their English. Over time, I grew confident using new equipment and practicing different laboratory techniques, and even communicating with the Spanish I had before going to Peru.

One of the memorable parts of my stay was the traveling I did.  My roommates and I treated weekends as a time for exploring, and we visited several cities outside of Lima including, Huacachina where we went sand boarding, Lunahuana where we tried white water rafting, and Caral where we visited the oldest city in the Americas.  In addition, my mom visited me, and we traveled through the southern part of Peru visiting, Puerto Maldonado (the Amazon), Machu Picchu (Ancient Inca ruins), Lake Titicaca (the highest navigable lake and home of the floating islands),  Colca Canyon (the second deepest canyon in the world), and Paracas (a little Galapagos).  We had a wonderful time experiencing the culture and traditions of Peru, and I saw some of what I consider to be the most unique and beautiful places in the world.

Although there were things I missed about home, especially my friends, family, and the taste of familiar foods, I could not think of a better way to have spent my summer.  I built wonderful friendships, saw some unforgettable sites, and gained a deeper understanding of the importance of research and scientific collaboration.  Above all, I developed an indescribable appreciation for all of the things that I am fortunate to have and used to take for granted. 

I would like to extend a great big thank you to the BRAVO! program, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Dr. Charles Sterling, and Dr. Robert Gilman for providing me with this wonderful opportunity.

Jessica Simms, UBRP alum, Dr. Charles Sterling's lab, Veterinary Sciences

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