Peer Interviews, How to Make the Most of UW Based On Your Interests

Interview with: Joanna Liao

I.
II.

Major: Molecular Biology

Interests:
a. Work in a laboratory setting and conduct research in areas regarding either proteins or
Parkinsons disease
b. Collaborate with professors or peer mentors on hands-on projects
c. Has a strong interest in very science based research that really integrates the

III.

basics/fundamentals of science
Recommendations for Experiential Learning Opportunities:
a. A few specific activities that I found through the URP site and biology department site:
i. (Summer 2013) Fred Hutchison Cancer Research Center: Offering a nine-week
undergraduate research internship (June10-Aug10, 2013) for undergraduates
interested in biological research (will be paired with a faculty mentor). Areas of
research offered, relevant to your interests: Basic science (conducts structural,
genetic, molecular, cellular, developmental and evolutionary biology), clinical
research (works to develop and analyze new treatments for cancers and other
Diseases). (from biology department site)
ii. Title: Molecular Modeling of Proteins. Department: Bioengineering. Professor:
Valerie Daggett. Contact: daggett@u.washington.edu. Positions are available to
study general aspects of protein folding, unfolding related to disease, particularly
with the prion protein, and protein structure prediction. Please see
http://depts.washington.edu/daglab/ for examples of research conducted in the
Daggett Lab. Note that the lab is primarily involved in computational studies of
proteins with the goal of applying what we learn to improve human health. If you
are interested, please send a cover letter outlining your relevant coursework and
any research experience you may have. Also, indicate which area interests you
most and how much time you would have to devote to the project. (from URP
site)
iii. (For Sophomores and higher) Title: Chemical approaches to study protein
modifications. Department: Chemistry. Contact: Champak
Chatterjee,chatterjee@chem.washington.edu. Research in our group is aimed at
the synthesis and application of chemical probes to investigate proteins involved
in gene regulation and bacterial infection. To achieve our goals we use the tools
of organic chemistry and protein semisynthesis. Our research is interdisciplinary
in nature and lab members typically have backgrounds in chemistry or

biochemistry. Undergraduates in our laboratory are given their own research

projects. Weekly meeting with the Principal Investigator ensures progress on
individual projects and hands-on training is provided for various instruments such
as HPLC, ESI-MS, and FPLC. A weekly commitment of at least 20 hours per
week is required. (from URP site)
iv. Title: Parkinson's Disease (PD). Department: Pathology. Professor: Professor
Jing Zhang. Contact: zhangj@u.washington.edu. 1. Human study - Identify
markers unique to PD that will help clinical diagnosis of the disease or monitor its
progress. 2. Animal models -To study PD pathogenesis using rats or mice treated
with parkinsonian toxicants. 3. Cell cultures - To study PD pathogenesis using
gene manipulations, i.e., transfecting or silencing genes.
b. Here are a few general resources:
i. The Undergraduate Research Program
website: http://exp.washington.edu/urp/students/find/atuw.html
This site has a variety of current research opportunities posted, for a variety of
majors.
ii. Talk to a URP advisor before applying for a research position. He/she can help
you write a resume/cover letter (if necessary), schedule time for research, obtain
funding, and find other research opportunities not listed on the URP website
(some departments have lists of opportunities not posted on the URP site) that
are better suited towards your interest. To schedule an appointment with an
advisor, contact: urp@u.washington.edu
iii. Approach/email professors that you are interested in working with (good idea to
do homework on what the professor that you are interested in doing research
with is working on in his/her labs. The biology department website offers valuable
information regarding other undergraduate research opportunities as well as the
specific work of many of these
professors: http://www.biology.washington.edu/research/undergraduate
Interview with: Katie Tom
I.
II.

III.

Major: General Biology

Interests:
a. Medical or dental career
b. Studying abroad, preferably involving medicine
c. Service-based research/projects
Recommendations for Experiential Learning Opportunities:
a. A few RSOs focused on healthcare, and study abroad opportunities.

i. Healthcare Alternative Spring Break: To expose the next generation of

healthcare professionals to the specific healthcare needs of rural communities in
Washington. By immersing the students in an interactive experience, we hope to
inspire a further commitment to healthcare. Applications will open in January of
2013 for 2014s spring break. Visit their website: http://www.hcasb.org/2012/
ii. Rural Health Education: To educate individuals living in impoverished, rural
areas of Washington state about their risk for chronic diseases. You can contact
them through here: healthwa@uw.edu.
iii. Huskies United in Giving for the Seattle Childrens Hospital: It shall be the
purpose of this organization to provide UW students an opportunity to get
involved with and support Seattle Children's Hospital through fundraisers, drives,
and volunteer work both within and outside of the hospital. You can talk to me
about joining or contact them here: hug4ch@uw.edu
iv. Volunteering at the UW Medical Center: Volunteers support patients and visitors
by escorting patients to clinic appointments and other locations in the medical
center; facilitating family and visitor contact with staff; socializing with patients;
and assisting medical center staff as needed. Volunteers also work behind the
scenes in administrative departments by providing clerical support to medical
offices, restocking and delivering supplies, running errands, and distributing
books and magazines to activities to patient rooms and waiting areas.
Website: http://www.uwmedicine.org/Patient-Care/Patient-FamilyResources/Pages/Volunteer-Services.aspx
b. General Websites
i. UW Study abroad, a general website full of information for studying
abroad. http://studyabroad.washington.edu/index.cfm?
FuseAction=Abroad.ViewLink&Parent_ID=B91B1BD6-BACA-650F7EBDCD8958ADDD89&Link_ID=0B9E10D6-ECB6-9270-3129FE5C192284A4
ii. Undergraduate Research program: They are full of opportunities and resources
for students seeking to do undergraduate
research. http://exp.washington.edu/urp/students/index.html