Holden Ohl

ABOUT THE RESEARCHER:

1.     Who are you doing research with this summer and what kind of research project are you doing?

I am a rising senior studying biomedical sciences and conducting research with Dr. Tomsho in the chemistry department. The lab focuses on developing antiinfectives for pathogens such as malaria, HIV, and influenza. My project is extracting and purifying several proteins to make a peptide with reactivity against TB.

 2.     What do you find fascinating in the research you’re doing?

When it comes to purifying proteins there is always something else that can be tried or another experiment to run to further characterise it. Once one finds a method that works there is always something else that can be done different to further optimize the process.

 3.     What skills are you learning through the USURF experience?

Definitely time management and planning ahead. It is a necessity that one has enough time to get all their work done while at the same time scheduling out other responsibilities and social life so that everything can be accomplished. 

 4.     What are the challenges you’re encountering in your research?

Proteins can be very troubling to work with, if they are looked at the wrong way they fall apart. It can feel like quite a set back to get to the end of a several day process just for the product to not be viable. The process takes a lot of patients and perseverance to lose a day of work, sending you right back to the beginning. 

5.     How is your USURF experience impacting the way you view your field?

I get to work closely with many graduate students who are at different points of their education and through their experiences I get to learn more about the life of a grad student which reconfirms my own aspirations of one day being a PhD scientist. 

 6.     Tell us something interesting about yourself.

I make and sell terrariums, combining my passion for biology with art. Originally mainly doing, farmer’s markets, craft shows, and pop-ups my partner and I are taking my business Pretty Green Terrariums to the next step and opening our very own shop on South St, Philaldelphia! We will not only be selling terrariums, but also home decor, artisan products, and a rental space for hosting miscellaneous workshops.