Unveiling the Microscopic World: A Student's Journey into Research
One Synapse at a Time
Imagine a world where tiny creatures hold the key to unlocking profound scientific insights. This is the captivating story of Nick Cheung, a biotechnology major and undergraduate researcher at the University of Nevada, Reno. From zebra finches to fruit flies, Nick's journey into the realm of research is an inspiring tale of curiosity, mentorship, and the power of hands-on learning.
The Spark of Curiosity
Nick's research odyssey began with a simple question: "How much trouble can a tiny bird get into?" As a freshman, he found himself in Associate Professor Jenny Ouyang's lab, surrounded by zebra finches under artificial light. Little did he know, these birds would become his first teachers, igniting a passion for research and biology.
PREP: A Side Quest with Big Rewards
Nick's friend introduced him to the Pack Research Experience Program (PREP), a program designed for students new to research. Despite his doubts, he applied, and to his surprise, the process was less daunting than expected. With just a few paragraphs, he secured a spot in the program, working with Dr. Ouyang on an intriguing project: studying circadian rhythms in zebra finches.
Here's where it gets controversial: Nick had no prior experience, but he was accepted and thrived. This raises the question: Should research programs be more open to beginners, or is prior experience a necessary filter?
Mentorship: The Secret Sauce
Dr. Ouyang and her lab's kindness and support were instrumental in Nick's success. They guided him through experimental design, data collection, and analysis, teaching him that mentorship can be a game-changer. Nick's confidence grew, and he realized that curiosity and a willingness to learn are powerful tools.
Advancing Research: From Finches to Fruit Flies
After tasting the joys of research, Nick sought more advanced opportunities. This led him to Associate Professor Jung Hwan Kim's lab and the Nevada Undergraduate Research Award (NURA) program. Here, he delves into the world of neurons in Drosophila, commonly known as fruit flies. His focus is on Bruchpilot (BRP), a protein crucial for synaptic function in these tiny creatures' brains.
Nick is investigating how different neurodegenerative disease models impact BRP expression and neuron length. He's noticed patterns, with Huntington's disease models showing altered BRP expression. This project involves meticulous staining, imaging, and quantification of expression in motor neuron cell bodies. It's challenging work, but every experiment teaches him more about neurons, neurodegeneration, and the research process.
The Power of Guidance
Nick has been fortunate to have Ph.D. students in Dr. Kim's lab as his mentors. Their patience, generosity, and expertise have made the lab a place of growth and learning. They've taught him techniques, helped troubleshoot experiments, and shared valuable tips. This level of support and guidance is a testament to the importance of mentorship in research.
Looking Back, Moving Forward
PREP was Nick's gateway into research, and NURA built upon that foundation. Both programs taught him valuable lessons: progress isn't always linear, mistakes are part of the learning curve, and the right mentors can make all the difference. Nick's journey shows that curiosity and a willingness to learn can overcome a lack of experience.
If you're considering research, Nick encourages you to apply for programs like PREP and NURA. You never know where it might take you. For Nick, it started with a cage of finches and a bit of nervousness, and now he's exploring the intricate world of fruit fly neurons, one synapse at a time.
Nick Cheung, a three-time Undergraduate Research awardee and biotechnology major, is set to graduate in fall 2026. His passion for asking big questions will take him to graduate school, where he'll continue his exploration of the microscopic world.
The fall 2025 Wolf Pack Discoveries symposium is an opportunity to celebrate and learn from the research endeavors of students like Nick. It's a chance to be inspired and to reflect on the power of research and mentorship.
