Researches DIY, sort of

PROF 10

Linghao Zhong, luz4@psu.edu, Pennsylvania State University at Mont Alto, 1 Campus Drive, Mont Alto, PA 17225
Throughout the pathway of my education and postdoctoral training, collaboration with someone at the next desk/door/building was a common thing. However, such convenience turned out to be a luxury when I started my academic career at a small campus in 2005. The closest Chemistry professor is not steps away, but miles. Most students are not research savvy. Fortunately, my research topics involve computer simulations on glycoproteins (cellulase and prion), which can be carried out by myself, with adequate resources. Face-to-face conversations with collaborators are replaced by e-mails, conference calls and occasional visits. At the same time, undergraduate research projects are developed through collaboration with faculty members from other fields on campus, so that enthusiastic students can see, touch, and more importantly, enjoy.