Nilesh Shah ’24

Why did you choose Colgate? 

You’re involved in a number of activities. Which one is your favorite?

My time at Colgate has been transformative in shaping my academic interests. Ever since my first summer in college, I have been working in Professor Jacob M. Goldberg’s lab, where my research involved the synthesis of peptides to study the effects of certain unnatural amino acids on protein folding and stability in a series of beta hairpin peptides. I used manual solid-phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) techniques and carried out purification with high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Additionally, I worked on the synthesis of peptides that can be used as targeting agents to deliver small molecule cargo, such as a fluorescent zinc sensor, to programmed biological locales, such as the brain.

Have you had a pivotal moment, a mentor, or a defining moment?

The education curriculum I received in high school was stifling, and the only professional career options for a STEM graduate are to be a medical doctor or an engineer - the two highest-paying jobs in India. I was afraid that these circumstances would not only divert but also diminish my passion for research. I am extremely grateful to Colgate for giving me the chance to be able to follow my true dream of becoming a scientist in my own way. 

In fact, as a science enthusiast, I was bothered by the lack of functioning laboratories in schools back home, which I viewed as a major hindrance to inculcating the core tenets of research. I had a plan and shared it with a classmate. Several constructive discussions eventually lead to the formation of Vigyan Stem Labs – a social initiative to promote STEM education among underprivileged students through visual experiments. Our biggest success came when we received an award for social service in the field of STEM from the Ministry of Science and Technology, granting us the biggest recognition and motivating us to expand our endeavors across many more schools. This great recognition augmented our experiments in levels of creativity and complexity. We progressed from demonstrating the meek process of soil filtration to using vinegar and sodium bicarbonate to fill up balloons to using NaOH to prepare soaps! I used to stay back after sessions, chatting with the students, each telling me what science meant to them and asking me a multitude of interesting questions. This journey of Vigyan Stem Labs only reinforced my desire to learn as much as I can and attempt to push the boundaries of scientific knowledge - something which Colgate has helped me strive towards. 
 

What’s coming up for you next year?

Interacting with professors at Colgate and listening to their stories of graduate school and their scientific careers made me set my heart on attending graduate school. My focus as an undergraduate student has always been with an eye toward graduate school and a career as a professional biochemist. I am currently on Colgate’s Bethesda Biomedical research-study group, which allows students to conduct research over the summer and fall semester at NIH, the country’s premier biomedical research facility. I am working at Dr. Katherine Roche’s lab, where my project involves understanding synaptic dysfunction that underlies neurodevelopmental disorders. The project will focus on the characterization of disease-associated rare variants identified in NMDA receptor genes. A better understanding of pathogenic variants in neurotransmitter receptor genes (such as NMDA receptor genes) will enlighten our knowledge of brain function and the resulting dysfunction that underlies neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism, intellectual disability, and epilepsy.
 

What is your favorite place on campus and why?

My favorite place on campus is most definitely Wynn 112, where Professor Goldberg’s laboratory is located. Professor Goldberg has been an anchor throughout my Colgate career - not only is he a brilliant mentor and advisor but an incredible individual who truly wants the best for his students. The lab-mates I have had the pleasure of knowing are akin to my scientific family at Colgate - I often spend up to 6 hours with them daily! For me, Colgate would not be Colgate without Professor Goldberg and his lab :) 

Another place I truly enjoy hanging out at is the Colgate Memorial Chapel basement, decked with comfortable bean bags and several musical practice rooms. It also happens to be the place where the Hindu Students Association (HSA) meets every Sunday. Serving as the President of HSA, my primary goal is to use the association as an accessible means of introducing the rich and valuable culture that I was brought up in, to other students across campus who may not necessarily be familiar with it. We plan several major events throughout the academic year, with the keystone celebrations of Holi and Diwali. Being the festivals of color and light respectively, I have helped lead planning to ensure that we can spread the metaphorical color and light across campus.

What advice would you give to future Colgate students?

You are at a very special place with a ton of very special people around you. Explore all the clubs and associations that Colgate has to offer and stick with those that are meaningful to you. You will surely find mentors and friends who will support you way beyond your time at Colgate! Embrace diversity and don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone -  it will only enrich your life experiences and help you find things that really interest you.