Meet Ben Watson Phillips Undergrad Intern

08-29-2017

I am a rising senior pursuing a biochemistry undergraduate degree. The Mattoo lab has a broad goal of studying and determining the details of a family of proteins that provide a unique post-translational modification. One of these proteins, named "fic" proteins, are partially responsible for regulation of the human Unfolded Protein Response cascade, which deals with resolving cellular stress. My project this summer centers around identifying residues on the human fic protein "HYPE" that contact it's principle substrate, which is another key regulator in human cellular stress management pathways.

Without the Phillips summer award I would not have been able to stay in West Lafayette at all, let alone participate in cutting edge microbiology research. My time in my lab continuously heightens my awareness of the importance of scientific discovery, and I wouldn't trade this experience for the world. Being immersed in an academic environment for the summer greatly enhances my ability to perform during the year, and I'm sure this experience will pay massive dividends when I take on a position after completing my undergraduate degree.