1. Who are you doing research with this summer and what kind of research project are you doing ?

I am doing research with Dr. D’mello this summer. We are currently evaluating an enzyme called Phenylalanine ammonia lyase as a possible treatment in the management of phenylketonuria. Our goal is to eventually encapsulate this enzyme and give it orally.

2. What do you find fascinating in the research that you’re doing ?

Something I find so fascinating about my research is that the small steps I’m taking each day in lab may one day positively impact someone’s life in the future.   

3. What skills are you learning through the USURF experience ?

This summer I have learned how to be independent. I’ve always worked with either a graduate student or another undergraduate in the past. I’m learning how to be patient and create clear concise strategies to address each obstacle I face.

4. What are the challenges you’re encountering in your research ?

Sometimes there are technical issues, but one major challenge I faced during research is getting back unexpected results. I had to quickly learn that not everything will go as planned and that all you can do is go back to the drawing board and review what may have been the cause of that outcome.

5. How is your USURF experience impacting the way you view your field ?

Getting USURF this summer has really changed my perception of research. This was a great opportunity to learn in a less strenuous environment where I could really understand and make research my top priority. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect because I had just finished taking some classes that were specific to pharmaceutical sciences. Building on that knowledge in a hands-on setting as soon as the semesters ended was exactly what I needed. The USURF gave me the opportunity to preview what graduate school may entail, I now have a plan to pursue my PhD in pharmaceutics after graduating.

 6.Tell us something interesting about yourself.

Freshmen year of college, I started playing ping pong in Goodman hall. I used to play with my friends just for fun, but since we’re so competitive we started to actually want to be good at it. Now I love ping pong and I even won a tournament at the school.