Angelina Jala, COL’ 25, Philadelphia, PA
Over the summer, I had the privilege of being an Undergraduate Research Assistant in Dr. Yi-Wei Chang’s Lab within the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Utilizing the structural biology imaging technique, cryo-electron tomography, this lab investigates the mechanisms behind host-pathogen interactions. Most people have heard the phrase “structure determines function” throughout highschool STEM classes. As a structural biology lab, my lab takes this idea further and uses innovative technology to create detailed 2D images and 3D models of specific structures within viruses, bacteria, and parasites. The imaging our lab finds can be used to support other research that aims to create highly effective and targeted drugs for treatment. This amazing microscopy technology requires extensive training though, so I was given a smaller project that would enable me to gain basic research skills. I worked with the bacteria H. pylori, which causes stomach issues and possibly gastric cancer down the line. With the support of my principal investigator (PI) and lab mentor, I learned how to use the lab’s basic tools to prepare samples for the electron microscope. My task was to assist my colleagues with exploring the conditions that cause the bacteria to form strange nanotubes that were appearing under the microscope.
I came into the lab with little hands-on experience in a lab setting and some previous biology knowledge from my courses. I was nervous to spend my time in a Penn lab during the summer to say the least. My nerves were eased when I was met with the open arms of my PI who constantly asked me what I wanted to do. He paired me with my lab mentor, who is a postdoctoral scholar. Under their guidance, I practiced making favorable environments for H. pylori to make them “happy” and putting the bacteria on slides the size of a confetti sprinkle. They reassured me through my mistakes and machinery mishaps. My lab mentor made sure I understood that I wasn’t just a summer student doing something insignificant; she said I was contributing to the field, even if it was just a little bit, and that it was still important. Their patience and support as I cycled through the steps of the experimental process has shown me about not only the lab’s work, but also what I want to pursue as I continue down my educational journey.
This summer experience has strengthened my interest in biological science and finding a way to bridge the gaps in research. Biological science is woven through the past, present, and future because of the way it defines the small parts of natural life. For me, biological science is empathetic because it’s about understanding the very essence of others and life around us. That same desire to learn more transforms into the desire to improve our world now. When it comes to research in general, I’m motivated to make science more accessible, like how Penn has for me. Many scientists stand on their pedestal of research without the goal of reaching the everyday person. This contributes to a lack of public confidence and trust in science in our society. It also defines diversity and inclusion obstacles in terms of representation. As a Filipina woman, I feel like I haven’t seen someone who looks like me in research. There were many days when I felt discouraged by the steep learning curve, but my lab was filled with many role models who inspired me to keep coming back. Now, I aspire to be a role model for someone else later down the line. When science seems unattainable, it can deter young people of color, especially those with limited resources and opportunities, from continuing in STEM. This opportunity allowed me to be around like-minded and supportive people as I explored the world of research and equipped me with some of the tools to uplift others the same way someday.
The supportive community at Penn and within the Yi-Wei Chang lab steadied the shaky hands I had measuring and mixing chemicals at the bench lab on my first day and gave me one of the most important things for a path in STEM: a chance.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2022 Career Services Summer Funding Grant. We’ve asked funding recipients to reflect on their summer experiences and talk about the industries in which they spent their summer. You can read the entire series here.
