This summer I had a pretty sweet opportunity to continue my research from the spring semester in Dr. Boyce’s Lab through Duke’s Biological Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship program (B-SURF). Through B-SURF, I was able to continue to work full-time with Brittany on a single sugar modification’s (O-GlcNAcylation) role on SEC24D (a protein that has ties with the human disease, Osteogenesis imperfecta). 

In addition to researching, I learned to expand my network. For instance, the program started by emphasizing the importance of creating and maintaining a network.  Through the program, I formed friendships with other students that share similar interests with me.  I also had the opportunity to build a relationship with the director of the B-SURF program, Dr. Grunwald.  Finally, I met various faculty in the biological sciences through the faculty science talks. 

Through the B-SURF program, I learned to communicate.  We first learned to give eight-minute chalk-talks about our research.  Secondly, we wrote weekly blog posts (check out the B-SURF blogs if you are interested: https://sites.duke.edu/adhoc_org_trinity_hhr_fellows/ ).  Finally, we ended our time together with a poster session.

The B-SURF program gave me an edge to my research experience and made me realize that research is something that I want to pursue.  Therefore, with the help of my network from B-SURF, and the SPIRE fellows’ program, I will continue to strive for my goal of becoming a researcher by continuing in Dr. Boyce’s lab and learning from others.