Over the summer of 2016, I joined Dr. Cheng’s Molecular Metabolism Laboratory as an undergraduate researcher and trainee, who embarked on a journey to seek out information about a complex metabolic disease known as diabetes. As a first generation college student, from rural, Southwestern Virginia, I have become aware of the detrimental public health situation in many lower socio-economic areas. My upbringing, family medical history, experiences as a medical outreach volunteer and EMS provider in Blacksburg, Virginia have all contributed to my curiosity for the far-reaching implications of obesity and diabetes mellitus. This extensive research experience gave me an outlet to apply the knowledge I learned during my first two years as an undergraduate …show more content…
One of the ongoing projects in the Cheng lab is to map the molecular links between different pathways by studying an array of dysregulated proteins and posttranslational modifications (PTM). It is hypothesized that protein levels and PTM potentially play a key role in pathogenesis of metabolic disease. I contributed to this understanding by joining the project and assisted in protein analysis. I learned the basic protocols for Western blot gel making, sample labeling, pipetting technique, and the basic operations needed to maintain a functional and safe laboratory environment. As the summer progressed, I observed and then performed more complex procedures such as tissue sampling and lysates, cell culture, Western blotting, gel electrophoresis, and genotyping. Having the opportunity to work in a lab funded by USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture Hatch Project and the National Institutes of Health, and contribute to our understanding behind fat cell growth and expansion, autophagy, and the role of proteins in diabetes and obesity was truly the experience of a lifetime as a Biochemistry and Biological Sciences undergraduate