Undergrad Researcher, Leen Samman

Author: Leen Samman | Major: Biology & Psychology | Semester: Spring 2025

Hello! My name is Leen Samman. I am a biology-psychology double-major with a minor in global studies in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences. With the support of the Honors College, I had the opportunity to pursue clinical research during the Spring 2025 semester under the guidance of Dr. Jamie Baum, Director for the Center for Human Nutrition. Her work focuses on the role dietary protein has in regulation of skeletal muscle function for prevention of chronic disease. Having previously worked in lab environments that were more chemistry-focused and technique-heavy, I found myself wanting a research experience that felt more connected to people with an emphasis on turning basic scientific research into practical applications, especially for health, which is the approach used by the Baum lab.
My project explores the impact of high-protein diets on women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS). PCOS affects a significant percentage of women, yet there are still many unanswered questions about how dietary changes, especially increased protein intake, can influence outcomes like hormone regulation, insulin sensitivity, and overall well-being. The study hypothesizes that a high-protein, energy-restricted diet may improve cardiometabolic health in women with PCOS by reducing inflammation, improving body composition, and increasing weight loss. The fact that something as fundamental as diet could significantly impact a complex condition like PCOS shows how important it is to better understand and personalize nutrition.
To study this, recruited participants come in for a total of 16 weeks. Depending on their experimental group, they either follow a 10% calorie reduction diet or a 10% calorie reduction diet with high protein (1.6 g protein/kg body weight). When participants come to the lab, I help record their anthropometrics (height, weight, waist-to-hip ratio, etc), set up the metabolic cart for measuring energy expenditure, and prepare materials such as sleep diaries, food records, and questionnaires.
Being involved in these procedures has taught me how detailed and precise clinical research needs to be to ensure data is reliable and ethical. It has also given me an opportunity to practice engaging with participants, making sure that instructions are communicated clearly and comfort is managed during visits to ensure a positive experience.
What initially started as a practical step to fulfill my honors research requirement has turned into a deeply meaningful academic experience. I’ve learned how clinical studies are designed, how patient-facing data is collected and analyzed, and how nutrition-based interventions can be studied. I have also experienced the value in having a positive research environment, from supportive lab members, an encouraging mentor, and faculty rooting for you.
The mentorship of the graduate and undergraduate lab members, as well as their encouragement and eagerness to help, coupled with Dr. Baum’s flexibility and willingness to meet each student where they are has made the early stages of my thesis career enjoyable. I look forward to continuing data collection, analysis, and eventually writing and defending my thesis.
I am grateful to the Honors College for helping me connect with a mentor and research experience that expanded my perspective and pushed me to grow as a student and researcher. Through this project, I’ve learned that sometimes the most meaningful experiences are the ones that take you in an unexpected but ultimately rewarding direction.