Conducting hands-on experiments in the laboratory
Author: Jean Gabin Yallou Castillo | Major: Chemical Engineering | Semester: Fall 2024
Undergraduate research offers transformative experiences, as shown by Jean Yallou, a senior in chemical engineering from Panama. His work under Dr. Karthik Nayani focuses on studying the interaction between the biomolecules actin and DNA, with potential applications in drug delivery and advanced materials. Supported by an Honors College Research Grant, Jean highlights how research fosters curiosity, develops practical skills, and prepares students for future opportunities in academia and beyond.
Why Every Student Should Consider Research: My Journey in Undergraduate Research
The idea of conducting research can feel challenging and intimidating, but it is immensely rewarding. Since high school, I have been deeply curious about how things work, constantly seeking to understand the reasoning behind why things function in specific ways. For me research projects are exciting because they begin with a sense of uncertainty and through the project you are able to learn enough to understand complex concepts and apply them effectively.
My name is Jean Yallou, and I am an international student from Panama. I am currently a senior majoring in chemical engineering and conducting research under the guidance of my advisor, Dr. Karthik Nayani. This fall semester, I was honored to receive the Honors College Research Grant to support my thesis project. My research primarily focuses on the interaction between actin and DNA, with a specific goal of studying and understanding liquid condensates of actin formed through phase separation induced by duplex DNA. This study has significant potential applications, including drug delivery, tissue engineering, and the development of advanced materials that mimic cellular behavior.
As a senior student, I highly recommend and encourage other students to engage in research, regardless of their career goals. Research provides invaluable benefits and experiences. I began my research journey in the summer of 2023, just before starting my junior year. My initial motivation was my curiosity and desire to explore different areas of my career. Now, after a year and a half of research, I can confidently say that I have learned far more than I anticipated. I have gained hands-on experience in laboratory experiments that I would not have encountered in a traditional classroom setting. Additionally, my research experience has inspired me to consider applying to various graduate programs to continue my work in this field.
The process of joining a research group started with a conversation with my academic advisor, Dr. Heather Walker, who guided me and introduced me to faculty members in the chemical engineering department open to mentoring undergraduate researchers. After conducting my own research on the professors and their respective projects, I found Dr. Nayani’s lab particularly interesting and decided to join. Dr. Nayani’s group focuses on soft materials and explores their applications in health, the environment, and advanced materials. A key area of research in the lab involves liquid crystals and their diverse applications. Before joining the lab, I knew very little about liquid crystals, but now I not only understand them but have also studied and explored their applications through hands-on experimentation.
During my time in Dr. Nayani’s lab, I have significantly developed my skills as a researcher. Through hands-on experimentation in the lab, I have investigated the interactions between soft materials and biological systems. This experience has made me proficient in analytical techniques including polarized and fluorescent microscopy, image analysis, UV-VIS spectrophotometry, and rheology. These skills have been instrumental in advancing my thesis research and have also prepared me for future graduate studies.
As I mentioned earlier, research can be challenging and intimidating, but it is an incredible experience that enhances the development of skills and knowledge beyond what a typical classroom course can offer. Whether or not you plan to pursue graduate school, the experience gained from research is invaluable. It improves your qualifications for job interviews, scholarships, and other professional opportunities. Your research project serves as concrete evidence of your ability to apply the knowledge acquired during your degree program.
Thanks to the honor college research grant, I have been able to focus on my honor thesis which has significantly enriched my education and future aspirations. With one more semester left, I look forward to collecting additional data and presenting my final results to the chemical engineering department at the end of the spring semester.