Pulkit Sawroop
Year/area of study:
Senior / Pre-Health & Chemistry Majors
Activities at FPU:
FPU is funding undergraduate research that focuses on investigating the biological activity of certain toxins in human white blood cells. Our goal is to answer an important and scientific question about what happens in the human body when these toxins are present.
How I've been challenged academically:
This project has exposed me to the world of hands-on science. I cannot believe that as a freshman I was able to initiate the kind of research usually reserved for graduate and post-graduate students.
Because of my research at FPU, last summer I was invited by Fred Sigworth, professor of cellular and molecular physiology and world-renowned electrophysiologist at Yale University School of Medicine to work with a team of researchers on finding a way to see what ion-channel proteins look like in reality. It was an incredible opportunity, not only for the experience, but more importantly because it is a significant step in the process of discovering a possible cure for diseases like cystic fibrosis.
Because of my research at FPU, last summer I was invited by Fred Sigworth, professor of cellular and molecular physiology and world-renowned electrophysiologist at Yale University School of Medicine to work with a team of researchers on finding a way to see what ion-channel proteins look like in reality. It was an incredible opportunity, not only for the experience, but more importantly because it is a significant step in the process of discovering a possible cure for diseases like cystic fibrosis.
Impact my professors had on my career goals:
Having Professor Alan Thompson as a mentor and a team member is a blessing. Working with him has given me confidence and independence. He loves to help me find solutions to problems I encounter during experimentation and data analysis. I am very thankful for the guidance and motivation he brings to my work.
