Meet Lina Layakoubi ’24, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador (PRA) majoring in Biological Sciences.
What is the focus of your research?
I work in the Menuz Lab in the PNB department. The main focus of my research is to understand the molecular and physiological mechanisms in which insects detect and seek out certain odors in their environment. My current project involves finding receptors involved in ammonia seeking behavior which is one way mosquitoes find human hosts.
Why did you get involved in research?
When I first started looking into research as a freshman, it seemed intimidating, confusing and otherwise unattainable. I spent my first year at UConn with completely online labs and the thought of jumping to a real lab was terrifying to me. As I learned more about molecular biology and physiology in my classes, I developed a passion that trumped this fear. I knew that my time as a biology major would not be complete without experiencing the world of research. Not only did joining a lab give me the chance to contribute to something beyond my textbooks but it also immersed me in a world rich with hands-on learning and new challenges. To me, research has been fun, exciting and crucial to my experience as a student. Looking forward, I can’t imagine research not being a part of my career!
What advice would you give to aspiring student researchers?
My main advice would be to let go of apprehension and seek out the people that will support you. Reaching out to the office of undergraduate research and getting support from Melissa and PRA Ayushi was what it took for me to push myself and start asking around. So much of what was stopping me from even trying to find a lab I might like was my own fears that I was doing it all wrong. Having someone to assure you along the way and give you tips is really all it takes sometimes for you to find an invaluable experience.
What do you enjoy the most about participating in research?
My favorite aspect of research is how much it pushes me out of my comfort zone and makes me grow. To be completely honest, my first day in lab I was excited but so intimidated by the equipment and accomplished individuals around me. I remember one time another undergrad and I waited outside a set of doors for fifteen minutes because we were too afraid to open it. No joke, we were genuinely just so paranoid we couldn’t open a set of completely normal doors into the research wing hallway. From day one to now, even on the most basic level, research has pushed me to be more confident. Whether it be learning new lab skills, speaking up during our journal clubs or writing a grant proposal for the first time, being a part of research has made me confront something new and exciting every day. It is this aspect of continuously growing and learning that makes me love going to lab.
What are your plans after graduation? How has involvement in research influenced your plans?
I’ve wanted to be a dentist for a very long time and that passion remains central to my life plans. However, as I moved through coursework and eventually joined a research lab, I discovered a new world of academia. My time in lab has taught me so much and inspired me to continue contributing to current science. I want to have a hand in forwarding dental science as well as practice at a clinic. As I applied to dental schools, I chose DMD/ DDS programs exclusively with opportunities for student research at the pre doctoral level so I can continue growing this aspect of my career. Though I cannot know what the future holds, I have met many dentists that both practice and do research and I aspire to one day have a career like them.
Click here for more information on Lina and other OUR Peer Research Ambassadors.