Gaining firsthand research experience

In order to graduate with a degree in biochemistry, I am required to submit a senior thesis. Generally, a thesis is a formal report of one’s research, detaining the research problem, experimental approach, results, and interpretation of those results. Completing a thesis involves joining a research lab on campus and working on an independent project. At the end of the year, the thesis will be written up and submitted to both the department and the college for approval.

For my thesis, I’m working in the lab of Dr. Martin Gruebele in the chemistry department. My project focuses on how proteins fold within the organelles of living cells. Using newly developed instruments and some genetic engineering, I can measure the way that proteins fold at the subcellular level. My hope is that my results shed light on the differences in protein dynamics among organelles, and show how organelles can manipulate proteins to fit their particular functions. As part of the project, I’m expected to work independently. Thus, I am in charge of researching the literature, performing experiments, and interpreting those results. Aside from a couple of meetings with my advisor, I work on my project by myself.

Working on a thesis project is very similar to having a job. You’re expected to come in every day you are free to plan and run experiments. Many times, this can take the entire day, resulting in late nights in the lab. One of the biggest challenges of a thesis project is the fact that I work independently. Without someone watching over me, I get to plan out my own schedule and decide when I want to work. Thus, I’m the one who has to push myself and plan ahead in order to move forward.

While my project requires a lot of discipline and time management, I love the work that I do in lab. Working on a thesis project is giving me firsthand experience with research, and it’s pushed me to pursue a research-based career. I feel that my experience with research, from designing experiments to writing up a manuscript for publication, will be really helpful when I go on to graduate school. If you ever have the chance to complete a thesis, I would strongly suggest it. It’s a great experience!