STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Sarah Sun! Sarah is a fourth-year Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics major, currently conducting research in the Pernas Lab investigating host-pathogen interactions between host mitochondria and the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Sarah was previously involved in the URC – Sciences Summer Program, which provided her an opportunity to conduct full-time summer research as an undergraduate student, as well as provided her weekly workshops and meetings to learn more about scientific communications, graduate school applications, and more. She hopes to one day pursue a career in academia and start her own lab.

1. How did you first get involved in your research project? Tell us a bit about the lab you are in and the research you are conducting.

I am a transfer student, so I began cold emailing labs as soon as I received my admission offer. After a zoom interview with the PI and my mentor, I got the position at the Pernas Lab and started my time as undergraduate research in last September. Our lab mainly investigates host-pathogen interactions between host mitochondria and the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. My project focuses on a newly discovered structure called Structures Positive for Outer Mitochondria Membrane (SPOTs), including their formation and interaction with other host organelles such as lysosomes.

2. How would you describe your research experience at UCLA?

I’ve really enjoyed my research experience at UCLA! Everyone in the lab is very supportive, and we have a collaborative and encouraging environment in the lab. There are a lot of opportunities at UCLA, such as the summer programs and departmental honor, allowing me to dedicate more time on my research project. Also, it isn’t a huge burden on my class schedule as my lab work contributes directly to my degree requirements.

3. What is your year and major?

I am a fourth year Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics major.

4. What is one piece of advice you have for other students thinking about getting involved in research?

I would say get started early and don’t be afraid to reach out to the faculty members. It can feel intimidating to email professors and promote yourself, but showing your passion and enthusiasm always helps you stand out.

5. Have you attended a conference before? If so, can you describe your experience on preparation, presenting, etc.?

Not yet, but I’m attending my first conference this November! I’m currently preparing the poster, and I find the resources on poster making from the URC is very helpful, especially the templates.

6. Have you had your work published? Can you talk about what that process was like?

Not yet, but I believe there’s a manuscript in progress and I’m looking forward to getting involved in the process.

7. What are your future career goals?

I’m very into research so I’m pursuing a career in academia. My long-term goal is to become a faculty in a college and start up my own lab and investigate things that I have passion with.

8. Please list any URC/departmental programs you are/were involved in. How has your experience been in these programs?

I participated in the URC-sciences summer program and it’s very helpful. It provided a great opportunity to conduct full-time summer research as an undergraduate student. I also liked that we had weekly workshops and meetings to learn more about scientific communication, grad school application, and so on. I’m applying to grad school this year, so the grad school application workshops were extremely useful in helping me navigating this path.

9. What was the impact of undergraduate research on your career path?

My current research experience shaped my research interest in host-pathogen interaction. In addition, this experience definitely made me a more competitive applicant in grad school application, I believe I’ll also be more prepared when I get into grad school due to early exposure to skills such as critical thinking.