It’s that time of week again, where you lucky readers get to know [or if you already know the scholar, get to know more about] one of Le Moyne’s brightest students. Like all Student Scholars of the Week, this student exhibits great determination and in enthusiasm with regard to his academics and undergraduate research. And as he’s trying to make a name for himself and following his dreams of working in medicine, he doesn’t forget to acknowledge those who have helped him along the way. Here is Afsah Chohan:
Year and major: “I am a Junior Biology major. “
Brief overview of research project: “My research project focuses on defining the diversity of a species of algae named Botryoccocus. This is a freshwater algae species used for biofuel production. However, its phylogenetic standing isn’t clearly understood. I collected samples of Botryoccus from various places around New York and then isolated and grew them in the lab. I then use PCR (polymerase chain reactions) to get the samples ready for DNA sequencing and then I analyze these DNA sequences to hopefully create a more accurate phylogenetic tree.”
Who is your mentor for this project and how has it been working with him/her? “My mentor is Dr. McManus and she is wonderful to work with. She cares so much about her students; which is amazing. She does a great job of teaching me techniques and other things I need to know and is always available when I need her, which I think is extremely important. Also, she is very understanding and is the kind of person you can just talk to about what is going on in your life and she gives the best advice.”
How has the student research committee aided in funding for your project? “The student research committee has provided the funds that basically make it possible to do my research project. Without their funding I would not be able to purchase supplies or work with other labs to get my DNA samples sequenced. They are also providing funding for me to be able to present my research at the Northeast Algal Society Conference in April, which I am really looking forward to and am sure will be an amazing experience.”
Why did you feel it was necessary to get involved with undergraduate research? “I got involved with undergraduate research because I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do with my degree in Biology, and research had always attracted me. I felt it would help me make a decision. Also, I feel when you do undergraduate research it goes a level beyond just learning in the classroom. Through the research project I am actually performing scientific techniques that I had learned rather than just reading about them from a textbook for class.”
Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? “I am involved in a few other extracurricular activities. I am co-president of the Muslim Student Association and am also involved in Biology club, Pre-Health Society and Tri-Beta Honor Society.”
How do you balance school with your research and everything else? “Balance is something that is definitely important and also hard. Usually what I do is set aside a certain amount of time every week where I know I will be working on research related work and don’t let anything interfere with that time. This way I can adjust my schedule for schoolwork but can ensure that I get my research work done.”
If you weren’t on this particular career path, what would you be doing? “If I weren’t going into medicine I would want to end up becoming a professor.”
Where do you imagine yourself five years after graduation? “Five years after graduation, I hope to be finished with or finishing up with medical school.”
