Mentor’s Name and Department: Dr. Markus Hoffmann, Chemistry & Biochemistry
Major and Class Year: Biochemistry, Class of 2027
Long-term Goals: Enroll in a graduate program, to either go into a graduate school or attend medical school. As a biochemistry major, I have a strong desire to go onto a field that in some capacity helps people.
Project Description:
We are doing research on solutions of Sodium Chloride (NaCl), water and Polyethylene Glycol (PEG) 200 to obtain new data on density, viscosity, and self-diffusion. There is no literature data known for this system. This project is a collaboration project with Dr. Blose and Dr. Hoffmann, where Dr. Blose is interested in DNA conformation in physiological conditions, and Dr. Hoffmann is interested in PEG 200 as a green solvent. Dr. Blose is interested in structural changes of biomolecules induced by the presence of osmolytes and other space-taking molecules referred to as crowding agents. Dr. Hoffmann is interested in better understanding PEG as a chemical solvent and will use the data to verify theoretical models describing the interactions of PEG with water and NaCl.
What advice would you give to a student just starting research?
Do not be afraid to talk with faculty and start research. Do not say you can never do something. Always make the effort to try, and see if it is for you! Doing research is a great learning experience, and faculty want to see you grow. Faculty understand you will not be perfect the moment you come into lab. They know you have much to learn, and are open to teaching you and see you improve as long as you keep your mind open. The whole reason you came to college was to learn and grow, so do not be afraid to ask for help and try new experiences.
This project was made possible thanks to the generosity of the J. Emory Morris Fellowship Fund.