91成人导航

A biochemist who earned his bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and PhD in biochemistry鈥攁ll at 91成人导航鈥攃redits the university with preparing him for his next step: a postdoctoral research fellowship at one of the leading cancer research centers in the world, the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston.

Andrew Parkins, who earned his doctorate in聽biochemistry聽in May, will focus on molecular immunology. He says 91成人导航 helped him develop a solid research foundation as well as his love of science.

鈥淎t 91成人导航, I learned new things, taught myself, learned from others, and delved into unknown territories,鈥� Parkins said. 鈥淭his is where my love for science truly blossomed.鈥�

Parkins grew up in Lodi and says he chose 91成人导航 because of its outstanding academic reputation and dedication to the community. Throughout his time at 91成人导航, he came to recognize the benefit of its smaller classes.

鈥淸They] allow you to stand out by being curious, asking good questions and wanting to learn more,鈥� Parkins said. 鈥淭his personalized attention is what got me into research as an undergraduate, which eventually led to my graduate studies here. It is what really kept me on track.鈥�

As an undergraduate, Parkins joined research labs and participated in the聽Stauffer Fellowship, which allowed him to finish a semester early. The Stauffer Fellowship provides research scholarships for undergraduate students majoring in chemistry and biochemistry.

At the end of that fellowship, Parkins started to work with聽Professor Georgios Pantouris, who specializes in protein and cancer research.

As a graduate student, Parkins worked in the lab with proteins related to inflammatory diseases and cancer. One of the most important tools he and Pantouris used was the active programmable logic controller, which allowed them to select proteins.

They also relied on plate readers and two computers for every project鈥攚hat they refer to as the 鈥渂ig three essential tools.鈥� Additionally, they had the unique opportunity to produce protein crystals and collect data on them at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory.

Parkins鈥� experience in Pantouris鈥� lab was not only one of mentorship but also friendship.

鈥淧rofessor George P. has always been there for me, fostering a relationship that feels more like having a big brother than just a mentor,鈥� Parkins said. 鈥淗is advice, whether on a personal level or regarding an experiment, has always been invaluable. George has truly been there for me, no matter what.鈥�

As a postdoctoral research fellow at Dana-Farber, a cancer research institute associated with Harvard Medical School, Parkins will focus on molecular immunology, a specialized field that focuses on how humans鈥� immune systems fight cancer.

鈥淭his opportunity highlights that we are capable of producing Harvard-level research at 91成人导航, and it鈥檚 gratifying to see that recognized,鈥� Parkins said.