High Density Lipoprotein and Disease: Student Brynne Stebbings on undergraduate research

Brynne Stebbings is currently in her final year of a Bachelor of Science majoring in physiology and pharmacology. Her research investigates the role of stress regulated transcription factors on high density lipoprotein (HDL) function and composition in obesity-linked disease.

Making the Most Out of Her Major

As a passionate physiology and pharmacology student, Brynne Stebbings chose to undertake a research project to gain intriguing knowledge: research skills. “I expected to learn valuable laboratory techniques from fellow lab members and participate in meetings discussing relevant literature and research findings.”

When asked how research projects differ from other course work, Brynne said, “research projects are much more self-guided and self-motivated. It requires prior research, and thus learning how to find and interpret your own content, to gain knowledge on the area of research. It is much more skill-based rather than test-based.” The lab where Brynne currently works is focusing on two main projects: one involved in the role of stress-adaptive transcription factors in the regulations of metabolic homeostatic, and the other identifying mechanisms by which cells control homeostatic levels of cholesterol. These areas of research growth presented an opportunity for Brynne to challenge herself academically and maximize her post-secondary experience.

The Important Details

Brynne provided an overview of her research topic (settle in, it's technical!) “high density lipoprotein (HDL) particles are protective in the body by playing an essential role in cholesterol homeostasis. Although HDL’s main function is reverse cholesterol transport, the heterogeneous protein composition of HDL creates functional diversity, including roles in antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and endothelial protection.”

With guidance and teaching from fellow lab members, Brynne learned proper lab techniques and protocols to dive into this topic fully. She learned that, “as a result, HDL has a protective role in obesity-linked disease, such as cardiovascular disease and fatty liver disease. HDL composition is subject to modification in response to metabolic stress and inflammation, potentially leading to the transformation of HDL from an anti-inflammatory to pro-inflammatory state. Metabolic stress is characteristic of obesity-linked disease, and as such the modification of HDL composition can cause it to become dysfunctional.”

Brynne also identified things that helped her learn about research, including the SURE program, fellow lab members (Masters, PhD, and postdoc) as well as her supervisor Scott Widenmaier. With these things present Brynne feels she has all the resources needed to succeed in academia.

When asked what skill is required to be a good researcher, Brynne responded, “I think the greatest skill a researcher can have is passion. Being passionate about your work helps you to continue learning and push through the obstacles. I also believe that teamwork is an important aspect for research, being able to collaborate and learn from others in the same field." 

The Biggest Takeaways

“The best part of my research was seeing all the different aspects of my project come together and being able to compare the results to what I had hypothesized. Research can sometimes be a long process and therefore it was a profound moment when I got the expected results without having to repeat experiments,” Brynne explained.

Brynne also had an opportunity to share her research and findings with her peers. “Presenting my research at the U of S was a surreal experience. To be able to share my findings with faculty and fellow students offered a sense of community. Being able to discover research findings is one thing, but getting to share it with others is another notable experience.” 

Life After Undergrad

Beyond her undergraduate degree, Brynne wishes to pursue medicine and stated that, “after going through the research experience I look forward to completing additional research in the medical field as my interests align with medical findings.”

Brynne's research experience has prompted a deeper consideration of coursework and its relationship to new research and knowledge. Conducting research "has given me a new perspective on being able to contribute to findings that may be taught to students like yourself one day.” The self-motivated nature of research has instilled the importance of a strong work ethic that she will carry with her into other areas of her life.

“Research takes a lot of thought and planning and can sometimes require patience while you search for significant results. This has taught me that planning makes achieving a goal much more attainable and less stress inducing. This can be applied to many areas of life, not just in university, but for any goals that you want to achieve in life.”

Becoming a Student Researcher 

When asked about what she recommends as the best way for students to get involved in the research community on campus she said, “the best way is to reach out to faculty early in order to be involved in a research project, as research positions tend to fill up fast."

Check both within and even outside your discipline, she added. "It is important to look into areas different faculty members focus their research on in order to find an area that suits your own interests. Many student groups, such as the Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology Student Association offer research nights that provide information on how to get involved in the research community on campus.”

Best of luck, Brynne, and thanks for sharing your perspective on research!