'SelectScience reviews help guide me in my decision-making process’

Lab product reviews can change the world by helping other scientists find the best equipment to accelerate their vital work. Here at SelectScience®, we are dedicated to promoting peer-to-peer communication that will make the difference - but we couldn't do it without our esteemed reviewers. In this regular feature, we put the spotlight on some of our most dedicated and impactful reviewers and find out what inspires them to keep sharing their knowledge with the global scientific community.

We are delighted to introduce this week’s Reviewer in the Spotlight, Christopher Argueta, a Ph.D. student at the University of the Pacific. In this article, he discusses what inspired him to get into science and the study of protein structure/function and protein dynamics. Argueta also highlights the importance of effective science communication post-pandemic.

Tell us a bit about yourself and your current research

I am deeply curious and fascinated by the science of nutritional biochemistry, genetics (nutrigenomics/nutrigenetics), microbiology, immunology, and how all four converge to impact human health.

My research encompasses structural biology, protein structure, and cancer research. Specifically investigating molecular parameters governing dimerization of bZIP transcription factors as well as elucidating the structural architecture involved in CD74 activation by macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) and D-dopachrome tautomerase (D-DT). The research involves protein expression, purification, crystallography, knowledge discovery in data, generation of statistically-based models, and data visualization.

What inspired you to get into the world of science?

What inspired me was my seemingly innate curiosity for nutrition. I have clear memories of looking at the back of cereal boxes on my kitchen counter as a child and choosing the one that was fortified with the most vitamins and minerals, forgoing the marketing and taste for what I thought was the most nutritious. My fascination with nutrition naturally led me to ponder what these molecules and compounds look like. I began looking them up online and this led to my interest in biochemistry.

What value do you put on science communication?

I highly value scientific communication, especially after recent events with the way the pandemic was communicated to the public. Educating the public with the knowledge acquired through scientific investigation can help move nations into action.

How do SelectScience reviews help you with your work?

SelectScience reviews help guide me in my decision-making process when looking for the correct supplies I need for a given project.

What is your favorite piece of lab equipment?

My favorite piece of laboratory equipment is the ÄKTA pure protein purification system, I use it almost every day. It was a bit intimidating at first, but now that I have a sense of familiarity with it, I can truly appreciate the utility it offers for my research.

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