Although mentoring takes "a huge amount of time," it is worth
it, according to Michael Summers, an HHMI investigator at the University
of Maryland Baltimore County.
Photo: Mark Lee
"So the laboratory is helping draw these kids to campus..."
How does Summers run an HHMI laboratory—one that has solved the structures of three of HIV's 14 proteins and discovered how one of those proteins interacts with RNA—and find the time to mentor undergraduates?
Granted, these seniors aren't just any undergraduates. Summers admits he might never have another group quite like this. Most have published scientific articles; three are first authors. Two have received HHMI funding for summer research projects. Several have done research overseas, studying diabetes in Israel or chemotherapy in France. Many tutor at inner-city elementary schools and volunteer at emergency rooms. And they still find time to take kickboxing classes or to go dancing.
But it's not just the seniors; Summers has 19 undergraduates in his lab this year, which he admits might be too many. He attracts new students every year and loses fewer than he gains, refusing to turn anyone away.
What attracts them? Summers credits HHMI and UMBC for the program's success. (This is apparently characteristic of him; his students say he's humble to a fault.)
"[These students] knew they'd have the opportunity to do hands-on research
in the Hughes laboratory," says Summers. "So the laboratory is helping
draw these kids to campus; that's a big plus. Hughes is providing the
best resources so these students can get the best training."
