Madolin Bergman, COL ’25, Ventnor City, NJ
This summer, I had the privilege of working as an undergraduate researcher in Professor Dirk Trauner’s Lab within the Chemistry Department at the University of Pennsylvania. My objective was to delve deeper into organic chemistry and explore the diverse opportunities within this field. In the Trauner Lab my project involved synthesizing an azo-benzene modulator for epilepsy. This research provided an ideal environment for me, merging my dual interests in organic chemistry and medicine. It offered me a unique perspective on the healthcare sector, showcasing the rigorous work and dedication involved in medicinal chemistry.
The highlight of my summer was undoubtedly the people I had the privilege to learn from and collaborate with daily, who offered me a fresh perspective on organic chemistry. The PhDs, PhD candidates, graduate students, and my fellow undergraduates were all incredibly knowledgeable. Their passion for their research was truly inspiring and fueled my own desire to reach that level of knowledge and enthusiasm. Professor Dirk Trauner, a pioneer of photopharmacology, amplified everyone’s passion and provided unwavering support to me and my fellow researchers throughout my time in the lab. One of my favorite experiences was participating in Denksport, where each week we came together as a group to solve the total synthesis of a complex molecule. Not only did I learn new and exciting chemistry methods weekly, but I also observed my own improvement in these syntheses throughout the summer.
Above all, this summer experience, made possible by the Career Services’ summer funding, provided me with a fresh perspective on my future and the various career paths available to me. I am excited to continue my research in the Trauner Lab during my final year at Penn and to keep cultivating new knowledge and opportunities. Moreover, although I’ve spent the past three years of my undergraduate career in Philadelphia, spending the summer here was a new and eye-opening experience that deepened my love for the city and the vast opportunities it offers.
This is part of a series of posts by recipients of the 2024 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
