Once a Gestal Lab Member, Always Family

mcarges6
Jul 10
2 min read

One of the greatest privileges of an academic career is watching students grow, not only as scientists, but as people. Long after experiments are finished and they have moved on to the next stage of their journey, the relationships built through mentorship continue.

This summer has reminded me just how special those relationships can be.

One of our former high school students recently graduated from college and is now applying to medical school. She first joined the Gestal Lab as a high school student and later returned as an undergraduate through the PPHIIRE program. Throughout the years, she has continued to share her achievements, challenges, and aspirations with me. Being able to celebrate each new milestone alongside her has been one of the greatest rewards of being a mentor.

Another former high school student has now returned for her first summer as an undergraduate. Although she is not working in the laboratory full time, we continue developing research projects together from a distance, proving that mentorship and scientific curiosity are not limited by location.

A third student also began with us in high school, came back as an undergrad, and has always continue to reach out. Now he is studying medicine. Even today, we continue to bring one of his research projects to publication. Watching him continue to grow while maintaining our collaboration is incredibly rewarding.

Not every journey begins in high school. Jose first joined the Gestal Lab as a summer intern from Spain. What started as a short summer research experience grew into a long-term scientific collaboration, and today he has returned to LSU Health Shreveport as a PhD student in the lab. Seeing a trainee choose to come back and continue building their scientific career with us is one of the greatest compliments a mentor can receive.

These stories remind me that mentorship is never just about a summer project or a research experience. It is about helping young people discover their potential, encouraging them to ask questions, supporting them through challenges, and celebrating their successes as they become the next generation of physicians, scientists, and leaders. Once you become part of the Gestal Lab, you are always part of the Gestal family. Whether your path leads to medical school, graduate school, or another career in science, our greatest joy is watching you grow and knowing that, in some small way, we were part of your journey. Your successes will always be our successes. Because the most meaningful legacy of a laboratory is not only the science it produces, but the people it helps shape.