Undergraduate research at Oregon State empowers biochemistry student through mentorship

When Tran walked into the lab of Emily Ho, director of the Linus Pauling Institute, she immediately saw something that reshaped how she imagined her future. She found herself among a research team full of accomplished women, led by Ho, an Asian American principal investigator. For Tran, it was a sense of belonging she had never experienced before.

“It really shows that there’s a place for everyone,” Tran said. “I think it’s truly empowering to work in that environment.”

A third-year biochemistry and molecular biology major from Tigard, Oregon, Tran was hesitant to try research. “I was a little nervous and definitely intimidated,” she admitted. The STEM Leaders Program, which serves a diverse group of first and second-year students, encouraged Tran to reach out to faculty, which led her to Ho’s health and nutrition lab.

Tran joined a project that was unique for undergraduate lab work, contributing to a clinical trial. Ho and her team are investigating how eating walnuts might benefit memory, brain function and gut health in older adults. Tran prepared walnut and control kits for participants, assembled urine collection supplies and processed samples of blood, stool and urine. “I am proud that I got over the fear of working with human samples,” she said. “At first the idea was shaky, but after a while it gets destigmatized and easier.”

The SURE program made it possible for her to commit fully to the project this summer. Commuting between Corvallis and her family in Tigard made unpaid lab work unrealistic. Without SURE, she would have missed more than just hands-on experience; she would have missed the power of mentorship.

Throughout the summer, Tran became close with Laura Beaver, a co-investigator on the study, who helped her find her confidence. “It was intimidating because they’re all incredible people who are very accomplished,” she said. “But once I got over that, it was all fine. You can ask questions because ultimately they want things to run smoothly and for students to succeed.”

That mentorship helped her navigate the challenges that came with the territory and experience personal growth as a scientist. Mistakes in processing samples or timing tasks were a part of the learning process. Tran also noticed how participants interpreted instructions differently, teaching her how variable human data can be.

Though research isn’t her long-term career path, Tran gained skills and perspectives that will support her future in medicine. She plans to continue shadowing neurologists and applying to medical school while holding on to the lessons she learned from her SURE summer. “Take note of opportunities. Even if you are scared, do it.”