Summer 5Q: Matthew Gonzalez’s Chemistry Research has Future Pharmaceutical Tie-in.

Since 2010, the Gatton Academy has offered students the ability to pursue summer research experiences through the Gatton Research Internships Grants (RIG) program.  Made possible through the generous support of Mr. Carol Martin “Bill” Gatton, the program offers competitive grants to Gatton Academy students between their junior and senior years to support summertime research internships across the Commonwealth and the world.  By providing a funding mechanism, the program directly creates new avenues for growth and exploration.  Throughout the summer, we’re sharing insights from students who are the recipients of our 2012 grants.  Matthew Gonzalez is the third spotlight in this summer’s series.

Matthew Gonzalez of Brodhead is continuing research this summer with Dr. Rajalingam Dakshinamurthy of the WKU Department of Chemistry.  Matt is studying the interaction of Fibroblast Growth Factors with the drug myo-Inositol.  Earlier this summer, we caught up with Matt on summer research and his thoughts on the Gatton Academy.

 

1. Will you be using your summer research as a launching point for any applications, competitions, or scholarships?

 My research experience will definitely help me with future goals. I plan on using my research to enter into competitions, apply for scholarships, and attend research conferences to increase my experience. The Research Internship Grant has facilitated my research to an extent that wouldn’t have been possible if I was only performing research during the fall and spring semesters.

 

2. What do you aspire to achieve in the next ten years?

In the next ten years I can see myself completing medical school and finally having a real job. I aspire to be an MD for many different reasons but the Academy has put me on an express lane to help me get there.

 

3. What are you looking forward to the most about your second year at the Academy?

 During my second year at the Academy I can’t wait to be back with my friends. It’s odd to go from having your friends next door and seeing them every few hours to having almost no contact with them at all. I just can’t wait to get back and be with the lifelong friends that I’ve made.

 

4. What do you love most about the Gatton Academy?

The atmosphere is something unique to the Academy. I don’t think you could find our lifestyle anywhere else in the country. While it’s difficult to explain such a special thing I think it is my favorite part of Gatton.

 

5. How did you feel on your first day at the Gatton Academy?  Now?

Scared is an understatement when I talk about my first day at the Academy. After a little while it felt like an extended camp. I was making all the friends I would normally and then classes came and I realized this was now my life. When I think about the Academy now, I think of home. It’s where I live and where I belong at this point in my life.