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By
Reed Larson ’09
Coon Rapids, Minnesota
Chemistry
Michael Waul ’09
St. Catherine, Jamaica
Biochemistry
Little did we know what we would be able to accomplish in terms
of personal development and real research results after just two
years of college coursework. Indeed, when we began to explore
summer research opportunities, we imagined the experience
would mirror previous jobs—following detailed instructions, with
little avenue for our own ideas. Ten weeks in the organic synthesis
lab of chemistry professor Ronald Brisbois proved us wrong.
We spent the summer as a research team in chemical genetics,
part of a collaborative project of the biology and chemistry
departments. Specifically, we worked to synthesize compounds
thought to inhibit the plant hormone auxin and various auxinsignaling
pathways in Arabidopsis thaliana, a flowering plant
whose small genome and rapid life cycle make it a model
organism for plant study.
Part of the thrill of the research was that
some of the target molecules had never
been made before.
At the same time, students of biology
professor Paul Overvoorde designed
and carried out experiments to determine
the utility of these compounds for
their biological effects in Arabidopsis.
Part of the thrill of the research was that
some of the target molecules had never
been made before.
The research experience began with
an advanced techniques tutorial in which
we honed our skills in instrumental
analysis, for example, mass spectrometry
and nuclear magnetic resonance;
purification methods such as flash
column chromatography and recrystallization;
reaction set-up and operation, including heating/cooling
and maintenance of an inert atmosphere; and importantly, laboratory
safety. We had to be meticulous, performing all procedures
with the highest degree of accuracy, and precisely recording all
data. Then we were ready to start reactions on our own, attempting
to produce novel organic compounds.
Each day was a quest for the prize. Often, we would spend days
on the same reaction, changing the amount of reactants used,
rearranging their order of addition, lengthening reaction times, or
trying different reaction temperatures. The attention to detail was
worth it—there is nothing like the exhilaration when the hard work
has paid off, and you have made a molecule never before reported
in scientific literature.
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