Summer Research Experience at Harvard
This summer, while many students spent their break working, studying, or relaxing, Barak Meachem engaged in research at Harvard University. Meachem, a senior at North Carolina Central University (NCCU) pursuing a double major in biomedical science and business administration, participated in the Du Bois Scholars Program.
Initiated in 2024, the Du Bois Scholars Program offers a fully funded, nine-week research internship at Harvard for students from designated historically Black colleges and universities. From June 3 to August 7, Meachem focused on the human coronavirus under the guidance of a faculty member at the Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health.
Research Focus on Coronavirus
During his internship, Meachem investigated the role of host cell surface proteins in the coronavirus’s ability to infect other cells, drawing parallels to how similar proteins on human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) facilitate infection. “At the end of the nine-week program, I presented my research findings and discussed the experimental approaches we used to better understand how host-cell proteins may influence coronavirus infectivity,” Meachem stated.
Meachem’s summer internships have become a notable pattern in his academic journey. A Cheatham-White scholar, he previously completed internships at East Carolina University, Duke University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT).
Life Outside the Lab
During his time at Harvard, Meachem resided in a campus residence hall, where he connected with peers from across the nation. He participated in various extracurricular activities, such as visiting the W.E.B. Du Bois house, attending a Boston Red Sox baseball game, exploring a space telescope, engaging in a trauma simulation with a Harvard medical student, and taking a weekend trip to New York City. Additionally, he enjoyed kayaking and visiting local fraternity brothers from Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc.
Future Aspirations
Upon graduating in May 2027, Meachem plans to take a year off from academics to work as a clinical specialist while applying to medical school. His long-term goal is to establish his own medical practice as an anesthesiologist, while also pursuing interests in venture capitalism focused on medical devices and pharmaceuticals.
Source: North Carolina Central University
