Meet Hassan Allahrakha
Major: Biology and Business Administration Double Major
Graduation Year: December 2015 Field of Study: Urology/Genetics Abstract: Approximately 3.2% of human females are afflicted with birth defects of the fallopian tubes, uterus, cervix, and vagina. Patients with Mayer-Rokitansky-Kuster-Hauser Syndrome have no vagina or uterus. In nearly all cases, the cause is unknown but is associated with embryological maldevelopment of the Mullerian ducts, from which the female reproductive tract forms. Regression of the Mullerian ducts normally occurs in males and is controlled by the expression of Mullerian Inhibiting substance (MIS) and WNT Inhibitory Factor (Wif1). Wif1 is not expressed in normal developing female embryos. If Wif1 is inappropriately expressed in females, it could result in the regression of the Mullerian duct, leading to maldevelopment of the female reproductive tract. We hypothesize that Mullerian anomalies can be caused by genetic variants that alter the expression of known or novel genes that are crucial for normal development and maturation of the Mullerian ducts. Such genetic variants might include chromosomal translocations, epigenetic promoter methylation, or point mutations in coding regions of candidate genes. |
My Experience:
My first experience in research was in an organic chemistry lab at UT Dallas. I worked on a project for a postdoctoral researcher. I quickly realized that it was not my subject of interest. Then, I found out about the Green Fellowship program and decided to apply because the areas of research sounded more interesting and relatable to my major. This experience allowed me to research full-time at UT Southwestern alongside doctors, graduate students, and medical school faculty. It also allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of my project, as I worked on an independent project for a few months. My undergraduate Biology and Biochemistry Lab courses provided a solid foundation for the research I doing in my lab. My project focused on the genetic basis behind female reproductive tract anomalies in Dr. Linda Baker's lab. I was able to perform basic lab procedures and techniques as well as mouse embryo dissections. Overall, I learned a lot over the course of the semester and I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone interested in pursuing research as a career or trying to figure out whether research is something they would want to incorporate in the future alongside medical school.
My first experience in research was in an organic chemistry lab at UT Dallas. I worked on a project for a postdoctoral researcher. I quickly realized that it was not my subject of interest. Then, I found out about the Green Fellowship program and decided to apply because the areas of research sounded more interesting and relatable to my major. This experience allowed me to research full-time at UT Southwestern alongside doctors, graduate students, and medical school faculty. It also allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of my project, as I worked on an independent project for a few months. My undergraduate Biology and Biochemistry Lab courses provided a solid foundation for the research I doing in my lab. My project focused on the genetic basis behind female reproductive tract anomalies in Dr. Linda Baker's lab. I was able to perform basic lab procedures and techniques as well as mouse embryo dissections. Overall, I learned a lot over the course of the semester and I would definitely recommend this experience to anyone interested in pursuing research as a career or trying to figure out whether research is something they would want to incorporate in the future alongside medical school.
My Advice:
My advice would be to thoroughly research the labs to figure out which projects and topics interest you. Don't be afraid to ask your mentor or lab members for help. They are understanding and realize that don't have the same amount of knowledge and experience as them. Make sure to read prior publications and literature on the topic of your research project. Be patient! You have to realize that not every project/experiment will work or go the direction you want it to. You will learn not to get frustrated and use problem solving skills to move on. Make sure to keep in touch with your UTD mentor and take the opportunity to write an honors thesis if you have the chance. This experience can be demanding and time-consuming but worthwhile and rewarding at the same time!
My advice would be to thoroughly research the labs to figure out which projects and topics interest you. Don't be afraid to ask your mentor or lab members for help. They are understanding and realize that don't have the same amount of knowledge and experience as them. Make sure to read prior publications and literature on the topic of your research project. Be patient! You have to realize that not every project/experiment will work or go the direction you want it to. You will learn not to get frustrated and use problem solving skills to move on. Make sure to keep in touch with your UTD mentor and take the opportunity to write an honors thesis if you have the chance. This experience can be demanding and time-consuming but worthwhile and rewarding at the same time!