Birk Evavold is a rising senior majoring in Biology and Chemistry. He was awarded a Spring 2018 Independent Grant which he used to conduct research on the protein Galectin under Dr. Sean Stowell.
Like many kids, my interest in science was piqued by the renown first grade baking soda and vinegar volcano. But why does this tried-and-tested combination make children love science? For some, maybe it’s the lovely smell of acetic acid, but for me, it was the unexpected results. Fifteen years later, unexpected outcomes still fuel my passion for scientific research. Now, my research focuses on a carbohydrate-binding protein called galectin-1 and its redox potential. Galectin-1 has many previously identified important immunomodulatory roles, but its high-propensity to undergo oxidative inactivation is the focus of my project in the lab. Though my work fortunately has not yet recreated the explosive effects that initially kindled my scientific interest, the scientific process for discovery remains just as exciting.
My biggest discovery working in the lab so far has not directly come from the data I collect in lactose-binding assays or the numerous SDS-PAGE gels that I run but instead from the seemingly constant complications and challenges that arise along the way. When I first began working in the lab, my experimental experience was limited to labs I had taken as part of my major’s science classes. In most of these experiments, everything worked. The instructors had perfected the protocols throughout their careers, and the results were fairly straightforward and ultimately just proved what we were learning about in class. While these labs are great at teaching students basic experimental techniques and how to analyze their data, I learned that working in a research lab is much more demanding which is precisely what makes it so exciting.
One of my first experiments in the lab was to chemically protect a sample of galectin from oxidation, and then test my protection by subjecting it to oxidative stress. After days of background reading and planning my experiment, I was ready to test my protocol. I spent my whole Friday meticulously carrying out my procedure. As soon as I began to test my protection, all of the protein precipitated out of solution which meant my method had failed. I left for the weekend feeling like I had wasted my whole week with nothing to show besides a cloudy solution of protein. The following Monday, I met with a post-doc in my lab to discuss my experimental results. As we went through my protocol and lab notebook, she quickly pointed out to me that I had simply stopped my initial protection reaction too early and kindly encouraged me to try again. In my next attempt, everything worked.
Though ultimately this experiment did not produce any interesting new data, the joy I felt as I navigated and fixed the issues in my protocol made the process worth it. Despite the difficulties and challenges that come with scientific research, the eventual breakthroughs and successes continue fuel my passion for discovery. Being able to perform independent scientific research at Emory has been the most intellectually stimulating aspect of my undergraduate experience. The process of solving novel problems is exhilarating and has inspired me to pursue a career in scientific research.
Visit the Undergraduate Research Programs website to learn more about applying for Independent Research Grants.
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