(l to r) Malik Mays '19, Erika Aguiluz '19

My research experience provided me with more skills than I could ever have imagined. — Malik Mays 

BY | Malik Mays ’19
Willoughby, Ohio
Chemistry (biochemistry emphasis) 

As a prospective chemistry major and pre-med student, one of the reasons I chose Macalester was the numerous opportunities for students to get research experience on and off campus. I appreciate that students work closely with professors on their respective projects and learn lab techniques that serve them well long after their time at Macalester.

The summer after my first year at Macalester, I was chosen to participate in the Young Researchers program, a 10-week research program for first-year students and sophomores with little or no research experience. As one of six students working with a professor and two rising seniors, I took part in chemical biology research of protein-mimetic materials. The overarching goal of our research is to improve medicine by testing the catalytic properties of small peptides for reactions that are used in the synthesis of modern day pharmaceuticals. My research experience provided me with more skills than I could ever have imagined.

Doing research that can eventually have a positive impact in the health sciences by improving modern day medicine is something that I have enjoyed every day of the summer. Research can be frustrating, tedious, and at times disappointing, but I do it because I know it matters. I hope to continue this research for the rest of my time at Macalester and I am excited to see where my research can lead and what my findings will be.

Malik’s research was supported by a grant to Macalester College from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute through the Precollege and Undergraduate Science Education Program.

 

October 10 2016

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