Alyssa Boyko wants to pursue a science-centered career to uncover what is yet to be discovered in genetics, stem cell treatments and neurosciences. Now a freshman at NDSU working toward a biology degree, Boyko already has a head start on her career ambition and is contributing to life-changing research.
“My goal is just to help people,” said Boyko, who is from Fargo. “I’ve been interested in so many different fields, but biology is the one that sticks out to me the most.”
After graduating high school in May, Boyko immediately started working in NDSU assistant professor of pharmaceutical sciences, Roberto Gomes’, lab. Boyko is assisting in research that uses an alternative drug to chemotherapy to kill pancreatic cancer cells. The goal is to not damage normal cells as chemotherapy does.
While chemotherapy is effective in killing cancer cells in patients, Boyko said it leads to a lot of negative side effects that decrease the patient's quality of life. In the lab, Boyko’s team has created a drug that targets a specific protein, rather than the DNA of the cell, to preserve the normal cells.
Boyko said she’s enjoyed every day in the lab. The most exciting part is knowing the research she’s working on will one day benefit others.
“Eventually the work we do here will help save many lives,” she said.
Boyko began conducting research at NDSU even before starting classes. This past summer, Boyko participated in the Summer Undergraduate Biomedical Research Program, which provides undergraduates with hands-on opportunities to develop as researchers by building skills and experience in their field.
Entering the lab early allowed Boyko to solidify her decision to major in biology and helped her become more confident and comfortable working with others.
“It has given me a lot of great experience and I’m excited to learn more and do more research,” she said.
Throughout her research, Boyko has developed technical skills, such as working with cells, and practical skills, like time management. Boyko has enjoyed working closely with others, including Gomes and Allana Martins, a research assistant and doctoral student in pharmaceutical sciences, who has helped Boyko navigate the lab.
“I’m very grateful to have been a part of this program and to Dr. Gomes for inviting me to come work in his lab. I’ve learned a lot from him and I’ve met some amazing people here. Especially, Allana. She’s served as a mentor for helping me train in and learn everything I need to know. She’s made it easy for me to ask questions and I feel comfortable and safe getting help. She’s taught me pretty everything I know,” she said.
When the Summer Undergraduate Biomedical Research Program concluded in August, Boyko presented the research to the campus community during a poster session. Boyko said presenting her work and learning about the other research projects taking place on campus was a highlight of the event.
Martins said watching Boyko develop as a researcher throughout the months leading up to the poster session has been unforgettable.
“It was a unique experience to see her presenting to a lot of people on her achievements during this summer program,” Martins said. “I’m really proud of her and I can’t wait for this next semester to work with her and to achieve even more great results for this project.”
The research environment at NDSU has stood out to Boyko, who said she’s been welcomed and part of the team since first arriving in Gomes’ lab.
“At NDSU, there are so many people dedicated to research and I feel like I really fit in here because there are so many students like me,” she said.
Boyko wants to enter a career in research with a dream to one day work with spinal cerebellar ataxia, a genetic disease that mainly affects the cerebellum. SCA runs in Boyko’s family and is one of the reasons why she’s interested in science and research.
“I’d really like to learn more about it and come up with more potential treatments because there really aren’t a lot of options,” she said.
There are ample opportunities to get involved in research at NDSU as an undergraduate and Boyko recommends students take the chance to pursue them.
“Get involved in research wherever you can as the opportunities present themself. Take advantage of those opportunities and always try to learn and grow in everything you do,” she said. “You might not have the biggest or most important jobs to start out with, but always do your best no matter how small the task.”
Research is more than a job for Boyko. It’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact.
“Research is a really big deal. It has the power to positively affect people’s lives and to save their lives in some situations,” she said. “Take your work seriously because it’s important no matter how small of a job you do. Take your work seriously and don’t forget to have fun along the way.”
To learn more about Boyko’s story, check out the official NDSU YouTube channel.
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