Hello everyone! It has been almost a month since my last blog post, but so much has happened with my progress with modeling my proteins since then. I finished up the surface model of the keratin I chose to 3D model, and the image will be linked down below! I am currently working on fine-tuning my ribbon model of keratin, and that image will be linked in the next blog post.

Connecting with my research mentor has been a great experience. Our weekly meetings ensure that both of us are on the same page, and they allow for a comprehensive experience to make sure the models will be as good as they can be. At first, I felt quite overwhelmed with starting my project, but having access to my mentor allowed me to have the best support I could have as I continue this journey in research. I first met my mentor, Dr. Zuzana Swigonova, through my Honors Foundations of Biology class. Having such a small class size allowed me to connect with her more, and through a class opportunity, I became very interested in creating the 3D protein models that she has been creating for years before. The appeal for this project resided in trying something new. Since I never used UCSF chimera software before, I was excited to try something new.

My advice to students who have never conducted research before is to first get a feeling of what area you would like to explore more. In my case, I wanted to explore life at the molecular level, and having this clear motivation within me allowed me to find such an opportunity. Next, I would suggest that students find a mentor that will provide some guidance throughout the journey. This could be a professor from a class or another outside influence. Regardless, having a mentor will make the whole process of stepping into research less daunting. Finally, I would recommend to stay curious and motivated as these internal traits will go a long way in sustaining the journey of a research project, no matter how long. These traits will also be reflected in the resulting finished product of research, which is very satisfying to see.

Research is also very applicable to the professional work industry. Primarily, the skills one can learn from research can translate very well to almost any position in any industry. The critical thinking required for formulating ideas, changing directions, and conversing with a mentor is very valuable to have when leading project teams or performing individual tasks as a job. For me specifically, I wish to attend medical school and become a nephrologist. The critical thinking, as mentioned before, as well as the communication with my mentor, and motivation to consistently work on the project are all important traits to have when working with patients. I believe that my CURF project has allowed me to improve in these areas, and I am proud of the progress so far.

Thank you again to everyone following along on this journey. To aspiring researchers, know that it may seem daunting, but it is also an exciting process filled with growth!

Keratin Surface Model pictured above