As an eager undergraduate student with a passion for chemistry and its applications, I had the privilege of working at Dr. Carl Denard's chemical engineering laboratory. This immersive experience provided me with a firsthand opportunity to understand the use of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism to unravel the complexities of the human SRP54 gene and its relationship with translated polypeptides.
My first experience in the laboratory:
My initial days were filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation as I familiarized myself with fundamental techniques such as micropipetting, polymerase chain reaction (PCR), gel electrophoresis, and the intricacies of obtaining and culturing yeast and E.coli with the help of my mentor and graduate student Lawton Long. These skills laid the groundwork for the in-depth exploration that awaited me in the realm of protein synthesis.
Learning how to Research:
Saccharomyces cerevisiae , a versatile organism widely used in genetic studies was used to help model the use of SRP54 and express post translational modifications. Through this model organism, I gained insights into the structural and functional aspects of the SRP54 gene and its interactions with translated polypeptides.
The correlation between the SRP54 gene and the translation of polypeptides emerged as a focal point of my research. By studying the interactions between the gene and the translational machinery, I gained a profound understanding of how these components orchestrate the synthesis of proteins, a fundamental process that underpins various biological functions. I also had the privilege of participating in weekly journal club meeting where we discussed impactful scientific literature and learnt about similar work being conducted in laboratories across the United States.
Conclusion: A Gateway to Future Endeavors
My undergraduate research experience in protein synthesis not only honed my technical skills but also ignited a passion for unraveling the mysteries of molecular biology which led me to my next research endeavor. As I reflect on this transformative journey, I am filled with a sense of gratitude for the invaluable lessons learned, the insights gained, and the doors opened to future research endeavors.
As I continue to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of scientific inquiry, I am immensely grateful towards Dr. Carl Denard and Dr. Lawton Long for that academic experience of a lifetime. Their work can be found here https://www.thedenardlab.com/
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