Drug Metabolism and Communication

Eungjae (NJ) Kim is a senior who majoring in Biology. He was awarded a Summer 2018 Independent Grant which he used to conduct research on human metabolic pathways under Dr. Brent Morgan

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Dear future researcher:

My research investigates the pharmacokinetic mechanism of a drug metabolite in human metabolic pathways. I am examining the cross-reactivity between lidocaine and cocaine metabolites filtered through the excretory system. My interest in the research experience stemmed from the classes and labs I took at the college. In laboratory courses, I was given directions to follow. After sufficient practice and experience, I had more ambition to create my own study and protocol to see if I could execute the action items in a larger group setting.

I am also a varsity student-athlete. I selected a research position that allowed me to create my own study, and consequently, put myself in a research coordinator position. This was important due to the time management I would have to face during my varsity season. I play for a Varsity sport along with few other obligations, so it is difficult to allocate time to my research during the academic semester. Once the study was approved and sample collection had begun, my PI and I assembled a team. Each subgroup was designed to help delegate our time and resources, whether contributing to lab equipment for running assays or helping with the sample collection so that we had 24/7 coverage screening for potential subjects. In theprocess of putting together a research team, I didn’t expect my Principal Investigator to be very understanding and helpful when I needed to adjust the research protocol and my schedule. I recognized the importance of clear communication between me and PI, as well as my collaborators. With clear communication, we were able to coordinate the project together feasibly. Additionally, as the research coordinator, I was able to adjust the logistics of the research to ensure continuity of the study even though I was not able to commit hours on certain weeks. This flexibility allowed me to make progress in my research while being able to commit to my varsity sport and other extracurriculars, and of course, a social life. As a varsity student-athlete with commitments to various organizations, I wouldn’t have been able to do research during the semester had I joined a wet lab where my work designated specifically for me. Simply, there would not be enough hours in the day. Again, due to my clear communication and inquiring for resources with my PI & collaborators, I was able to put together a working schedule for all involved parties.

Through this experience, I have recognized and acquired qualities that a scientific researcher requires: consistency, diligence, patience, teamwork, and ability to lead a group by establishing clarity and executing each constructed strategic plan. In such a study with many mobile parts, it is vital to make sure each member was executing his or her role for the team. I learned this the hard way. Such malleable, dynamic experiment introduces a high probabilityfor miscue. Grady Hospital’s ASSET team screened subjects and collected urine samples. There was miscommunication in the relay between ASSET’s coordinator to his members; therefore, three weeks’ worth of specimen collection was discarded. To prevent future mistakes, we established a listserv in order to provide direct communication between me and ASSET members, and I physically met with each member to discuss our game plan on days of enrollment.

The theme of my research experience is communication. Always inquire and there are resources always available!

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