Student Profile

Jim Graham
Olmsted Township, Ohio
Class: 2008
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

Adventure for most college students can be found at the end of a bungee cord or the top of a rock-climbing wall, but for College of Wooster junior Jim Graham, there’s plenty of adventure and excitement in the science lab.

Seriously. The biochemistry and molecular biology major from Olmsted Township,Ohio, finds the trial-and-error approach to learning both stimulating and rewarding. That’s why he applied for Wooster’s Sophomore Research Program this past summer. “Everyday there’s something new to learn or discover,” he said. “I love going into the lab and working on a project that requires you to be a trouble shooter and a problem solver.”

Graham, who chose Wooster because of its national reputation in the sciences, spent the summer conducting research with Mark Snider, assistant professor of chemistry, on the three-step process of enzymes binding with substrates. “It was great to work with Dr. Snider because he is so good at relating to undergraduates and sharing his knowledge with them,” said Graham. “He has the ability to explain things in a way that students can understand, and he makes it fun.”

Not only was Graham’s 10-week summer experience enjoyable, it was also productive. “I learned new research techniques and how to use the instruments,” he said. “This will help me in future classes and labs as well as with I.S. (Wooster’s nationally acclaimed Independent Study program, in which a student chooses a topic and works one-to-one with a faculty member to conduct research that culminates with a thesis-like paper.) It will also give me a huge advantage in graduate school.”

Another benefit of undergraduate research at Wooster is the opportunity to present papers at national conferences or contribute to work being done by a faculty member. In Graham’s case, he was able to provide data for Snider, who made a presentation at the Gordon Research Conference on Enzymes, Coenzymes and Metabolic Pathways at the University of New England, in Biddeford, Maine, in July. Graham will also present a poster that details the results of his summer research at the Midwest Enzyme Chemistry Conference, to be held at Northwestern University on Sept. 30.

”Jim is the type of student with whom every teacher dreams of working,” said Snider. “His approach to this intellectually challenging project was methodical, and he was invigorated to find workable solutions to experimental difficulties. His positive, ‘can-do’ spirit was inspiring.”

Graham’s summer research experience convinced him that he has chosen the right field of study. After completing his degree at Wooster, he plans to continue his education in medical or graduate school.

Wherever Graham winds up, he’s certain to be well equipped for success because of what he refers to as the “Wooster Advantage,” a combination of insight, independence, and inspiration. “The faculty have been extremely helpful, and the curriculum has been very challenging,” he said. “All of this has pushed me to a higher level, and I consider that a big plus.”