Maya Sukumaran (senior, biology) emerges as a beacon of scientific inquiry and dedication to neurobiology exploration. Nestled within the neurobiology cricket lab and under the guidance of Dr. Navia and Dr. Mbungu, Maya's research reflects a saga of persistence, unexpected revelations, and a hunger for knowledge. Her odyssey is a testament to scientific curiosity, delving into the complexities of cricket behavior—from investigating the impact of pheromones to navigating the challenges inherent in scientific pursuit.
As we delve deeper into Maya Sukumaran's journey, this article channels her relentless pursuit of understanding, shedding light on neurobiology's intricacies while charting new frontiers in scientific exploration. While personal sentiments might incline me to claim a beautiful brilliance, the observations of Maya's contributions to the realm of science resonate profoundly. Join us on this expedition through Maya Sukumaran's venture into the mesmerizing world of cricket neurobiology.
Can you introduce yourself and your area of study?
I am Maya Sukumaran, a member of the neurobiology cricket lab overseen by Dr. Navia and Dr. Mbungu.
Could you provide an overview of your research project?
Within this lab, my project builds upon prior research endeavors, aiming to unravel the impact of male pheromones on female cricket behavior. Initially, we undertake a comprehensive behavioral analysis, paving the way for subsequent exploration using electrophysiology to map the neuronal pathways associated with this behavior. My role revolves around confirming the influence of pheromones on behavior before embarking on the process of electrophysiology.
What inspired or motivated you to pursue this particular research topic?
My motivation to pursue this research stems from a deep love for neuroscience, which has guided my academic journey. With a dedicated concentration in neuroscience within my biology degree, the lab I chose aligned seamlessly with my educational background, making it a perfect fit for my interests.
Additionally, pheromones and their behavioral effects have always fascinated me. As current research continues to unveil how pheromones impact mammals, including humans, I recognized an exciting avenue for exploration. The intricate nature of these chemical signals and their profound impact on behavior significantly affect our comprehension of fundamental neuroscience principles and human interactions. Employing a model organism like the cricket offers a unique opportunity to unearth crucial insights that transcend mere insect biology.
How did you initiate your research project? What was your starting point?
When I joined the lab, Dr. Navia gave me tons of research papers to read. These papers allowed me to get familiar with what the world of neuroscience knows about crickets as a model organism. One article intrigued me; it was the honors thesis of a recent Andrews graduate. This student did a behavioral study on female crickets, and her results were promising; however, it was only preliminary research, and her sample size was small. Additionally, there needed to be more in the experimental setup. After speaking to my advisor about the paper, I proposed to re-run this study to verify the results by adding tighter restrictions on the experimental analysis. Together, we worked on a new approach to the study, and then I was on my way!
What methodologies or approaches did you employ in your research?
A week before conducting trials on my crickets, they are carefully housed in a divided container, enabling exposure of female crickets to males while preventing mating. This setup preserves intact chemical communication, eliminating any potential interfering factors.
We utilize a specialized non-compensating spherical treadmill equipped with a front-facing speaker to assess cricket behavior within our laboratory. Female crickets are affixed to the treadmill, and an array of male calling songs is played through the speaker. Subsequently, we meticulously track the crickets' responses to these calls using the sophisticated computer system known as Optical Krugal. This cutting-edge technology allows us to monitor the cricket's movements precisely and ascertain its reaction to male calls. Subsequently, my crickets are juxtaposed against a control group to discern disparities in their responses to male calls.
What were the significant challenges you faced during your research journey?
One of the most formidable challenges I faced during my research journey was the disheartening sense of stagnation. Spending extensive hours in the lab, I encountered instances where my efforts seemed fruitless – my crickets either displayed no response or unexpectedly escaped midway through experiments. These moments left me with an overwhelming sense of frustration and doubt, as it felt like a perpetual struggle to obtain meaningful results or valid data. Even when I did get results, they frequently contradicted my expectations, leaving me perplexed and questioning the efficacy of my approach. These challenges tested my resilience and pushed me to persist in uncertainty, fostering adaptability and perseverance in my research endeavors.
How did you overcome these challenges or adapt your approach?
I persisted by maintaining my dedication, consistently testing my crickets week after week, and steadily accumulating data, albeit at a gradual pace. Adapting my approach required a shift in mindset – acknowledging that even instances with no discernible results were, in essence, valuable outcomes in themselves. Embracing this perspective shift allowed me to recognize that every experiment, regardless of the outcome, contributed to the overarching progress of my research.
What have been the most significant lessons or insights gained from this project?
I underwent a crucial learning curve during my research journey, realizing that expectations rarely align with outcomes in scientific exploration. Often, I anticipated specific results only to uncover the unexpected, propelling me toward entirely new inquiries. My narrow focus on seeking predetermined outcomes obscured the reality that each finding, even if divergent from my expectations, unearthed novel and captivating discoveries. This experience emphasized the necessity of relinquishing rigid expectations in research, as they often lead to disappointment. Instead, implementing an open-minded approach became paramount, enabling me to embrace the broader context and significance of peculiar or unconventional data.
What aspects of your research do you find most engaging or exciting?
The most captivating aspect of my research is attributing meaning to my results. As I examine the data, a process that involves asking numerous questions, conducting statistical analyses, and creating visual representations. I am on the journey of deciphering what I am observing and why. This process represents the culmination of extensive data collection efforts. It is the critical point where I discover answers to my research questions. What makes this part of my research particularly engaging is the sense of accomplishment it brings. After investing hours in data collection, I finally witnessed the transformation of raw data into meaningful insights. It's crazy to see how a compilation of seemingly simple data can be used to explain profound processes and unveil new discoveries.
What advice would you give to other students starting their research projects?
Take advantage of your resources. Do not be afraid of your research advisors; ask them questions! Let them help you figure out the struggles you may be facing in your research. On the other hand, if you have new ideas or solutions, feel free to suggest changes. You have a common goal, and communication will allow you to work together cohesively. Another piece of advice is to be patient. Research is not something that is done quickly or without trial and error. Follow through with your ideas, and keep going because answers may be right around the corner!
What are your future plans, or how do you envision this research contributing to your academic or professional journey?
This research experience is integral to my future as I strive to become a missionary doctor advocating for the underserved. The skills I've cultivated, such as resilience and problem-solving, will be vital in navigating resource limitations often encountered in missionary work. I aim to utilize these abilities to provide better healthcare in underserved regions. I plan to leverage my skills to mentor and inspire women globally to embrace STEM fields.
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