When second-year undergraduate Alena Qin began her studies at U of T, her interest in “dry lab” research — using data, coding, computers, etc. — led her to the bioinformatics and computational specialist program.
However, her participation this year in the Research Opportunities Program (ROP) with Professor Belinda Chang has helped open her eyes to the appeal of “wet lab” research involving biological samples, solutions, chemicals, etc. The experience is prompting Qin to rethink her academic path.
“The ROP has definitely helped me narrow the scope of the type of research I'm interested in,” say Qin, a member of Victoria College. “I’m really enjoying the wet lab experience and I'm thinking of pursuing a career that’s more in line with that.”
The Faculty of Arts & Science’s Research Opportunities Program is designed to give undergraduate students a chance to participate in the research projects of A&S professors like Chang where they can gain valuable insights and experience. It provides students with opportunities to learn research methods and skills, work closely with faculty and other collaborators, and get a glimpse of life as a scientist.
Chang is a professor in the Departments of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology and Cell & Systems Biology. She is also director of the Genome Biology & Bioinformatics Collaborative Graduate Program. Her research focuses on the molecular underpinnings of the evolution of vision in vertebrates — in particular, the evolution of photoreceptor cells in the eyes of whales, lizards, snakes and flatfish.
Much of this research relies on Chang’s achievements in replicating ancient proteins from existing genome data, including proteins found in extinct species. With this and other techniques, Chang and her collaborators discovered that the visual systems of early whales — from which living whales evolved — were adapted to seeing in the dim light of the deep ocean.
In separate research, they also confirmed the hypothesis that the photoreceptor cone cells in the eyes of garter snakes which are adapted to bright light are actually modified rod cells which are normally used to see in dim light.
“I am investigating the molecular evolution of genes involved in rod photoreceptor development, specifically in squamates, the order encompassing lizards and snakes,” says Qin. “These are the genes responsible for undifferentiated cells becoming functional rod photoreceptors.”
Qin begins by using a standard lab technique known as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to make copies of genes of interest. After separating and analyzing the DNA using agarose gels, she inserts them into DNA molecules called plasmids. She then analyzes E. coli bacteria that have taken up the plasmids and extracts the DNA for subsequent assays.
In addition to the hands-on research experience, the ROP also gave Qin a chance to work independently.
“I’m enjoying that aspect of the ROP,” she says. “When most first- or second-year undergraduate students are exposed to research — for example in their lab courses — it's work that’s usually led closely by teaching assistants. On the other hand, with the ROP, you have a lot more independence to plan what kinds of experiments you want to do, create your own schedule and make it fit with your classes. I’m really enjoying that.”
It’s also an opportunity for researchers at an early point in their studies to learn what it’s like to work in a professional, collaborative environment.
“Undergraduate students don't get many opportunities to work this way,” says Chang. “But this is what the ROP lab environment gives them and it’s an underappreciated part of the program. It's not just about participating in research. It's learning how to interact responsibly in a professional environment and learning how to communicate and collaborate with your colleagues.”
In fact, for Chang, ROPs are a win/win/win situation. She adds a valuable member to her research team, the student gains hands-on research and lab experience, and grad students gain experience supervising another student.
“Graduate students don't have many opportunities to learn how to mentor and teach research to younger students,” she says. “But Alena has been working with a graduate student of mine named Emily Dong and it’s been really great. It's one of the overlooked aspects of the program — that it gives graduate students, and sometimes even upper level undergraduates, a chance to mentor younger students.”
Says Qin, “After my experience with this ROP, I would totally encourage undergraduates, or even high school students going into university, to start considering these research opportunities early.”
The work of Qin and other ROP students will be on display at the annual ROP Poster Fair on March 12, 2025, in the Great Hall in Hart House. Interested students, staff and faculty should register to attend using the sign up form.
Get hands-on research experience:
Students in their second and third year can apply to join an instructors’ research project through ROPs. Applications close March 16 — but don't wait till the last minute!