Why I Enjoyed Research

The research I participated in throughout my undergraduate career was on the Generation of EP-1 Receptor Point Mutation for Direct PCR Product Transfection. This research was at the Centre for Experimental Therapeutics and Pharmacoinformatics at University of Houston under the direction of Dr. Ke-He Ruan MD/Ph.D. In this experiment, we used newer methods of PCR to determine if a cancerous cell can be terminated through a mutated gene. In this study, we generated two mutations in EP-1 receptor within the extracellular and intracellular loops. The EP-1 receptor is normally responsible for platelet aggregation and can lead to various heart diseases. The mutations were S57A and S181T. S57A was located in the intracellular loop 1, in which the Serine residue is mutated to Alanine. Additionally, S181T is located in the extracellular loop 2, in which the Serine residue is mutated to Threonine. We used these mutated PCR products directly for transfection into HEK293 cell. We are in the midst of collecting and analyzing data. My research started Spring 2010 and is still in process.

Along with research experience, I have clinical experience as well. I volunteered at Methodist hospital, which provided me with greater insight into the everyday life and responsibilities of a physician. I worked in the Emergency Room at the hospital and got to see many interesting cases. I enjoyed hearing the stories of many patients that came through and wished I could play a more active role in the health. While working under the Emergency room physician, I have realized the true hard-work and dedication that is required from a physician.

I have enjoyed doing research because it provided me the everyday responsibilities of a researcher. It also opened my eyes to the possibility of doing a MD/PhD or DO/PhD. I believe experiencing research is an integral part of ones journey into medicine simply due to the fact that it is ever expanding. I enjoyed my research experience because...