Peddie Senior’s Summer at CHOP Leads to Research Milestone
Photo above: Leena Mirchandani ’25 (second from right) spends time exploring Philadelphia with her Peddie roommates during her Summer Signature Experience.
On her first evening alone in a Philadelphia apartment, Leena Mirchandani ’25 faced an unexpected challenge: a collapsed shower tension rod. With her roommates still a week away, she panicked and called her parents. “I was like, ‘Things are falling from the sky. What am I supposed to do?’” she recalled. Eventually, she fixed it herself. “I was very proud,” she said.
It wasn’t the kind of challenge Mirchandani expected during her transformative summer at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). But as she navigated her first taste of independent living and rigorous scientific research, she discovered resilience, adaptability and a deeper appreciation for the life sciences.
Breaking Ground at CHOP
Joining CHOP’s Muir Lab, Mirchandani contributed to cutting-edge research on eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic inflammatory esophageal disease. As the lab’s sole high school intern, she faced initial skepticism. “I think they were a little nervous having a high schooler in the lab,” she said.
However, Mirchandani quickly proved herself, mastering lab protocols and earning the trust of her colleagues. By the end of the summer, she was conducting independent experiments and even teaching procedures to medical residents and graduate students. “I felt truly valued,” she said.
Her hard work culminated in an unexpected honor: co-authoring a research paper titled “Lysyl Oxidase Mediates Proliferation and Differentiation in the Esophageal Epithelium.” “When I saw my name, I was just so honored. It showed how much my lab valued my work and my growth,” Mirchandani said.
Dr. Shani Peretz, director of Peddie’s STEM Signature Experience program, emphasized the significance of this milestone. “It’s not so rare for our students to end up on research papers when they are in college, but it’s rare for it to happen while they’re still at Peddie,” she said. For Mirchandani, the experience solidified her passion for life sciences and public health, fields she plans to pursue in college.
Leena Mirchandani ’25 worked in CHOP’s Muir Lab this summer, researching eosinophilic esophagitis, a chronic inflammatory disease of the esophagus. She excelled, mastering protocols and earning her colleagues’ trust.
The Signature Experience Program
Mirchandani’s success reflects the mission of Peddie’s Signature Experience program, which prepares students to excel in rigorous, real-world environments. The program connects students with immersive opportunities in STEM, arts, Asian studies, computer science, creative writing and modern language.
Students interested in summer placements like Mirchandani’s begin preparing in their junior year through the Advanced Research Symposium course. “When I got to the lab, I felt that I had great foundations not only for the science that I was delving into but also for the world of research that was happening around me,” she said. The course equips students with essential data analysis and professional communication skills, ensuring they are ready to contribute meaningfully to their summer projects.
After completing their projects, students present their findings to the Peddie community, showcasing the depth of their learning and the transformative nature of the program.
Beyond the Lab
Outside the lab, Mirchandani embraced the challenges and joys of living independently. Sharing an apartment near the University of Pennsylvania with three other Peddie students completing Signature Experiences, she explored the city, enjoying morning walks on Penn’s campus, Garden Jams concerts, and sampling delicacies at Rittenhouse Square’s cheese shop.
“Living alone for the first time, I learned a lot about navigating a city and managing my first apartment,” she reflected. “These experiences will be very valuable when I am in college next year.”
A Collaborative Vision
Reflecting on her time at CHOP, Mirchandani praised the collaborative atmosphere of the Muir Lab. “Everyone in my lab worked together, and our lab collaborated with other labs within CHOP and Penn. I really want this type of collegial work environment in the future.”
Mirchandani’s journey highlights the transformative potential of Peddie’s Signature Experience program. “I had an incredible experience participating in Peddie’s Signature Experience, and I am grateful for the opportunity I had to do it,” she said.