Research Refines Purpose
03/06/2026
The experience helped Green clarify her long-term goals. Because her mentor holds both medical and doctoral degrees, she was able to observe how research and patient care intersect.
Exploring Dermatology Through Hands-On Research
For Gabby Green ’27, a biology/pre-med major from Beavercreek, Ohio, an interest in dermatology began in an unexpected way.
“I kind of grew up watching Dr. Pimple Popper,” she said with a laugh. That early curiosity evolved into a serious career interest, and this summer, Green took a major step toward that goal through an internship in her hometown.
“My dermatologist mentioned that he does research, because he’s an MD/Ph.D.,” Green explained. Further conversation with her dermatologist allowed Green to apply for a summer internship at his lab, giving her first-hand experience in dermatological research alongside Ph.D. students.
Green conducted epithelial cell experiments, studying how cells respond to UVB light exposure. She also assisted with mouse model experiments examining how UV exposure changes the pigment, erythema and organs of the mice.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the experience was learning how interconnected the body is. “We talked a lot about rosacea, an inflammatory and vascular skin disorder where a person's face will turn red, typically as a result of sun exposure. It was cool to see the pathway and how your body responds to the inflammation-like response.”
The lab also exposed her to technology and research tools beyond what she has used in undergraduate labs. “There were a lot of unique machines like a NanoDrop, NanoSight, and an automated cell counter that we don’t have at our labs,” she said. “It’s just cool to learn new techniques, how to read and follow a protocol to perform experiments and how use different lab machinery.”
The experience helped Green clarify her long-term goals. Because her mentor holds both medical and doctoral degrees, she was able to observe how research and patient care intersect.
“Just seeing, if I want to do the Ph.D. step too, along with it — how do they work together? What can I do with both degrees in the future?” she said, speculating what comes next after her undergraduate degree. Ultimately, she discovered she is drawn to patient care rather advance and mouse research, although she now has a new appreciation for how they work together to advancing healthcare.
At Bluffton, Green balances a demanding course load — including immunology, microbiology studies and analytical chemistry — with extensive campus involvement. She is a member of the women’s golf team, multicultural student organization, Science Club and serves as a President’s Ambassador.
“Being able to connect with a lot more people,” she said was an important aspect of her college involvement. “Relationships with people are really important. Learning how to communicate with people is a great skill to have. I feel that the more people you encounter, the better you are able to understand and empathize with people or future patients.”
She credits Science Club with helping spark her pursuit of research. “They had a presentation about summer internships for Science Club freshman year. I was like, ‘Oh, I should probably look into that,’” she joked. However, taking steps to pursue research helped her move confidently into her future path. “It definitely builds your resume,” she said. “It also gives you more confidence in where you’re going to be.”
After graduating, Green plans to attend medical school. From early inspiration to advanced lab research, Green’s journey toward dermatology continues to take shape — grounded in curiosity, experience and a growing sense of purpose.