Nathan Greenwood
Major: Molecular, Cellular and Developmental (MCD) Biology
Mentor: David Baker, Biochemistry
Contact: forest77@uw.edu
Current research project: Design of de novo protein-binding proteins
Nathan Greenwood is a fourth-year student studying Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. He is currently working in the Baker lab to broadly design new proteins that can bind to proteins found in nature. In the future, Nathan is interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in computational biochemistry or related fields. Aside from academics, he enjoys reading sci-fi, running, going outdoors, and learning new things!
Translate your work so that we can all understand its importance
You have likely heard of a protein in the context of nutrition or your muscles, but proteins do nearly everything in your body, from fighting the virus that causes COVID-19, transporting oxygen throughout your body, or forming the basis of our vision. Each protein has a specific 3D shape and this shape leads to the different functions they perform. By using artificial intelligence and other computational tools we can design new protein shapes and thus new protein functions. These new functions could have huge impacts on human health and more broadly on all life on our planet.
When, how, and why did you get involved in undergraduate research?
I first got involved with research in winter quarter of my freshman year by taking a research class advertised by a professor. By emailing professors and graduate students I began researching in a group the summer after my freshman year. I wanted to get involved in research because peers and professors I spoke to placed value in the research experience. After participating in it myself I realized that they were not only right, but they didn’t mention how fun it is!
What advice would you give a student who is considering getting involved in undergraduate research?
If you’re considering it you should go for it! I would suggest being open to any experience that sounds interesting to you and know that you don’t have to stay at the same research group for the rest of your undergraduate career. Research is a great way to explore fields that you didn’t even know existed and learn where your interests and passions are. Try to connect with your professors and TAs or others that are involved in research that interests you! Ask them questions and learn what their research is about to get to know them and then you can see if they are taking on undergraduate researchers or know of a professor that is.