The opportunity to work with a faculty member on National Science Foundation-funded research proved invaluable for John Munsey '08, a neuroscience major from Burnt Hills, NY.

Munsey, a graduate of Burnt Hills-Ballston Lake High School, was one of two St. Lawrence students chosen to work with Assistant Professor of Biology Ana Estevez, who was awarded a grant by the National Science Foundation to study the role of transient receptor potential (TRP) ion channels in normal organismal physiology. Munsey also received University Fellowship funding for his own independent research on the project.

"Summer research at St. Lawrence is a great experience for any undergraduate," Munsey says. "I worked one-on-one with a faculty member, and in the lab I learned valuable techniques such as isolating DNA from a cell culture, running electrophoresis gels, using DNA sequencing software, and performing DNA polymerase chain reactions (PCR)."

Munsey adds, "Undergraduate research is important because it gives you a feel for what you could be doing with a career in research.  I was able to address scientific questions more effectively, and became proficient at complicated laboratory techniques. Going into a lab for the first time can be intimidating for undergraduates, but the skills and confidence I acquired have greatly improved my ability to learn in a lab setting."