
Jakub Filipek
Who I am:
I am a Master’s student in Biotechnology at the Lodz University of Technology. I have always been fascinated by the laws that govern the natural world around me, especially on the hardly visible – molecular – level. To better understand the building blocks of life, I wanted to gain experience in structural biology, and that is how I joined the Protein Crystallography Laboratory at my Faculty. Currently, I am working on solving the first structure of the plant N-acetyl-L-ornithine deacetylase, a core enzyme in the arginine biosynthesis pathway that plants use to store nitrogen.
At the start of my studies, I joined the Biotechnology Student Association FERMENT. As its vice-chairman and eventually the chairman I have been co-creating a supportive space for other ambitious students at my University. During the lockdown, I started a bioinformatics project about bacterial TetR Family Regulators. Recently, we published a paper about our findings and I am extremely proud of it. Last year, I was granted the title of FERMENT’s honorary member, which I am happy to be stuck with for the rest of my life!
In my free time, I enjoy going out with my friends, playing games, and watching movies and documentaries.
My BioLAB work in the lab focuses on:
In Keenan’s Lab at the University of Chicago, scientists are building the bridge between membrane protein biogenesis and human health. I will participate in research on a large multisubunit translocon complex responsible for the insertion of multipass proteins into the membrane. I expect to learn novel methodologies and fascinating tools that help to dissect the inner workings of the cell.
I decided to apply for a BioLAB program because:
I always wanted to become a scientist and discover the unknown. I believe that participation in the BioLAB Program and working with an international team of researchers will broaden my horizons regarding life sciences. Apart from developing my laboratory skills, I also wanted to challenge myself with the exploration of completely new cultures and places, which are present in the USA.
After completing my BioLAB Program I would like to:
I would love to embark on the further journey of a Ph.D. student. I cannot wait to discover new and exciting things about the world we live in and the molecular ‘world’ within our cells.
- University of Chicago