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What's it like spending a summer in a research lab? It's not always about breakthroughs; often, the steady progress and teamwork make the biggest difference. This summer Zamzam Youssuf, an honors biochemistry undergraduate student going into her second year, looked into sustainable fiber production, discovering firsthand how detailed scientific work leads to practical solutions.

“This position has strengthened my ability to solve problems, adapt when things don't go as planned and communicate findings clearly,” Zamzam told us in this interview. Read on for more about what made their work rewarding, lessons learned and the valuable skills gained that extend beyond the lab.

Meet Zamzam Youssuf.

What's your favourite part about your summer research activities? Did anything surprise you?

My favourite part has been sharing my weekly results during team meetings. It’s rewarding to see how my work fits into the bigger picture and contributes to the overall progress. What surprised me most was how collaborative and supportive the research environment is; feedback is always constructive and encourages growth. It’s been especially fulfilling to apply that feedback and see real improvements in my experiments week to week.

Was there a particular moment or influence that sparked your interest in this work?

After being offered this position, what really drew me in was reading past papers on the project and then seeing those same steps come to life in the lab. It was incredible to witness how sustainable fiber production brings together chemistry, engineering and environmental science in such a practical way.

Working on solvent recovery and fiber optimization has made me appreciate how research can directly shape real-world solutions.

What skills or experiences have been most valuable to you in this work?

One of the most valuable skills I’ve gained is learning how to conduct experiments systematically, from recording observations accurately to analyzing data critically.

I’ve also gained hands-on experience with lab techniques such as Fourier Transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analysis and CHNS (Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Sulfur) testing.

Beyond all these technical skills, this position has strengthened my ability to solve problems, adapt when things don't go as planned and communicate findings clearly, both in writing and in presentations.

What advice would you give to someone considering working in this field and/or taking up summer research?

Don’t be afraid to ask questions, even the ones that feel “stupid.” Clear communication is essential when working in a team, so speak up and engage with others.

It can feel overwhelming at first, especially when things don’t make sense, but take the time to read articles, shadow team members and connect theory with practice.

Go at your own pace and remember that this is a learning experience — trust yourself and embrace the process.