Quynh Nguyen

ABOUT THE RESEARCHER:

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

I’m doing research with Dr. Baird and graduate student Mary Mwangi this summer. We are aiming to generate Klenow mutants via mutagenesis for site-specific RNA labeling.

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

It’s interesting to see the semi-rational design of our Klenow mutants unfolds. I think it is fascinating to see how just a change in an amino aicd sequence affects how our Klenow mutants behave.

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

Experiemtal design! I learnt a lot about how to design and pace my experiements more effectively. This USURF experience allows me to gain a lot of confidence as a researcher.  

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

For me optimazing experiments is the most daunting part of research. Repeating essentially the same experiements with small modifications isn’t a very dynamic part of research, especially when the optimizations doesn’t work. But the process allows me to be more critical of my ideas and understanding of my experiements, which I believe is very valuable.   

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

My USURF experience provides me with valueble insights into cutting-edge research. I learned to be more appreciative of the work it takes to conduct research. At the same time, the USURF program allows me to have a better understanding into what grad school entails.

6. Tell us something interesting about yourself.

I am a really good baker. The only sour that is acceptable is sourdough.