Eddie Gamayunov

Where did you transfer from?

Anoka Ramsey Community College

Why did you want to come to the University of Minnesota?

I wanted to transfer to a bigger university where I could earn a bachelor’s degree.

What did you research?

Mark and I worked on localizing bacterial microcompartments in E.coli by tagging the microcompartments with green fluorescent protein (GFP). Along with the microcompartments we looked for a structural actin skeleton within E.coli, but didn’t get any results. I wanted to work in this lab because it involved GFP tagging, which is an important scientific tool used in many labs throughout the research field. This research on microcompartments could lead to better ways to transport medicine or proteins to specific locations in living organisms for more effective distribution.

What did you get out of this experience?

I learned research protocols commonly done in a variety of labs that could be easily transferred to different kinds of research. It gave me the hands-on experience working with someone who could guide me along the way, which is an opportunity I did not have while I was at the community college. This experience has made me consider pursuing a more research-based career, but I haven't ruled out medicine yet.

What are your interests outside of school?

I love going to the Gopher After Dark events—they are always fun and have a great variety of themes. I am active in sports and love to play volleyball and soccer.

Do you participate in any extracurricular activities?

I tutor at Living Hope Ministries.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan on continuing to study neuroscience and I am interested in potentially participating in President Obama’s proposed BRAIN Initiative. 

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