Undergraduate Trip Report - Josh Thomson

I would like to thank the Rochester Section of the American Chemical Society for a travel grant, which I was able to use in my trip to the 2007 meeting of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in Washington D.C (April 27th – May 2nd). I truly cannot express how great of an experience this was. As a freshman, biochemistry major, I had only a limited view of what existed within the realm of biochemistry, which I primarily obtained through working with Dr. Suzanne O’Handley, my research mentor. However, by attending this national meeting, I was introduced to a world of possibilities of which I was previously unaware. Biochemistry spans such a vast array of subjects that it seemed nearly impossible for someone to decide upon one area of interest. So many fields of study are available, each offering exciting new frontiers and promises of reward. Through the guidance of my research mentor, I was able to get a feel for the various aspects of biochemistry, as well as clarity upon subjects that were foreign to me. Although much of the information that I was exposed to may have been over my head, I still was able to leave the meeting with a wealth of new knowledge.

Another exciting aspect of the meeting was the opportunity to present my research to fellow scientists. I participated in the undergraduate poster presentation and the general poster session that occurred on two of the days that we were in Washington. Simply to have an understanding about my research is one thing, however, to be capable of explaining the research to other individuals to whom the work is foreign, requires an even greater understanding. By taking part in these events, I have been able to develop such an understanding for my research. Therefore, these poster sessions serve not only to educate others, but also to further reinforce the presenter’s comprehension of his work. By bringing a large number of researchers together, several acquaintances and friendships could be made. These acquaintances and friends may even one day become my colleagues and collaborators of the future.

Besides creating new friendships, the ties within our own research lab grew stronger through this group experience. Throughout the academic year, each lab member’s busy schedule often results in only one or two people working in the lab at any given time. The opportunities to gather every member of the lab together to spend time collectively and discuss research or just life in general are rare. By attending this meeting, our lab was able to attain that quality time and to strengthen the bonds between each member. Such opportunities can only lead to improved cooperation and communication within the lab, and thus result in more efficient and effective research.

Overall, the week was an immense success. This was definitely an experience that I would recommend for any undergraduate student, whether a freshman or senior. I want to thank you again for aiding me in making this possibility a reality, and I look forward to attending future meetings; including the national meeting for the American Chemical Society this August in Boston.

- Josh Thomson