During a special event on Thursday, Nov. 9, the Morgridge Institute welcomed a group of enthusiastic, science-curious donors and supporters into our collegial environment to explore “fearless science” first-hand.
Morgridge Investigator Jing Fan and her team opened their lab doors to give guests a closer look at the fascinating world of metabolism. In her opening remarks, she emphasized how metabolism is fundamental to life — every cell in every living organism requires this process. The attendees learned that from this process branches many diverse questions and opportunities for interdisciplinary research approaches.
“I really enjoyed the curiosity that people had,” says graduate student Steve John. “Their eyes were lighting up when I showed them cells, and it just kind of reinforces that there’s more to what I’m doing than just simply the day to day of the lab—it does have a bigger picture.”
Guests interacted with Fan Lab scientists at several different stations, including an introduction to immune cells, a crash course in chromatography, and discussions about potential biomedical applications.
“The group I was with were smart and interested in what they were learning,” says Jacquelyn Fredrick, Morgridge Board of Trustees chair. “They were particularly enthusiastic when the scientists translated the information into the patient possibilities.”
View photos of the event below.
Members of the Fan Lab (L to R: Crystal Qing, Steve John, Jorgo Lika, Nick Arp, James Votova, Emily Huncosky, Jing Fan) 
Morgridge Investigator Jing Fan gives her opening remarks. 
Attendees conduct a chromatography experiment comparing the composition of pen ink and candy coating dye. 
Lab members use a model arm to explain the blood draw procedures used to collect samples. 
Jorgo Lika explains methods using immune cell metabolism to study disease. 
Nick Arp gives a crash course in chromatography. 
The results of the chromatography experiment. 
A guest practices her pipetting skills. 
Steve John describes how the lab images different immune cells. 
James Votova walks attendees through the methods he uses in neutrophil experiments. 
Emily Huncosky gives a primer on the power of metabolism research. 
Crystal Qing explains methods used to study neutrophil function.