FOCUS ON SUNIL JOSHI

How did you get involved in research?

While going through the application process for undergraduate schooling, I learned about the multiple research opportunities that Berkeley had to offer. Once I decided I wanted to attend Cal, I looked into research even more. During the end of my first semester, once I felt “adjusted” to the college environment, I started to search for a lab that was looking for undergrads. During my initial attempt to look for research, I felt quite intimidated since I didn’t have many lab courses completed or laboratory experience that would be needed to ease my time in research.  But I was wrong, once I sent out e-mails to professors with whom I was interested in working with, I got an instant reply back for possible interviews. I even got one reply back within 2 hours after I sent out an e-mail.

Getting research is not a very difficult process. Many times you might get offered a position by a professor whose class you are in if you show some interest in his or her research and show that you are extremely motivated (willing to commit time). Additionally, programs like URAP, SURF, BFP, MIRT, etc are all great ways of finding research.  

What are you researching right now?

Since I have been at Cal, I have worked in two labs. My first lab was a microbiology lab at LBNL and my current lab is an organic chemistry/synthesis lab on campus.  My first lab dealt with the intense study of microtubules and how they vary in structure among various organisms. The study was conducted through isolating cilia from organisms like tetrahymena or obtaining sperm from crickets and further using lab techniques to separate microtubules from these structures. Once this was completed then the individual structures of these microtubules were studied under an election microscope. The hardest part of the study was to purify microtubules and obtain good images.

In my current lab, the Frechet lab, my project involves both organic chemistry and biology. I work on a drug delivery project that I have been continuing since summer, which involves designing and evaluating siRNA encapsulated acetalated dextran (Ac-DEX) nanoparticles using organic chemistry principles that will target epithelial cells for the therapy of acute and chronic lung diseases. From a research perspective, siRNA is of great interest in the down regulation of gene expression in humans, plants and animals. This is because the efficient and safe delivery of siRNA to specific cells holds a lot of promise for the treatment and prevention of many diseases that are “undruggable”, including cancer and genetic disorders. The major challenge in the use of siRNA in the clinic is the lack of a suitable delivery system. Much research is (And will be) focused on developing delivery vehicles for siRNA that would not only enhance the uptake by target cells but would allow for the selective release of the siRNA at the desired location.

 This year I hope to continue synthesizing Ac-Dex particles encapsulating siRNA using standard emulsion techniques, characterizing the size and morphology of the particles and assisting with in vitro evaluation of the particles. In addition, I will also be synthesizing dendrimers that will be used for drug delivery applications to treat cardiovascular diseases.

What prior experience did you have/what did you need to know?

Working in my current Organic Chemistry lab, I didn’t have much experience coming in. I came from a biology lab that dealt with protozoa, so there definitely wasn’t any overlap. However, since I did take Chemistry 3A/3AL and 3B/3BL, I felt somewhat prepared in that I knew the basics of a chemistry lab. For example, I knew or had heard of terms like TLC chambers, extractions, solvent systems, polar, non-polar species and etc. 

However, the biggest thing you need coming into a lab is MOTIVATION and INTEREST. You might not know anything but if you show that you’re passionate, you can always make things work. Most PIs and graduate students look for enthusiasm towards research. Remember, your first impression is a lasting impression.

As for knowledge and understanding of the project, that comes as you delve deeper into your project. When I first started running chemical reactions and analyzing my data, I was clueless. I would obtain dirty NMR spectra that would confuse me and make me want to cry. Sometimes it would be that I didn’t perform the correct work-up steps and sometimes it was just poor timing of the reaction. Though I was discouraged, I didn’t lose hope because I knew my goal: to perfect my skills and gain knowledge from what I did have. I think, in my case, I usually learn from my mistakes. In addition, I love asking questions even though they might have simple answers so that I can get reassurance for the approach I am using.  

Did you want to do research before? What about now?

            Before: Absolutely not. Just because I thought it was too slow and required patience.

            Now: YES!

It was this past summer that my admiration and zest for a career in research revealed itself to me. Through my time in lab, while I gained a firm grasp of the basic skills required in a laboratory setting, I developed a sense of self-sufficiency and curiosity through my ability to work independently and think critically in the lab. Since the majority of the other students there were working towards their PhD, I became intrigued by how rewarding such a career path would be to me, both professionally and personally.  Moreover, the laboratory setting instilled in me the thought that for every question I could formulate, there were endless opportunities to investigate it through research. This is what motivates me to continue research and after all discoveries do stem from curiosity.

In addition, having an amazing PI as Professor Frechet, extremely motivates me to continue with a career in research. Along with Professor Frechet, having the input of my graduate student, Jessica Cohen, further inspires me to continue following the path of chemistry.

About how much time do you have to put in per week?

As a junior, taking multiple classes and doing other activities like tutoring Organic Chemistry at SLC and peer advising (off course), my time is fully split. However, I try my best to put in a good amount of time for my project. Currently, I am putting in about 15 hours per week. Sometimes this varies according to my schedule of midterms or my graduate student’s schedule.

What other thoughts do you have about involvement in research?

I think research is something everyone should try if they are debating between graduate school and medical school. All along I was pre-med but after working in the Frechet lab, I have realized that I enjoy my time in the lab and find it interesting to the point where I can imagine a career in this field.

One misconception I think most “pre-meds” have is that they need research for their resume to fill the missing piece to some pie they have created for themselves. However, that isn’t true – only do research if you actually are interested in appreciating how advancements are made in our society by top class scientists at top universities like Cal.

One other tip that I can give you, is that when searching for a lab position consider the lab environment you will be working in and the type of people you will collaborate with. In other words, if you don’t like your PI or graduate student, this might make it difficult working in your chosen lab. Or if you work in a lab of all post-docs and you feel completely inferior and out of the loop, maybe you should re-consider. I think, I got really, lucky in my second lab where I met Jessica. She’s a really fun graduate student to work under and her company in lab always makes things go smoother.

And as always….please come talk to our peer advising dream team. We can definitely give you a lot of input about research.    

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