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Biochemistry & molecular biology major gains research experience through APEX Fellowship

As an undergraduate researcher, Kayla Bertholf �22 studied insulin receptors in fruit flies at Michigan State University. While conducting this research in the Arnosti Laboratory, Bertholf applied the molecular biology skills she gained through her experience at ������˾��. Alongside her research, she also helped educate local children on various science topics every week.

�My summer experience has confirmed my interest in doing research and working with people of a variety of ages and skill levels as a professor.��KaylaBertholf

How did you learn about the internship opportunity for your APEX Fellowship? Why was the position a good fit for you?

�I learned aboutDr.Arnosti’swork through networking and his seminar at ������˾�� my freshmen year. His work seemedinteresting,and Ilived andran cross-countrywith his daughter,so when looking for potential internships I reached out via email to learn more about his work. I was interestedwhenI found out his research project was differentfrom������˾���sand would allow me to gain newexperiences yetwas similar enough totheclasses I had taken that I felt confident I couldhelphis research team.�

What interests you most about the work you did? What were some of the things you did each day?

�There are so many potentialapplicationsof the work being done in theArnostilab. The genes and processes being studied are relevant in a variety of human diseases,such as cancer and cleft pallet. I enjoyed being able to learn about other research projects going on at MSU and aroundthe world through seminars and discussing papers with other lab members. Daily, I worked with flies pre-forming in lab research, collaboratedonprojects with other lab members, and joined other undergraduate and graduate students on weekends to teach local children about different scientific topics through biochemistry inacommunity program.�

Who was your Fellowship mentor and how did they help you to succeed in this position?

�My fellowship mentor wasProfessor GritHerzmann[associate professor of psychology and department chair of neuroscience]. She was very encouraging throughout the process and helped me build the confidence I needed to feel that I deserved this position and belonged in the lab.�

What are some skills you�ve learned that you seeyourselfcarrying forward into your career?

�I gainedconfidenceand independence in research, planning and time management skills, the ability to explain the same difficult concepts to individuals with all levels of background knowledge,from children to professionals in the field.�

Howhas the internship helped you to see what�s next for you?

�My summer experience has confirmed my interest in doing research and working with people of a variety of ages and skill levels as a professor. I also found interesting projects and a school that I would like to apply to for my graduate studies.�

Posted in Experiential Learning on November 5, 2021.