KIYA JACKSON, Biological Sciences, Junior, 2022

Undergraduate Faculty Mentor:  Dr. Joanna Chiu                          
Three words to describe me: Dedicated, thoughtful, resourceful

What are your future plans and/or goals?

My goal is to become a more investigative and collaborative scientist. I hope to pursue graduate school and discover a niche within the field of Biological Sciences that I am most passionate about.

In what ways has engaging in undergraduate research impacted your future goals and plans?

Undergraduate research has given me the opportunity to actively contribute to science. I am able to perform wet lab experiments, analyze data, and discuss amongst fellow lab members. As a result, I have learned the importance of asking lots of questions and understanding why the science occurs and matters. It has given me an opportunity to enjoy hands on learning, become more open to constructive criticism, and more accustomed to trail and error. It has motivated me to pursue graduate school.

What contribution(s) will your research make to your field of study?

Circadian rhythms result from the synchronization of external environmental factors (like sunlight) with internal molecular mechanisms. Moreover, post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, dictate the degradation and expression levels of proteins. I focus on whether post-translation modifications of circadian proteins affect an organism’s rhythmic activity. Therefore, the project that I am working on will build a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms that contribute to circadian rhythms.

What preparation and research experience did you have before applying to your research program?

I had no prior research experience. Although, I took a Course-based undergraduate research experience (CURE) prior to my formal research position.

Personal achievements/accomplishments or other news and information:

I am also a scholar with the Research Scholars Program for Insect Biology.

What advice do you have for other undergraduate students seeking research experiences?

I recommend finding a lab environment that wants to help you grow and learn. Moreover, be open minded to challenging yourself, going outside of your comfort zone, and asking for help.