David Erola , Institute of Technology 08'
Determination of Optimal Immobilized Enzyme Activity
Major
Chemistry
Mentor
Jerald Rasmussen
Brief Bio
I enjoy playing sports, from backyard to intramurals. I am also a part of the Institute of Technology’s Ambassadors program.
Future Plans
I plan to get a job in industry for a while, and then decide what area I want to go into for my advanced degree.
Why Research?
I like doing lab work, and I think research is a practical application of what I have been learning throughout my education. It’s very motivating to know that you are helping progress science.
What Did I Get from Research?
I understand more of what goes on day-to-day in industry and how much time and effort is put into research, overall. I also have learned how to problem solve better to isolate and test specific factors within the research.
How Did I Start?
I went to the chemistry website, and looked at different professors and affiliates. I then contacted them.
My Advice for Another Student:
By all means, try to do something involved in research. It is worth the time you put into it. It is worth it just to get the experience. But it also gives you a real life chance to see what you are learning in the pages of your textbooks.
Research Summary
I did my research through 3M. I took a chemically active bead and attached a protein to it by way of a chemical reaction. I repeated the reaction many times to find the optimal conditions for the protein to attach and function.