Jumping Down the Rabbit Hole: Lessons from an Unconventional Scientific Journey

Pablo Palafox explores the people, opportunities and experiences that shape a scientific career in this presentation examining the important roles that mentors, institutions, professional organizations and scientific conferences play in academic and professional development. Along the way, the realities of pursuing a career in science — including unexpected challenges, setbacks and opportunities — are contrasted with common expectations about the scientific path.

The seminar also highlights undergraduate research in computational chemistry focused on the development of potential anticancer molecules. The Palafox research group investigates compounds designed to inhibit monocarboxylate transporters, proteins that help cancer cells manage their energy metabolism. By blocking these transporters, researchers hope to disrupt processes that cancer cells rely on for survival. Using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations, undergraduate researchers study how candidate molecules interact with these proteins and identify promising compounds for further investigation.

This talk shows how students at the College of St. Scholastica can contribute to meaningful scientific research. Undergraduate members of the group have consistently presented their findings at American Chemical Society National Meetings, and in 2025, Allison Pursley (mentee) received the ACS Undergraduate Computational Chemistry Poster Award.

The presentation concludes with reflections on the value of mentorship, perseverance and undergraduate research in building successful scientific careers.