An Emory Undergraduate Research Experience

Daniel Kikuchi is a senior majoring in Biology. He was awarded a Spring 2016 Independent Grant which he used to conduct research on atherosclerosis under Dr. Kathy Griendling. 

During my freshmen year at Emory, I took an introductory biology course. I enjoyed the laboratory portion of the class and wanted to learn how authentic research was conducted. Towards the end of the summer after my freshmen year I began to look for a lab. I emailed approximately 20 professors in search of a position. I was told by friends that it was important to email many professors because some do not respond and some do not take undergraduates. Therefore, I was surprised to receive eight interviews and just as many offers. I ended up choosing to work in the laboratory of Dr. Kathy Griendling in the Cardiology Division of the School of Medicine. I choose the Griendling lab not only because I found her work interesting but also because I thought it was where I would be able to learn the most.

In the Griendling lab, my research has been focused on understanding the molecular mechanism of atherosclerosis; specifically, how vascular smooth muscle cells contribute to the progression of atherosclerotic plaque formation. We have identified a key regulator of this process, Poldip2, and are still uncovering its functions in vascular smooth muscle cells. I began working in on this project in Fall 2014 as a Scholarly Inquiry and Research at Emory (SIRE) fellow. During my first semester in the lab, I learned about the research process and began to develop some basic laboratory skills. As I SIRE fellow, I also participated in weekly professional development workshops. At the end two semesters, I presented my work at the Undergraduate Research Symposium. In Summer 2015 I worked full time (~40 hours/week) in the Griendling lab as a Summer Undergraduate Research at Emory (SURE) fellow. During this experience I was able to invest more time in lab than is possible during the academic year. As a result, I was able to learn new lab techniques and more rapidly develop independence. At the conclusion of SURE, I presented my work at the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium where I was awarded honorable mention for my poster presentation. During Fall 2015, I studied abroad and did not work in the Griendling lab. I did, however, apply for a SIRE Independent grant to pursue a project of my own in the Griendling lab for Spring 2016. I was awarded a SIRE grant and I will use the funds to investigate the role of Poldip2 in mediating DNA damage in the vasculature.

Over the past year I developed an interest in research as a result of my experiences in the Griendling lab. I have found the prospect of discovering something new exciting and the intellectual and technical demands of research incredibly rewarding. Through this work, I have begun to think critically about experimental design, read relevant literature from the field, and write a scientific proposal. I have also leaned how to perform cell culture, microscopy techniques, and a number of biochemical assays. Not only have I learned about research and laboratory techniques, I have also been exposed to the various careers paths available in research. I have also enjoyed the community and cooperation of the lab environment. 

Visit the Undergraduate Research Programs website to learn more about applying for Independent Research Grants.