Meet Abigail. Her research with the Undergraduates in Biological and Mathematical Sciences (UBM) program explores melanopsin; a recently discovered photopigment found in intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells (ipRGCs). These cells, known as intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells, perceive light but are much slower to react to visual changes than the better-known rod and cone cells. They have been shown to affect circadian rhythms, the pupillary light reflex, and several other functions related to ambient light.
What research experiences have you had?
Since fall 2012, I have been participating in UMBC’s UBM program, which brings math and biology students together to work on interdisciplinary research projects.
How did you find the research opportunity?
I heard about UBM from a friend. I read the details on UBM’s website and submitted an application online.
Who did you work with on this project?
I am mentored by Dr. Phyllis Robinson (biology), Dr. Kathleen Hoffman (math), and Dr. Hye-Won Kang (math). I’m working on the project with another undergraduate, Jessica Ortega (math/biology double major). We’ve also had guidance from graduate students in the Robinson lab and UBM students who joined the program the year before us.
Was this your first research project?
Yes.
Do you get course credit for this work? Paid? How much time do you put into it?
I normally work 8 to 10 hours per week in the fall and spring, and I worked up to 35 hours per week last summer. This is a paid position and I have also received course credit.
What academic background did you have before you started?
I began at the beginning of my sophomore year, so my biochemistry background included lower-level biology, chemistry, and physics classes. I had also taken computer science and calculus, which were helpful since my research is very interdisciplinary, involving a lot of math and programming.
How did you learn what you needed to know to be successful?
I started by reading a lot of literature on the topic. Some graduate students taught us how to do the lab work during the summer. I learned most of the mathematical modeling techniques from previous UBM students and my mentors.
What was the hardest part about your research?
The hardest part is figuring out why our models do not work the way we expect and deciding how to improve them. In some cases, this is just checking and rechecking our programs for typos, other times it involves reconsidering our assumptions and deciding if any should be changed. It’s really important to be open-minded about making huge changes to the project.
What was the most unexpected thing?
I never expected to give so many presentations. My partner (Jessica Ortega
) and I have done many oral and poster presentations at UMBC and at conferences elsewhere. My favorite was a math-biology conference at NIMBioS in Tennessee. I’m really glad I got to present so much, since my oral speaking skills have improved a lot.
What are your career goals?
I plan to pursue a Ph.D. in biochemistry or chemistry.
What are you doing next for research?
This summer I’m participating in the SURF program at NIST.
What else are you involved in on campus?
I am a tutor the Chemistry Tutorial Center. I am also a member of the Honors College.
Read her abstract here...
