"This experience fostered self-growth because it allowed me to pursue my personal academic goals of becoming more well-versed in the field of molecular biology." Check out Jivan's narrative to find out how working in the Abel Lab helped him realize his potential in the research field and work for a cause close to his heart!

As part of my experiential learning experience, I spent the Spring 2021 semester doing research under the mentorship of Dr. Pereira in the Abel Lab. Growing up, I had to witness diabetes affect the lives of family members, so when I was a first-year student at the University of Iowa, my interest in learning more about the molecular basis and implications of diabetes is what drew me to the lab of Dr. E. Dale Abel. Though I have been a part of the Abel Lab for over a year, my documented experiential learning experience happened during the past Spring semester.

Tubes used for PCR.

Throughout the semester, I helped perform any procedure or mice work that our mentor needed done. At the beginning of each week, Dr. Pereira created a schedule outlining all the tasks that needed to be accomplished for the week. Based on what time I went into the lab, I could see which tasks still needed to be completed for the day. Because of this, I got the opportunity to learn and perform various tasks. Sometimes, I got to perform very simple ones, like polymerase chain reactions (PCR), which we use to genotype the mice we work with. The process is very briefly described here. Once I extract the DNA from the earpieces of our mice, I transfer the DNA to smaller tubes along with a pre-made solution. Once the smaller tubes are done being run in a machine, I run the samples in the tubes through a gel so that I can scan and ultimately genotype our mice.

In addition to PCRs, I also worked on more time-intensive tasks like western blots, which we use to identify proteins of interest in our samples. One of the most interesting things I got to do during the semester was extract tissue from mice. I haven't cut open an animal since middle school science, so collecting mice tissue was a very eye-opening experience. Currently, my mentor is focusing on the proteins FGF21 and OPA1 in muscle regulation and adipose tissue (body fat) physiology, respectively, in the context of adapting to caloric excess. Most of the work we did in the lab during the semester contributed to this project.

Western blot samples being soaked in antibodies.

Overall, this experience fostered self-growth because it allowed me to pursue my personal academic goals of becoming more well-versed in the field of molecular biology. By the end of the semester, I was able to better understand the intricacies of the research being done in our lab. This was a result of being trained to become more independent throughout my experience. As I started performing procedures on my own, I began to realize the reasoning behind every step, making it easier to understand the "why" behind our research. Through this experience, I also realized that I learn much better in a real-world setting. Learning in class is enjoyable, but when you can see concepts that you learn in class play out in front of your own eyes, things become so much more interesting and complex, and I think that's what I came to appreciate most about research. No matter the results of your experiment, you are constantly learning and finding new ways to accomplish your goals. That's why I would recommend research to anyone who is looking for a more hands-on learning experience. In the beginning, things may seem overwhelming, and you may not completely understand the work being done by your mentor, but with time, you will be amazed by how much you have learned. Research can be challenging, but it is immensely gratifying when you hit your stride.

Author Bio: Jivan Koneru is a 3rd year student studying Biology on the Pre-Medicine track. He currently does research under Dr. Pereira in the Abel Lab. Diabetes research has always been an interest of Jivan's since it has affected people he knows, and he believes it has the potential to benefit the lives of millions of people around the world. When he isn't in the lab or class, Jivan enjoys spending time outside, watching basketball and football, and hanging out with friends.

Edited by: Abbey Jordahl, Honors Student Admin

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