Grit, Maturity, and Resiliency: A Summer Scholar’s Journey from USU to Neuroscience

Dan Tsuma, a Uniformed Services University (USU) Summer Scholars Program alumnus, delivered an inspiring speech at the 2024 program's closing reception on August 9th.

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Dan Tsuma, a USU Summer Scholars Program alumnus, delivered a speech remarking on his personal growth and professional development during the program at the 2024 program's closing reception on August 9th. (Photo courtesy of Dan Tsuma)

September 10, 2024 by Hadiyah Brendel

Dan Tsuma, a Uniformed Services University (USU) Summer Scholars Program alumnus, delivered an inspiring speech at the 2024 program's closing reception on August 9th. The Summer Scholars Program offers an 8- to 10-week experience that provides unique exposure to basic and clinical research, social/behavioral research, health policy, and research administration to high school and undergraduate students.

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Dan Tsuma was first introduced to USU in 2019 at the encouragement of his biology teacher. (Photo courtesy of Dan Tsuma)

"We were delighted to have Dan as our featured speaker at the 2024 USU Scholars Poster Symposium Awards Ceremony. His journey of professional development and personal growth during our summer research training program is what we hope for all of the interns," says Dr. Toya Randolph, assistant vice president for Research Administration at USU.

Reflecting on the program's effect on his research and clinical interests, Tsuma emphasized the importance of the scholars taking lessons learned forward into the next stage of their careers. He noted how the maturity, grit, and resiliency he gained as a trainee opened pathways to engaging and prestigious research experiences.

Tsuma first learned of USU in 2019. As a rising senior in high school, his biology teacher encouraged him to apply. Tsuma says although he was interested in science and research, he didn't have a clear plan of what he wanted to do.

Guided by former USU professor of Medicine Dr. Lara Varpio and her team, Tsuma delved into the world of researching military interprofessional healthcare teams (MIHTS). MIHTS are multi-discplinary teams that work together in treating military members and their families, such as in deployment situations. Tsuma's role that summer focused on identifying the factors contributing to MIHT success, fueling his interest in research and motivating him to pursue a research-based undergraduate program.

But beyond the research, Tsuma says his experiences at USU were crucial for his personal growth. "The most notable experiences from that summer are less research-specific, and more so a self-discovery process," says Tsuma. One particular incident highlighted his transformation and instilled a sense of maturity and professionalism within him.

Tsuma says he enjoyed networking on campus, talking to as many researchers as he could. "It's such a cool campus and people are so willing to meet and talk with you. I just took advantage of that as a high school student," he explained. But despite scheduling a Friday lunch meeting with one of the researchers, Tsuma instead met up with fellow scholar program cohorts.

His decision led to a stern reprimand from his mentor, which Tsuma says was a wake-up call, teaching him a valuable lesson about prioritizing responsibilities and maintaining professionalism.

"I was beginning to learn what it means to be a mature person capable of making reasonable and rational decisions and respecting others. I attribute the program as the starting point of the growth I've experienced throughout college," Tsuma adds.

Tsuma used those lessons and his newfound excitement for science and research to propel him forward in his academic pursuits. He attended the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill as a Chancellor's Science Scholar, a competitive research-oriented program. He also landed several research experiences at UNC hospital, and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute Janelia Research Campus in Ashburn, VA before graduating with Highest Distinction from UNC this spring.

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Guided by former professor of medicine Dr. Lara Varpio and her team, Tsuma delved into the world of researching military interprofessional healthcare times (MIHTS). His role that summer focused on identifying the factors contributing to MIHT success, fueling his interest in research and motivating him to pursue a research-based undergraduate program. (Photo courtesy of Dan Tsuma)

Tsuma says the growth he experienced during his summer at USU helped him excel academically and socially at UNC and everywhere he's done research since. It was at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute that Tsuma fell in love with neuroscience. And his success in the field paved the way for a unique opportunity to pursue a research-based Master's in Clinical Neuroscience at the University of Cambridge in England.

At Cambridge, Tsuma would have had the opportunity to join a team of clinical academics studying tests and treatments for a disease called mt-aaRs, a rare neurological disorder affecting children. However, in face of the high cost of attendance and insufficient scholarship or financial aid, Tsuma started an online fundraising campaign to try to raise funds for tuition. Unfortunately, towards the end of August, Tsuma realized he hadn't met the financial barrier to attending Cambridge. And while he's definitely disappointed, Tsuma knows this isn't the end of his career. He remains resilient and steadfast in becoming a physician-scientist, driven to discover new treatments in the realm of pediatric neurological disorders.

Tsuma echoed the resilience theme to the 2024 cohort of summer scholars. "This was not just a research experience, but a character-building opportunity for you. You are more resilient and professional than you were before you entered here. Remember that, be proud of that fact, and remember to always be resilient," he says.

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