It’s interesting how I found myself knowing so little about something, and suddenly felt absorbed by its obscurity. Thinking back, I remember my second biology exam in tenth grade had something to do with proteins, aminoacids, lipids and nucleic acid. Little did I know, amnesia would play clownery on me. Today, I work under the guidance of an amazing PI, how knows so much biochemistry I sometimes forget there’s anything else to live for when we sit down to speak “science.” I admire the way she thinks, and how quick she grasps even the smallest details of things.
So what makes this woman such an interesting human being? She’s fascinated with proteins!
I never underestimated the role of proteins. I mean, we’re taught in school they’re essentail to our body’s well being…and that’s about it. Now, when you find yourself in a college library surrounded by books written solely about proteins, you begin to see things from a different perspective. You become curious, but not quite sure of what. But is there any irony in all of this? Not really, I mean, is there? How can something so small have hundreds of scientists all around the globe fascinated? What’s the mystery? How hard could it be to study something so abundant and harmless?
I had to figure this out by myself. Afterall, I major in chemical engineering, and I was sure no engineer would provide a convincing enough answer. And so I discovered Dr. Pastrana, my current PI.
Is it strange this woman has dedicated her career to just about five proteins? I’ve heard of scientists dedicating their lives to the study of a single one!
So what became of me, the proteins I currently study, and my fascination for signaling pathways and protein structure and dynamics?
