Marina

Please provide a brief summary of your research.
My research investigated how two proteins, dynein and ZYG-8, work together to promote proper spindle assembly during meiosis in C. elegans eggs. Meiosis is a type of cell division that creates eggs (oocytes) and sperm. Proper spindle assembly is vital for proper chromosome segregation during meiosis, which is needed to produce viable sex cells. Although structures known as centrosomes organize spindles during mitosis, they are absent in oocyte meiosis. Recent research at the Wignall Lab shows that these acentrosomal spindles are formed and stabilized by a variety of proteins in C. elegans oocytes, which are found in similar forms (homologs) in humans. Two of these proteins are dynein and ZYG-8, but their interactions with each other–if there are any–were still unknown. Therefore, my goal was to investigate how these two proteins might interact to assemble and maintain proper acentrosomal spindles, and promote proper chromosome segregation during oocyte meiosis.

What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
When I first came across the research at the Wignall Lab, I was marveled by their findings and ongoing projects. As a Pre-Med interested in molecular biology and OB-Gyn, investigating factors that contribute to the formation of viable oocytes immediately piqued my interest. Dr. Sadie Wignall and her graduate students’ research are providing a broader and more detailed understanding of proper spindle formation, which is a step towards understanding the underlying causes of birth defects and miscarriages in humans. One of the graduate students at the lab, Emily Czajkowski, needed help with her research. After spending a full quarter training and helping Emily advance her experiments, I decided to continue at the Wignall lab and launch my project to potentially expand her research!

What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I applied for the URAP program because I wanted to see if research was right for me. Even though I spent hours in the lab for my Pre-Med classes, I knew that research outside of the classroom would be different. I spent one quarter training with my mentor, Emily, who is part of the Interdisciplinary Biological Sciences Graduate Program. I thoroughly enjoyed problem solving and having deep discussions on our experimental results, which required an interdisciplinary approach. At the end of the quarter, I knew research was something I wanted to pursue further through URAP to continue applying my knowledge, practicing my critical thinking skills, and contributing to exciting, pioneering research.

Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
Through this experience, I learned the ins and outs of scientific research; it can be procedurally complex, and a lot of times, things that may work in theory might not work in practice. Research is a constant process of trial and error, but when you get those “wins” and reach new conclusions, the process becomes rewarding and exciting. I learned a variety of wet-lab skills, how to use one of the world’s most sophisticated microscopes (Deltavision), and the importance of peer discussion and collaboration. Science is often seen as a competitive field, but this experience has shown me that it is rather a supportive space, driven by collaboration.

Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
If you are interested in pursuing undergraduate research, I would highly recommend the URAP program! You will learn a lot from the incredible graduate students and faculty at our university, form meaningful professional relationships, and gain a greater insight into their ground-breaking work. I would suggest that you learn about the ongoing research happening on campus and reach out to a professor whose research appeals to you. Sometimes it takes multiple emails to reach them, but take advantage of the URAP advisors to craft a nice letter and don’t give up until you get a response! Finally, I would suggest getting to know the professor or graduate student you are interested in working with before asking for or committing to a research opportunity. This way you can ensure your goals align with theirs, and that you will become great partners in the future.