Ben Cruz
Please provide a brief summary of your research.
I studied the role of protein coding genes highly expressed in post-synaptic pathways in the cortex that are susceptible to mutations that are linked to schizophrenia and autism.
What made you initially interested in researching your project in particular?
I use of biochemical principles in a wet lab that gave insight into disorders that I care deeply about. I have worked with kids/students with autism and different developmental disabilities since middle school. Serving those with developmental disorders has always been of utmost pride and sincerity to me; therefore, applying my love for science in a medical lab combines the best of both worlds.
What made you interested in pursuing (interdisciplinary) research more broadly?
I wished to connect my background of Biochemistry as a skillset for techniques used in medical research specifically in pathology, or the study of the development of a disease. With disorders like Schizophrenia and Autism Spectrum Disorder, therapeutics are somewhat limited due to a lack of knowledge on the roles genetic mutations play in pathogenesis; therefore, pathology is a medical research field that is very likely to be responsible for curative findings that can aid individuals with more severe afflictions. With the opportunities at NU, I hope to perform curative research that can inform and improve my practices in clinical settings as a doctor. Thus, learning the process of a pathology researcher grants me ideas on how I can connect future research to bettering clinical-care.
Describe your experiences with research thus far. Was it tricky? What skills do you think you’ve gained?
Research is a matter of trial, error, and reworking. Patience and adaptation are the two largest skills I have gained. Due to the nature of the proteins we worked with, experiments like western blots often gave inconclusive data. Nevertheless, my mentor helped me re-analyze smaller yet significant findings in our data to generate new directions and areas of interest in our research.
Any tips or advice you have for students similar to you that are interested in pursuing undergraduate research?
You need to advocate for yourself. Undergraduate students can have a meaningful lab experience by participating at a level close to that of others in the lab, gaining real knowledge on the field one works in, and being inserted in the experiment planning. Many times we assume that because we are at the youngest stage we can’t gain a level of knowledge of our mentors. While we may not have that background, discussing often about why “things” occur, how “things” function, and introducing your own ideas will separate your experience from just doing mindless busy work. If there are opportunities, ask to take them on with the assistance of others in the lab.
What would you name a boat if you had one?
“Don’t Touch My Boat, It’s Mine”