Fatih Alam

Fatih Alam is a senior at the Waterbury Career Academy. Growing up in Waterbury, he witnessed how health care disparities affect vulnerable and underserved populations. He has experience interning at the Waterbury Public Health Department where he studied substance use and food deserts. Fatih also interned for the UCONN Natural Resources Conservation Academy, where he created a website about food insecurity and its impact on health. Fatih was drawn to YCCI because he is passionate to understand ways in which we can use clinical research to alleviate health inequalities. He understands that to better health outcomes and address barriers to health equity, clinical and translational research must aim to include all communities.

About my YCCI Internship

My experience as a YCCI student intern was very insightful and the lessons I learned will carry into the future. I learned from esteemed professionals and experts about a variety of topics. I was especially inspired when learning about the progress of research regarding pediatric growth plate abnormalities and the development of a monoclonal antibody drug called Teplizumab, that delays the onset of type 1 diabetes. The project I worked on was a podcast to educate teens and young adults about clinical trials. The episode I hosted examined the ethics of placebo use in research involving pediatric patients. Overall I learned how research is the foundation of medicine and how to convey the importance of clinical trials to the general public.

For Students Considering a YCCI Internship

As high school students, many of us are not exposed to the field of clinical and translational research. YCCI provides a gateway to gaining knowledge about this field and the opportunities within it. In this program you will learn about a variety of research topics from renowned experts and you will be able to collaborate with like minded peers on your very own project about clinical and translational research.