This summer we're profiling recipients of summer undergraduate research fellowships to learn about their academic interests and glance into their daily lives as undergraduate researchers.

Today we're speaking with MCB junior Iman Mohajir, a member of the Supriya Prasanth lab and a 2024 recipient of the Jenner Family Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship.

Why did you decide to apply for a fellowship?
I wanted to give undivided attention to my research without the stresses of class and school, and summer fellowships are a perfect opportunity to do that. I’ve been able to make a lot of progress on my project.

How did you get involved in Dr. Prasanth’s lab?
I actually got involved my freshman year! I’m a member of the Cancer Scholars Program at Illinois and one part of that program involved connecting students with cancer-focused research labs. Dr. Prasanth’s lab is affiliated with the Cancer Center at Illinois, so that’s how it got on my radar. I was very interested in her research, so I sent her an email and we set up a meeting.

Tell us about your research interests and what you’re working on this summer.
This summer I am studying the Orc6 protein, which plays a role in DNA replication and the DNA damage response, and its interaction with the PARP1 protein which also plays a role in DNA repair. I’m interested in learning more about DNA repair in cells — specifically those with rapid growth, like cancer cells. I’m working with the U2OS cell line, which is a human osteosarcoma cell line.

What does an average day look like for you?
An average day really differs. Once a week, I start my morning with journal club. Beyond that, I do things like Western blots, splitting cells, running co-immunoprecipitation experiments, conducting mini-preps and more. This opportunity has allowed me to practice so many different lab techniques, which makes every day new and different!

What do you hope to gain from this experience?
I hope that this experience will help me work towards my senior thesis and equip me with the skills necessary to continue my research journey.

What are your career or academic goals?
I would like to attend medical school.

Do you have any advice for other undergraduates who would like to get involved in research?
Don’t be scared to reach out and send an email! There are so many different labs on campus; make sure to look through every one you find interesting. You might find something new that you’ve never heard of before!

How do you like to spend your free time?
I like to bake, read, crochet, and spend time with my friends.