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Author: Raymond Moody | Major: Biochemistry, Biology | Semester: Spring 2024

My name is Raymond Moody. I am dual majoring in Biochemistry and Biology in the Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences college. My mentor is Susanne Striegler, who is in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry. This semester research period is the Spring of 2024. My future plans include attending medical school with a preference for reconstructive plastic surgery.

My research focuses on the extraction and purification of alpha-galactosidase from Cantaloupe (Cucumis melo). This enzyme is an enzyme crucial for processing glycolipids and glycoproteins and is pivotal in breaking down complex sugars into simpler monosaccharides, with implications in treating diseases like Fabry’s disease and diabetes. Given the enzyme’s costly and inconsistent market availability, this project seeks to determine a more cost-effective extraction protocol. The expected outcome is not just a proof of concept but also a potential step toward making this enzyme more accessible for medical and industrial applications. This project could greatly impact Fabry’s disease research and the food industry, offering a more affordable and available enzyme source compared to current market options.

I chose this research topic due to its significant potential in medical and industrial applications, particularly for those affected by Fabry’s disease and diabetes. My interest in health-related chemistry led me to Professor Susanne Striegler, whose work in organic chemistry, such as catalysis and carbohydrate-transforming enzymes, aligned with my academic and career goals. Her guidance was instrumental in shaping the direction and methodology of my project and providing critical insights.

Through this research, I have gained knowledge about enzyme function, biochemical processes, and biochemical purification techniques–specifically in relation to alpha-galactosidase. The hands-on experience has also taught me the intricacies of rigorous scientific research and has helped improve my problem-solving skills. Personally, I discovered a profound satisfaction in pursuing research that bridges the gap between academic theory and real-world application. I’ve learned the importance of persistence and creativity in research, especially when experiments didn’t initially proceed as planned. One major challenge was the initial inability to precipitate proteins using our available equipment. By adjusting the experimental conditions and upgrading to a more powerful centrifuge, we successfully improved our results with precipitation. This process taught me the importance of flexibility and problem-solving in research.

While this project did not involve travel to archives or conferences, it has potentially opened opportunities for future presentations. In the future, I plan to attend a student research conference, which would be a valuable platform for learning and discussing work with peers and experts in the field.

With the foundational phase of the research nearing completion, the next part of the process would include assaying the proteins to determine enzyme activity and then furthering the purification process. Once complete, I plan on quantifying the yield of the enzyme and its efficacy.

This research semester has been a transformative journey, offering a blend of challenges and achievements. It has solidified my interest in biochemistry and its applications in medicine, setting a foundation for my future career. Not only does this research move me closer to my academic and professional objectives, but it also could lead to broader applications for health and industry, potentially impacting many who depend on this critical enzyme and the research surrounding it.