AMCAS Work and Activities Section

Chemistry Research

01/2020 - 05/2022 (800 hours)

I have been working on chemistry research part time through the school years and will be doing this full time during the upcoming summer through the Doc Kieft Research Program. My research is focused on exploring the chemical mechanism behind Acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity during overdose using a model enzyme for cytochrome P450s and an array of instrumentation in order to isolate, identify and characterize the intermediates and products of this reaction. So far, we have pieced together a proposed mechanism of radically mediated polymerization of Acetaminophen, which we are collectively working towards a manuscript.

I was heavily involved in the collection and analysis of data, which I became independent in. I worked closely with my PI and another student, and often solicited faculty of differing specialties to explore other experimental interests. In doing so, I was able to generate fruitful discussions that led to intriguing results. For instance, my collaboration with a microbiologist led to testing products from our main reactions as antimicrobials for a variety of bacteria, which yielded productive outcomes. This research taught me to troubleshoot solutions in clever ways, to communicate both my findings and obstacles clearly, and to pay extensive attention to detail. I find the investigative way of thinking that research requires very exciting and see its relation to clinical outcomes as entirely significant to my interest in pursuing medicine. It has been thrilling to come to novel conclusions and learn in a way that connects back to patient care and specific observations I made as an EMT, in which I have observed Acetaminophen overdoses first hand. Ultimately, this mentorship by my PI was pivotal in defining the role research will play in my future and allowed me to recognize that I want to demonstrate a union of clinical acumen and investigative excellence.