By David Yagudayev, Science and Technology Editor
Doron Sedaghat (YC ‘27) is a second-year student at Yeshiva University majoring in biology with a minor in psychology. He went to Great Neck North Public High School where he began his journey to become a firefighter and EMT. He currently conducts research alongside Professor Irina Catrina at YU.
What do you study in Catrina’s lab?
In Professor Catrina’s lab, we primarily focus on RNA-RNA biology. This includes studying RNA splicing, translation and interactions using fruit fly DNA to gain a better understanding of RNA interactions in humans.
How did you get involved in this research?
In my freshman year at YU, I was searching for a research opportunity. An upperclassman involved in Professor Catrina’s research recommended that I join the team. I hadn’t spoken to many professors yet, so I decided to cold email her to find out more about her work. After arranging a meeting, she kindly introduced herself and detailed the research on RNA interactions and fruit fly dissections. That’s when I discovered a new interest. I was given the opportunity to join the lab for the summer, attending three days a week.
What did you hope to gain from this research experience?
I hoped to not only learn more about RNA biology and the function behind it but also work with a team of responsible adults who devote time and effort to their positions. I was interested in developing my lab skills, communicating with peers and refining experimental procedures.
What role do you play in this lab?
In the lab, my role involved performing gel electrophoresis and then using a Gel Documentation System to examine the gels. This process allowed us to separate DNA and RNA strands based on their size and visualize them. It also enabled us to check the efficiency of various RNA-RNA interactions.
Is there anything you encountered that was especially difficult during the research?
Understanding the purpose of the research and its real-world applications was initially challenging. As I became more active in the lab and asked various questions, my understanding deepened. Professor Katrina helped by explaining each step of the process, its relevance to human biology, the necessity of specific procedures and the underlying chemical reactions. She also clarified why certain methods were preferable. This insight, though it may sound cliché, was gained through research – reviewing published articles, engaging in discussions and actively participating in the lab.
What did you find most interesting/favorite about your research?
As a student who excelled in and was fascinated by anatomy, dissecting fruit flies was definitely the most captivating part of my studies. I reveled in the focus, control and stability required to extract the intricate organs of fruit flies, particularly the ovaries. There was a certain peace in dissection, which might have stemmed from the soft white noise of the large central fan combined with the microscope’s hum. Alternatively, it could have been the silence of distinct sounds or the ability to closely examine details that are barely visible to the naked eye. It could have even been a combination of all these elements.
Lastly, do you have any advice for students interested in lab positions?
Absolutely. Never hesitate to ask questions. The worst outcome is simply being told “no.” If there’s something you don’t understand, ask for clarification to ensure you fully grasp the answer. If a procedure seems incorrect or unclear, raise your concerns. This approach isn’t just for securing a research position; it’s an effective way to deepen your understanding of any situation and enhance your self-knowledge.
Photo Caption: Doron Sedeghat
Photo Credit: Doron Sedeghat