From Lab to Life: Student-Driven Discoveries

When Rutgers University in Camden chemistry majors Shiming Liu and Derek Puyat walked across the commencement stage last week, they already had multiple research credits and awards under their belts. Under the direction of Jinglin Fu, associate professor of chemistry in the Camden College of Arts and Sciences, the graduates will continue their academic careers at Rutgers–Camden in the accelerated B.S./M.S. program in chemistry. With support from a $260,000 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant, the Fu Lab has brought state-of-the-art technology to campus facilities and expanded STEM education at Rutgers–Camden.

Fu's students work in an interdisciplinary space that combines chemistry, biochemistry, and medicine. They design and prepare structures made up of DNA and RNA, conducting research to detect substances and deliver medicine to the body’s cells. Through the NSF grant, the Fu Lab brought a state-of-the-art instrument called a mass spectrometer to Rutgers–Camden, allowing researchers to obtain more accurate test samples without relying on off-campus facilities.

Puyat credits the Rutgers-Camden Department of Chemistry with allowing him to sharpen his skills with lab equipment and techniques. He joined the lab in his junior year after a biochemistry course piqued his interest in nanotechnology. He helped to develop novel mRNA delivery nanoparticles for cancer therapy, and his work helped the Fu Lab earn The Chancellor's Grant for Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Vice Chancellor's Fund for Research.

In addition to his research, Puyat is teaching a general organic and biochemistry lab and hopes to work as a chemist after completing his education.

(left to right) Shiming Liu and Derek Puyat

(left to right) Shiming Liu and Derek Puyat

Jinglin Fu, associate professor of chemistry in Fu Lab

Liu also joined the Fu Lab in his junior year. “Puzzles and experiments have always fascinated me and are both integral parts of the research process," Liu said. "Although I didn't develop an interest in research until my third year of college, I am now fully committed to pursuing it."

Liu is investigating how the structure of nucleic acids, like their size or shape, can impact them, using computational tools to design DNA sensors. He hopes to construct a DNA sensor capable of detecting diseases at an early stage.

Liu’s research already holds promise. He has developed several smart sensors that can detect tiny changes in the genetic material contained within nucleic acids called "single-nucleotide mutations." His research also has the potential to advance a more rapid COVID-19 diagnosis.

Both students earned support for their research from the Faculty of Arts and Sciences Opportunity Meets Innovation Challenge (OMIC) Undergraduate Research Grant, along with travel grants; they presented at the 2022 American Chemical Society’s Middle Atlantic Regional Meeting. In the past year, Fu’s lab has had six undergraduates and four graduate students attend local conferences in chemistry and related fields.

“Chemistry research faculty are actively involved in supporting conference travel and mentoring students in research-based experiences,” Fu said.

Liu, who hopes to pursue a doctoral degree, emphasized the impact of the Fu Lab on his Rutgers–Camden journey.

“I’ve appreciated the close-knit and collaborative environment on our campus," Liu said. "This experience has helped me to develop a strong foundation for my career, and I'm grateful for the opportunities afforded to me.”

(left to right) Shiming Liu and Jinglin Fu, associate professor of chemistry

Students in Fu Lab.

Professor Jinglin Fu (back row, center) with his students at a conference. Shiming Liu is located at the bottom right of photo while Derek Puyat is in the top left corner.

Rutgers University in Camden continues to recognize and celebrate our rich diversity. In recognition of Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month, the Office of Marketing and Communications will present a monthlong series of stories showcasing the research, scholarship, and humanitarian efforts of our AA and NHPI faculty and students. Despite facing historical discrimination that persists to this day, these individuals draw inspiration from their heritage as they work to confront a variety of societal problems rooted in public policy, the physical sciences, technology, and more.

^{Creative Design: Beatris Santos}

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