Biological Sciences
Biological Sciences student profile
Stephanie Barbera
Please tell us your name and status.
My name is Stephanie Barbera and I am an undergraduate student majoring in biomedical science. My curriculum is pre-med.
Whom do you work for?
I work for Dr. Bruce Bejcek.
What made you participate in research?
I thought that I needed to participate in research because of all its advantages towards my future. By doing research, I thought that I would get to do hands-on experiments that undergraduate students usually do not learn in lectures or associated lab sections. I also thought that I should have chances to interact with a number of professors in the Biological Sciences Department, which might help me in getting recommendations in the future.
Is your initial idea proven right? Are you getting what you have expected from the research experience?
Yes, so far. Research has taught me so much in the subjects of Biology and Chemistry that helps me out greatly in my core classes.
Was it easy to find your faculty mentor?
My TA from BIOS 150 actually introduced the idea of research to our class. He referred us to the BIOS department web site (faculty page). On that page, I looked at research descriptions. Once I picked out the research that was most interesting to me, I contacted the professor. Luckily, he (Dr. Bejcek) gave me a chance after reviewing a recommendation from my TA and an interview.
What do you study in the lab? Would you describe your project?
I am studying the relationship between a form of brain cancer (Menigial Glioma) and a growth factor called Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF). Particularly, I am working on a protein called p85 that is a regulatory component of a signal transduction pathway called Phosphatidylinocitol 3kinase (PI3-K) pathway that seems to play important roles in Menigial Glioma cells called U87. The study involves techniques in molecular biology and tissue culture techniques.
What is the relevance of your research in the advancement of science?
By discovering the role of the signaling pathways in cancer cells, in this case menigial glioma cells, we may eventually be able to come up with methods that inhibit the pathway and subsequent glioma growth.
How long are you planning to stay in research? In other words, how long does it take for you to complete your project?
I am planning on staying in research until I graduate. I am not sure if I will be specifically working on the same aspect the project I am now, but something related with it (cancer research).
How is it like to work in the lab? Are faculty members and graduate students supportive? Do you feel that you are receiving quality training?
I am really enjoying working in the laboratory! It is not like a class because there is not any pressure to get a good grade (yet...). I search for the information I need for my research, because I am interested in what I am doing, not because I am forced to do so. Faculty and graduate students seem to be supportive. They are well aware of the fact that undergraduate students who are interested in research are making the extra efforts beyond the curriculum requirements.
As an undergraduate student, is it intimidating to put yourself in the research environment where graduate students are dominant?
At first, I though it was intimidating, because I was in a new place with new people. I was unfamiliar with the environment. After a while though it was not a big deal. I was introduced to a lot of different people and they got to know me.
How much time do you put into the research per week? Does research interfere with your course work? When you have exams, how you handle your research? Is your mentor or graduate supervisor supportive?
I usually spend 4-5 days per week for my research. The amount of time spent each day varies depend on what I do. I make my own schedule for research. If I have an exam or a project due, I talk to my mentor and we work around it. For me, research does not get in the way of my schoolwork yet.
Suppose your friend asks your opinion if she or he should participate in research. What would you say?
I would tell my friend that research is probably one of the best things you could do while you are in BIOS program. It helps learn techniques that give you hands-on experience on subjects that you learn in BIOS classes. It really opens up your eyes to the cutting edge subjects in biology, which may help students to decide on their future career goals.