Students in Research: Gareth Francis

Fourth-year Penn State Eberly College of Science student Gareth Francis grew up in a household that taught him that curiosity should be a common practice. His passion for research only continued to grow throughout high school and into his college career where he is majoring in BMB (Biochemistry and Molecular Biology). One course, in particular, that helped shape how Gareth thinks about the impact of research was BMB 488 (Communities of Practice). The practice of primary research with key concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology – including details of experimental systems, ethics, and the societal implications of research -- was the focus of this two-credit course. Students from different labs investigating similar research questions meet once a week to discuss critical issues surrounding the research topic; and engage with two support networks -- scientists at different career stages in the research laboratory, and a peer group of other students in the seminar.?

On top of his studies, Gareth also works within the Office of Senior Vice President for Research at Penn State in Research Marketing & Communications, helping to explore and communicate the impact of research, something he found another passion for in one course at the University.?From inspiring mentors in impactful classes to organizations that foster community to building leadership skills for the workforce, Gareth is ready to take the next steps in his STEM career.??

?Q: What influenced you to go into the scientific field??

A: My passion for science was instilled by my dad who is a scientist himself. Growing up, my brothers and I were taught to always ask "how" and "why" systems worked the way they do, and to always be curious about our surroundings. Frequent dinner table talk would be the latest advancements in physics, which is certainly my dad's and my older brother's favorite topic. However, it was in high school I understood that I wanted to pursue the complexities of the life sciences through a couple of amazing teachers.?

Q: How have your dreams manifested in the research you are doing now??

A: In high school, there was a short unit about biochemistry that introduced me to the sub-cellular world. Since then, I have been curious about how cells assemble molecular machines to carry out necessary functions. The research I conduct now has given me the chance to explore that because I can explore how cells assemble microscopic tools in response to certain environmental conditions. It is truly fascinating.?

Q: Why did you choose Penn State for your education in the sciences??

A: Penn State is the obvious destination for science education because of the university's size and reach. By attending such a large institution, I have been presented with many opportunities that simply are not available at other institutions - including mentorship from researchers, career advice from faculty, and even competition from peers to push me further. I have had the chance to be a learning assistant for the chemistry department and work as an undergraduate researcher. In addition to the career and leadership opportunities the university provides, I can maintain my interests outside of academia through club sports and Greek life. Other schools cannot provide such a well-rounded experience.?

Q: From your perspective, how do you think your experience at Penn State is different from what you may have had elsewhere??

A: My experience here at Penn State is different from everywhere else because I can dive deep into anything I want to pursue. The Penn State community is so large and diverse that any small interest or hobby has a group to join. This makes it effortless to discover interests and chase what you love. Penn State also values collaboration over any individual, which promotes working together in groups and making advancements as a team. This type of leadership education and collaboration work is not present elsewhere.?

Q: How do you think the Penn State facilities, equipment and faculty have contributed to your experience??

A: The faculty I have met here are driven to help all students with their connections and expertise, and the equipment and facilities available to undergraduates are mind-blowing. A mentor I had in my first year, Dr. Kirsten Guckes , encouraged me to apply to begin my training as a researcher. Because of that, I have the fortune of working under Dr. Timothy Miyashiro and have access to amazing equipment such as a confocal microscope and even an in-lab squid mariculture facility. Outside of academics, student-run organizations are allowed to use the amazing facilities on campus, such as THON being held annually at the Bryce Jordan Center and the club sports teams being able to use varsity facilities for practices and games. Together, this offers an unrivaled experience.?

Q: Tell us about the course at Penn State that helped you build upon your research and leadership skills.?

A: BMB 488* is a two- credit seminar class that I am required to take due to my role as an undergraduate researcher in the Miyashiro Lab. I have taken this class every semester since joining the lab in fall 2021. In this class we practice grant writing and poster presentations and have discussions on science ethics and reading scientific articles.?

This class has been extremely useful to me because it has helped me to understand that all research MUST be conducted with a purpose in mind. And, it has helped me critically analyze information presented to me and taught me to convey information in a manner digestible to my audience. In both grant writing and poster presentations you must identify the “gap in knowledge” and explain why it is necessary that your research fill that gap AND you must articulate exactly how your research will be beneficial and how it will impact the world in a meaningful way.?

These are foundational characteristics of scientists and leaders.?

Q: Where do you want to go once you graduate and where do you see yourself in ten years??

A: Ideally, I would like to pursue my doctorate degree in biomedical science in the Chicago area and work in industry.?

Q: Do you have any final thoughts to share with the younger generation who might want to follow in your footsteps??

A: Get involved early! I am certainly not old enough to offer advice, but as my time at Penn State winds down I wish that I had gotten more involved earlier in my undergraduate career. Penn State has so much to offer to undergraduates and going into my final year I feel that I have barely scratched the surface.?

Links:?

Lab Website: https://sites.psu.edu/miyashirolab/?

Lab Group Photo: https://sites.psu.edu/miyashirolab/welcome-to-the-miyashiro-lab/2023-02-15-lab-picture/?

Learn a little bit about the squid-vibrio symbiosis! https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8529645/?

Read about multi-strain symbioses: https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0287519???

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*About BMB 488: This course integrates the practice of primary research with the acquisition of key concepts of biochemistry and molecular biology, including the philosophy of science, central concepts and details of experimental systems, ethics, and the societal implications of research. Students in BMB 488 join a research laboratory and pursue an independent project that relates to the major goals of the lab. Students from different labs investigating similar research questions meet once per week in a seminar setting to discuss critical issues surrounding the research topic. Students engaging in research through BMB 488 have two support networks: scientists at different career stages in the research laboratory, and a peer group of other students in the seminar. Because students in the course are from different labs, they learn from each other about different research perspectives and methods and provide each other with support and advice. Students continue their independent projects and remain in BMB 488 over multiple semesters, allowing them to strengthen this network and build skills over time.?

Students in Research Series:?

This is part of a series highlighting the powerful stories behind our students within research programs at Penn State. In our duty as a land-grant university, we are charged with teaching, research, and service, and all three of these are tied to our care of the student experience at 美国宾夕法尼亚州立大学 . It is our responsibility to nurture the students to their fullest potential, and alignment with their own vision and dreams is critical on this path. The story of Gareth Francis is a perfect example of how Penn State can help a student turn curiosity into answers that benefit global translation. Have a story of your own? Contact us.?