College students can sometimes end up finding their chosen field in unexpected places. Elizabeth Duselis recalls figuring out which field she wanted to pursue as an undergraduate.
“I actually started college as an engineer, but by the time I was a sophomore, it was chemistry for me,” Duselis said.
That was a couple of years ago. Now, in her first year in the University.’s Ph.D program, Duselis is still pursuing her passion for chemistry, with a focus on biochemistry.
“Somebody once described biochemistry to me as the physics of the 21st century, and I think that’s what it’s going to be in our lifetime,” Duselis said.
Just as physics was the cutting-edge field of the 20th century, with the work of researchers like Albert Einstein and Stephen Hawking keeping the field fixed in the major headlines of the day, Duselis is intrigued by the cutting-edge research which she believes makes biochemistry, “the physics of the modern day.” As participants in an ever-expanding field, biochemical researchers are constantly finding innovative solutions to problems. Students interested in research may find this an especially exciting area.
“In particular, I think the researchers’ approaches to problems are ingenious, and they are very
creative,” Duselis said.
Additionally, Duselis’ research has significant implications for drug discovery and analysis.
“The lab I’m in does bioanalysis with mass spectrometry,” Duselis said.
Bioanalytical research seeks new and innovative ways to measure amounts of specific molecules, such as DNA or a drug, in a given sample. Through mass spectrometry, researchers can identify specific molecules by exposing them to radiation. This enables doctors to quantify drug levels in patients and determine their properties, including the amount of time it takes certain drugs to act.
While pursuing research, Duselis continues to inspire undergraduate students. As a teaching assistant in an undergraduate chemistry lab course aimed at pre-med students, CHEM 1421, she teaches students aspiring to be doctors and researchers.
Looking to the future, Duselis said she will most likely continue researching in her current field.
“I would like to stay in research, maybe in an industrial or government lab,” Duselis said.
Read More
STEM organizations host Neuroscience Outreach Fair for local K-12 students
By Lucia Gambacini | February 24, 2025The organizations invited elementary through high school students from across Albemarle and Fluvanna Counties to participate in a variety of neurology-related activities.
University sees rise in flu and norovirus since start of semester
By Caroline Hagood | February 11, 2025According to data from SHW, 196 students tested positive for Flu A at SHW between Jan. 1 and Feb. 2 this year, an increase of 23 cases from 173 positive tests during the same month in 2024.
U.Va. Health launches Center for Smell and Taste
By Saumya Sharma | February 2, 2025The center will combine research with clinical care to further the treatment of smell and taste disorders.
