Eddie Li ’26

Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Commonwealth Honors College

Sharon, Massachusetts

What drew you to this field of study?

I enjoyed both chemistry and biology throughout high school because I was intrigued by the intricate, microscopic mechanisms that shape our world. Thus, it just made sense for me to choose biochemistry as my major. Before the first day of classes even began, I randomly applied for a few lab positions through PROPEL (formerly BUA), and I ended up joining the Hazen Lab on a whim. While I initially had no idea what to expect, I eventually became fascinated by the complexities of plant cell walls and their implications in improving crop yield. 

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How do you conduct your research?

My research involves growing the model grass Brachypodium distachyon while treating it with various hormones. I typically grow the plants via hydroponics, which means orienting them such that the roots are suspended in nutrient-filled water. I then collect cross-sections of the roots and stain them to visualize the cell walls before using a microscope to take images of these sections. Finally, I perform data analysis to quantify cell wall thickness to determine how the hormones affect cell wall development. 

What do you see as the impact—or potential impact—of your work?

B. distachyon is an excellent model grass for cereal crops such as wheat. Many of these crops experience lodging, a phenomenon in which plants fall over due to instability within the stems or roots. This can be caused by weather conditions or weakened plant structure. Lodging can be agriculturally disastrous because it drastically reduces crop yield. By researching how cell wall development is regulated in these plants, we can discover ways to increase lodging resistance and improve crop yield, especially in regions with more extreme weather conditions. 

How does your faculty mentor support your research?

My faculty mentor, Professor of Biology Sam Hazen, has been an integral part of my research journey. He has an immense passion for plant research and always works to support the students in his lab. Professor Hazen frequently shares interesting publications, scholarship opportunities, and research programs. When I meet with him to discuss research progress or present during lab meetings, he always provides valuable feedback and asks questions that force me to think deeper about my research. 

I would also like to acknowledge my graduate mentors, Logayn Abushal and Greg Gregory, who taught me everything I know about research. 

What do you find most exciting about your research?

The most exciting part of my research is learning and applying new techniques to solve novel problems. For example, I spent an entire semester working with my grad mentor to figure out how to perform a technique called Raman spectroscopy. We had to read literature and learn how to use a completely new device from scratch, and we encountered many roadblocks along the way. However, the satisfaction derived from finally obtaining solid results was worth it. 

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of being named as an author on a paper published in the journal Plant Physiology by members of my lab. My efforts in learning new analytical techniques and performing data analysis allowed me to contribute to the development of the research results. A large part of research is collaborating with others and sharing results through publications, so being part of this core aspect of research was a huge accomplishment for me. 

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How has your research enhanced your overall educational experience at UMass?

Research has allowed me to apply concepts and techniques that I learn in my classes. The hands-on nature of lab work gives me a deeper understanding and appreciation of biochemistry. The skills I picked up have also given me a head start in my lab classes. Additionally, research has taught me how to read papers more effectively and has helped build my problem-solving skills. The complexity of planning and executing months-long projects has also enhanced my ability to stay organized and think spontaneously.  

What are your plans for the future?

I plan on applying to medical school after taking a gap year. Currently, I am interested in pursuing either dermatology or ophthalmology. 

Why would you recommend UMass to a friend?

UMass offers a diverse range of possibilities and resources for virtually any endeavor, academic or otherwise. The university has a strong foundation in research, which provides opportunities for students to delve deeper into their studies. For example, resources like PROPEL and the Office of Undergraduate Research and Studies help students find research opportunities, while programs like the Massachusetts Undergraduate Research Conference allow students to share their research with peers. UMass also has countless clubs, teams, societies, and events that cater to a wide population of interests and identities. Simply put, UMass has something for everyone. 
 

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