NAME: Sam Goldman
CONCENTRATION: Computer science
RESEARCH FOCUS: Boolean network models
RESEARCH LAB: Cluzel Lab
ADVISOR: Philippe Cluzel, Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Gordon McKay Professor of Applied Physics.
What have you been researching this summer?
This summer, I've been doing computational work to think about how a single gene or input can control multiple pathways in a genetic signaling network. I’m also working on a small experimental project with E.coli on the side to get experience with the actual biology.
Please explain your research project.
Previous experimental research has revealed that a single gene can control multiple biochemical pathways, often by expressing different patterns over time. We wondered if the frequency of these patterns could be just as important as the amplitude in coordinating the behavior of the entire network of genes. To study this, we simulate random Boolean networks, toy models of genetic networks, and observe how oscillating input nodes—genes that we force to turn on and off over time with a given frequency—might affect the ability of the network to do curve fitting tasks or learn multiple behaviors.
What are some of the practical applications of this research?
We still are searching for the practical applications of the research. Right now, we are using this research to better understand why oscillatory patterns of expression might have evolved in nature. It’s possible there are some applications to machine learning or control theory.
What are some of the biggest challenges of conducting this research?
Because the lab is relatively small, I have more control over the project, which is both good and bad. It’s nice because I have a lot of freedom and ownership, but it is also difficult because the research doesn’t perfectly mirror topics I’ve learned in class.
What do you enjoy about the research?
It’s been fun seeing the different directions a project can take. We started simulating and observing how these networks behave when you oscillate some component. I was more curious about how that might affect the network's ability to learn functions, so we have veered in that direction. I’ve also really enjoyed the community aspect of working in a lab.
Why has conducting research in a Harvard lab been a beneficial experience for you?
It’s nice to work on a project that goes on beyond the scope of a semester. There is a sense of continuation and continuity that I enjoy. Working in a Harvard lab gave me a much better sense of what it means to be doing research. Sometimes, problems aren’t necessarily outlined in a very clean and neat way. Often, you don’t know the direction an experiment is going to take, and it’s been really valuable learning how to manage that.
What are your plans for after graduation?
I would like to apply to graduate school, but it’s still up in the air. I’m hoping to enter a Ph.D. program in the future.
