Andi Therese SyCip (‘26), a Biology major, conducted research on how minor genetic alterations to estrogen-relation receptor binding sites impact heart function. Andi was mentored by Dr. Daniel Kelly (Department of Medicine), and this research was supported by Jumpstart for Juniors.
In the Kelly Lab at the Penn Cardiovascular Institute, I studied variants in non-coding regions of estrogen-related receptor (ERR) binding sites and their potential consequences for heart diseases such as cardiomyopathy. As someone interested in the molecular “why” behind health outcomes, this project allowed me to explore how minor genetic alterations can have a significant impact on the heart.
Through my time in the lab, I discovered that research encompasses much more than just producing outcomes. I entered the group primarily hoping to refine technical skills like cloning or polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In addition to expanding these technical skills, I also developed the ability to think critically, embrace uncertainty, and persevere in the face of unsuccessful experiments. I came to see that research is more about being willing to ask the right questions than it is about getting the "right" answers.
Facing uncertainty was the most challenging part of my research experience. Many of my experiments did not result in the outcomes I expected, especially when attempting them for the first time. Some of the enhancers I cloned did not work as expected, and the primers I designed to clone DNA regions did not produce viable results. Initially, I felt frustrated thinking that these results reflected a lack of skill, but I soon realized that sometimes you can run clean experiments and still end up with unclear results.
I observed that even experienced scientists deal with inconclusive results, and with their help, I started to approach every "failed" experiment with curiosity rather than disheartenment. I began asking, "What does this mean?" instead of "What went wrong?". This shift in perspective taught me resilience and patience - traits that I now see are as important as technical proficiency. I’ve applied this lesson outside the lab, reminding myself that challenges expand our horizons to new ways of thinking if we approach them with an open mind.
From this experience, I discovered that I thrive in environments that emphasize teamwork and curiosity. Conversations with other students and postdocs taught me as much as pipetting at the bench because they led me to think more deeply about my own experiments and how they fit into the larger scientific context. I learned that research is not just a solitary activity; it is based on a community of individuals exchanging ideas, reviewing each other's work, and providing mutual guidance. As a pre-med student, this summer helped me realize that my interests lie at the intersection of discovery and patient care, encouraging me to remain involved in research throughout my career.
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