This summer, more than 80 students and faculty kept campus abuzz with the hum of hands-on field and lab research. The Seaver Summer Research Community’s work covered topics in biology, health and human sciences, mechanical engineering, computer science and more disciplines across the college. With such a diversity of research projects to choose from, we spoke to some of the students about their unique summer experience. Today, we spotlight biology major Shreshta Kode ’25, who studied with professor Deepa Dabir.
Describe your research in a way that a high school student would understand it.
Identifying a role of a mitochondrial protein, Aim32, specifically its localization and function for the mitochondria to conduct redox reactions and regulate the organelle.
Why would someone outside your field be interested in your project?
The research I have conducted is extremely on a molecular level, where people outside my major don’t really think about the minuscule components that allow for the overall functionality of our body. So it would be interesting to know that even though we know that the mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell there are many proteins that work along with the organelle to generate energy; and even if one of the proteins are not present it can be detrimental.
What are some of the lessons students learn while working on research?
Your really learn to collaborate, communicate, and accept failure sometimes. I also enjoy teaching my other lab mates techniques so it is incredible to see people grow with something you enjoy doing.
How does doing research complement coursework?
My research delves into my major, where there is large overlap of biochem and biology. Since I am working with biology and analyzing the process of certain proteins and their role in generating energy and maintaining redox state, it complements my coursework a lot!
What advice would you give to someone on the fence about doing research?
Be openminded and have positive outlook on the research you are conducting. It may be large or small scale, but at the end of the day you are helping our future to have a better grasp of/on the research conducted. In research you are also able to build a safe community to share your ideas and it’s completely okay to fail because even failing results provides results which is also incredibly helpful.
Will your work this summer lead to any foreseeable outcomes (i.e. publications, presentations, poster sessions, patent applications, etc.)?
I presented during the poster session!
Do you plan to continue your project in the future? If so, when?
Yes, during the school year.
