ACS SWRM 2024 Poster Winner Madison Andrews Shares Her Experience in the Wright Group
Junior Madison Andrews, a Science Research Fellow (SRF) concentrating in biochemistry, has been a part of Dr. Aaron Wright’s group studying chemical biology for less than a year, yet already describes the experience as life-changing. Her work with third-year chemistry graduate student, Chinenye Nwike, aims to optimize Activity-Based Protein Profiling (ABPP), a cornerstone of the Wright Group’s research. ABPP within the Wright Group involves developing chemical probes modeled after small biological products in the body to explore human metabolism under a variety of healthy and diseased states. The current method of sample preparation for data collection is lengthy and inefficient. This research developed an alternate method to increase efficiency by utilizing a resin to recapture the probe after it interacts with the sample instead of the traditional weaker recapturing mechanism. This new mechanism allows for higher sample purity, a shorter preparation process, and a higher concentration of product for analysis, which contributes to improved data quality. Broadly, a shorter and higher quality ABPP workflow will allow for further elucidation into microbial mechanisms within a diseased host as well as in healthy host states. Andrews was able to present her findings at the 2024 American Chemical Society’s Southwest Regional Meeting in late October where she earned 2nd place in the undergraduate poster symposium. She would like to acknowledge Chinenye Nwike for “being a wonderful mentor, instructor, and friend” as well as Dr. Wright for “providing this amazing opportunity” and appreciates the “supportive and positive atmosphere” created by everyone in the group.
As a sophomore, Andrews was involved in the Martin Group where she learned the basis of synthetic chemistry in conjunction with her organic chemistry and biochemistry courses. However, it was her involvement with the SRF program and its director, Dr. Rizalia Klausmeyer, as well as her growing interest in biochemistry, which led her to the Wright Group. Andrews has a personal stake in Dr. Wright’s research, both in future career goals of earning a Ph.D. in chemical biology and her own health. She says:
"Joining this lab confirmed my desire to utilize organic synthesis work to explore the function of the human body." states Madison. "I personally deal with food allergies and sensitivities, and working in a space where I am able to contribute to learning more about a subject I’m personally affected by is appealing to me.
What Andrews greatly credits to her success is her innate curiosity which has driven her to ask deeper questions in and out of the lab, leading to a more meaningful connection with her professors. Thus, her advice to fellow undergraduate students is, “Always ask more questions! Questions are the gateway to cool science as well as neat opportunities.” Outside of lab, Andrews testifies that her experience playing the piccolo in the Baylor Golden Wave Band (BUGWB) has also greatly impacted her Baylor experience. She has formed life-long friendships and grown her leadership abilities, which permeate other facets of her life. Andrews is a spectacular example of what devotion and curiosity can produce when fostered in an environment like Baylor University.