In regards to research...

[907914]

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So, I know that ADCOMs don't necessarily care what type of research one conducts, per se. However, are particularly unique or "neat" projects viewed any more favorably?

I ask because my research has been fairly diverse with A) Computer modeling of the protein folding dynamics of both a wild type and mutant protein and calculating/comparing the divergence in behavior (2 years) B) Student designed and student led project on isolating native bacteriophages for use in conjunction with antibiotics in prophylactic infection prevention (1 year thus far, will continue next fall pending funding) C) Using Cas9 gene editing to knock out 3 different growth parameters in a tumor cell line (2 of these are already funded and ongoing, I am submitting my own grant proposal to fund the third one). (Same PI as B, just started last week) D) Clinical research comparing tumor marker levels with both size of initial tumor and rates of recurrence post-remission/removal (Lots of chart review..so much chart review...)

Are these types of experiences considered unique? How is research evaluated by most ADCOMs?

 

[Goro]

Being a gene jock, I like B and C. D is fine.

Not really a fan of A...what does it teach you about the scientific hypothesis?

 

[907914]

Being a gene jock, I like B and C. D is fine.

Not really a fan of A...what does it teach you about the scientific hypothesis?

It is related to a specific point mutation in an enzyme involved in purine synthesis. The wet-lab research of another group showed that the point mutation caused inefficiencies in turnover, so we are deducing the mechanism behind this reduction in turnover. The hypothesis is basically "The enzyme is less efficient because the P32T mutation causes X in the tertiary structure resulting in poor enzyme substrate interaction." And we are basically observing that enzyme-substrate interaction to see if P32T is actually doing what we think it does. Downside - it is all at a computer with lots of programming. Plus side - in vivo/ in vitro direct observation of molecules is not yet possible and computer simulations are the best we can get.

Thoughts on turning a paragraph ^^ into a more desirable single sentence or two. This is the one I have been to National conference twice for (Once for wild type and once for mutant) and have a pending publication (3rd author, but meh)...So, that would be nice to include.

 

[Goro]

It is related to a specific point mutation in an enzyme involved in purine synthesis. The wet-lab research of another group showed that the point mutation caused inefficiencies in turnover, so we are deducing the mechanism behind this reduction in turnover. The hypothesis is basically "The enzyme is less efficient because the P32T mutation causes X in the tertiary structure resulting in poor enzyme substrate interaction." And we are basically observing that enzyme-substrate interaction to see if P32T is actually doing what we think it does. Downside - it is all at a computer with lots of programming. Plus side - in vivo/ in vitro direct observation of molecules is not yet possible and computer simulations are the best we can get.

Thoughts on turning a paragraph ^^ into a more desirable single sentence or two. This is the one I have been to National conference twice for (Once for wild type and once for mutant) and have a pending publication (3rd author, but meh)...So, that would be nice to include.

I was never impressed with modeling because it's, well, just modeling.

IF your modeling work was then tied to follow up experiments to see if the hypothesis was true, then you might have something.

 

[MissMerrimack]

I think "neat" might be in the eye of the beholder. I did informatics research related to the evolution of enzymes involved in early metabolism, but my interviewers haven't seemed that interested in discussing this research in depth. I've discussed my translational, human-related research much more, even though it's "less unique" .

 

[907914]

I think "neat" might be in the eye of the beholder. I did informatics research related to the evolution of enzymes involved in early metabolism, but my interviewers haven't seemed that interested in discussing this research in depth. I've discussed my translational, human-related research much more, even though it's "less unique" .

Dang. Okeydoke, I will still list it because a publication is a publication, but I will expect to focus more on the Wet lab stuff.

I was never impressed with modeling because it's, well, just modeling.

IF your modeling work was then tied to follow up experiments to see if the hypothesis was true, then you might have something.

You are right, the actual part that produces the results/data is the computer. It is still very time consuming to design a point mutation from scratch line-by-line in the coordinate grid system - but I guess that takes more knowledge of coding than the protein itself.

 

[Goro]

Dang. Okeydoke, I will still list it because a publication is a publication, but I will expect to focus more on the Wet lab stuff.


You are right, the actual part that produces the results/data is the computer. It is still very time consuming to design a point mutation from scratch line-by-line in the coordinate grid system - but I guess that takes more knowledge of coding than the protein itself.

Definitely list it if you got a pub!!!!!!!! These are rare for pre-meds!!!