BU RISE is a 6-week research program at Boston University. In 2019, the acceptance rate was around 16% so it is a selective program. There are two tracks- internship and practicum. The internship is the one I applied to because I wanted to work in a lab. Unfortunately, BU RISE in 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19. If you are applying to BU RISE, these essays may be a source of inspiration.
1.Why you selected your field of interest and what you would like to research (300 words)
First choice: medical laboratory research (biochemistry) Second choice: chemistry
Ever since 2018, I participated in a Science Olympiad event called Protein Modeling that sparked my interest in proteins. When I learned about the anti-CRISPR protein, it alarmed me that the protein stopped CRISPR from working. Wondering how this could happen, I used Jmol to build and visualize the protein model. Over time, I no longer viewed proteins as messy globs. Instead, I appreciated that the protein’s distinct shape contributed to its unique function.
In my second year, I read research papers from Nature to learn more about cytidine deaminase. Identifying the amino acids that allowed the enzyme to work was like pinpointing the coordinates of a treasure chest on a treasure map. The fact that this treasure could take CRISPR onto the next level blew my mind. After reading these papers, I realized that my interest aligned with the researchers’ goal: using science to help others. Wanting to use science to yield solutions, I discovered that medical laboratory research was my niche. To broaden my horizons, I took on organic chemistry.
When I read the biological applications of organic chemistry in my textbook, I started to see chemistry in a different light. I became a detective, putting all the puzzle pieces together to comprehend how the human body worked on a molecular scale. Topics that I once found vague in biology were now provided with concrete chemical explanations.
My learning journey has influenced me to investigate a wide range of sciences in medicine. Among these various topics, I am most excited to learn more about how drugs and proteins work on the biological and chemical level. I realize that these molecules may not be a panacea, but I am aware that if I build on my knowledge, I can contribute to a better future - one molecule at a time.
2. Your academic achievements that illustrate your research background and interests. (250 words)
In 2018, I earned 2nd place in the 2019 Protein Data Bank video challenge. In 2 minutes, the video explained the function of aminoglycosides and the dangers of antibiotic resistance. After using Chimera to visualize the effects of antibiotics, I no longer viewed medicine as a mysterious potion. Instead, I saw it as a substance that had a specific target. However, learning that aminoglycoside resistant enzymes existed concerned me. To effectively address this problem, I explained what actions the audience can take to prevent the misuse of antibiotics. From this competition, my interests in biochemistry expanded to other fields such as organic chemistry. Not only that, I learned how to cooperate with my partner from delegating tasks to discussing different ideas. This environment reflects the true collaborative nature found in scientific research.
Aside from biochemistry, I enjoy taking part in other science competitions such as Science Olympiad. At the 2019 regional, I placed 2nd in Fermi Questions and 4th in Sounds of Music. In Fermi Questions, I became more inquisitive about my surroundings as each “impossible” question raised new ideas. For the other event, the hands-on component of Sounds of Music changed my mindset towards failure. In the building process, I started to value mistakes because they helped me improve my instrument.
Whether it is thinking on the spot or designing a prototype, the skills I acquired from these experiences will be helpful in research.
PDB Video Link: http://pdb101.rcsb.org/events/video-challenge/2019-awards
3.Why you want to attend the RISE program (200 words)
Attending the RISE program would be a dream come true. For 6 weeks, I can study with professors that are experts in specific subjects I am passionate about. This will not only expand my knowledge, but also raise new questions and ideas. The mentor's individualized attention and expertise is something I look for in a summer program.
Although I am currently taking online classes to learn more chemistry, I would like to develop my technical and analytical skills. The hands-on exposure would be an opportunity to apply my book knowledge in a lab setting, making my learning experience more complete. Researching certain topics in greater depth will enhance my approach towards learning science. From this program, I can get one step closer to my goal as a scientist: using research to help people diagnosed with diseases.
Not only does BU RISE match my scientific goals, but it also matches my personal goals. The poster symposium would be an opportunity for me to get out of my comfort zone by taking on a new challenge. In this process, I can improve in many ways aside from becoming a better researcher. Presenting my research can help refine my communication and writing skills.
4. Please include the names of up to three professors at BU whose research interests align with your own and explain why. (250 words)
The three professors I would like to work with are Karen Allen, Aaron Beeler, and Deborah Perlstein.
The moment that I saw the word “enzymes” on Dr. Allen’s website, I immediately knew that this was one type of research I wanted to pursue. From my readings of cytidine deaminase, I realized that I studied enzymes to not only know its structure and function. Instead, I want to apply my knowledge of enzymes to develop protein inhibitors that combat diseases such as botulism.
Even if Dr. Perlstein focuses on proteins, she studies antibiotic-resistant bacteria. This aspect of her research matches my experience from the PDB Video Challenge. I want to continue studying other methods besides aminoglycosides that address this problem. Not only that, her research about iron-sulfur proteins will help me have a better understanding of ligand interactions.
Although my primary interest is biochemistry, organic chemistry is one of my favorite topics because it is used in medicine. Unlike other organic chemists, Dr. Beeler connects the dots between various fields in the medicinal sciences. This interdisciplinary approach will enable me to apply my knowledge of organic reactions. By doing so, I can learn lab techniques to synthesize molecules that can be potential drugs.
Even if the professors have different research interests, they all combine chemistry and biology. Also, they share a common goal of using research to develop medical solutions. This type of research is the best of both worlds, providing me a starting point to achieve my research goals.
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