Throughout my four years at UNH, I have taken at least ten courses that have a lab component, and I have spent countless hours conducting research in Dr. Sarah Walker’s lab. Although lab courses are quite different than working in a research lab, the skills I learned in class have been critical to my research career thus far. Being able to see the bigger picture, make decisions, and have confidence in my own abilities are important lessons I learned in my classes that I apply to my research project every day.
Specialization in research
Lab courses are designed to develop a student’s understanding of all the topics and theories discussed in the lecture portion of a class. One experiment can bring a multitude of concepts together in a cohesive manner, so students understand how each small part of science is intertwined. Courses like Organic Chemistry and Cell Phenotyping and Tissue Engineering Lab helped strengthen my understanding of the background information necessary to be successful in Dr. Walker's lab while also helping me keep sight of the bigger picture as my research focus became more specific.
Most researchers eventually become incredibly specialized in their field and study one specific topic in detail. In Dr. Walker’s lab, I study how the transcription factor Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3) functions in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). Although I spend my time researching everything there is to know about just one factor in just one type of cancer, there is a much bigger picture. There are so many subtypes of breast cancer and numerous factors that contribute to the tumorigenesis of breast cancer. There’s far more than just one transcription factor at play in the development of TNBC, and it’s important to consider how they may play a role in relation to STAT3. While my focus is STAT3, I also study two other proteins that I found may contribute to the activation of STAT3 and therefore the progression of disease. Performing this research has been an excellent opportunity to apply the general skills, techniques, and knowledge learned in lab courses to an extremely specific topic of individual interest.
Making Your Own Decisions
Lab courses are incredibly important for applying the knowledge we gain in lectures. We can collect evidence to support the theories we have been taught and reinforce the concepts. Especially in introductory labs, students are given a protocol to follow and are expected to make detailed observations of the process and obtain the exact same answer by the end of the period. This is important for practicing the scientific method and learning the importance of detailed note taking, so when you take upper-level lab courses later in your degree, you’re able to make informed decisions about what the next step in your experiment should be.
Working in a research lab, I have had to rely on myself more often to make next-step decisions based on previous results. There are other students in the lab with whom I can discuss my data and ask for help or advice, but I have gained a great sense of independence by doing research. Guidance from others and collaborations with colleagues are infinitely valuable, but the next experiment you try or avenue you decide to pursue is up to you. Lab courses allowed me to practice communicating science and my ideas with my peers and to build confidence in my scientific decisions and skills.
Having Confidence in Yourself
There’s a reason lab courses are required for most STEM majors. You may not realize it while you’re taking the class, but you’re learning some of the most important skills that you will carry with you throughout your career post-graduation, whether you go into research or not. Involvement in undergraduate research provides the opportunity to further develop and hone these skills.
I know from experience how overwhelming it can be to transition from lab courses to conducting your own research because it feels like everything is brand new and different. I could explain all the nuances of research and how different a lab course is from actually conducting research, but in the end they’re not so different. It’s true that when joining a research group you’ll have to learn new techniques and the specifics of your area of interest, but you’ve already learned everything you need to be successful through your coursework.
The best advice I can give is to trust yourself and have confidence in the skills you’ve gained during your undergraduate lab courses. Research can be intimidating, but you’re more prepared than you think.
