Bridging the gap between lab coats and beer mugs

Cancer research isn’t just for labs or textbooks, Cody Morrison, a third-year PhD candidate in the Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology program, made it the topic of a lively barroom conversation. Morrison recently stepped out of the lab and into a Grand Rapids bar to share his research with the public at "Science on Tap,” an event that challenges scientists to explain their work to non-experts in an engaging and comprehensible way. 

Morrison’s presentation focused on his research with Cynthia Damer, Ph.D., working with amoebas, tiny organisms that serve as effective models for understanding human cancer biology. His team studies copine proteins which regulate many aspects of cells, and when the protein function is disrupted, cancer can result. While human copines remain poorly understood, Morrison hopes the insights gained from amoebas will bridge the knowledge gap, potentially paving the way for new cancer treatments and medicines. 

To make his research relatable Morrison avoided complex jargon. He also incorporated creative props, distributing sticky notes to audience members throughout the bar at the beginning of his presentation. At the end of his talk, he had the audience crumple the sticky notes, symbolizing effective cancer treatment 

Despite his preparation, Morrison admitted it wasn’t easy to simplify scientific concepts for an audience with high school-level science backgrounds. “I thought it would be straightforward, but staying surface-level was more difficult than I expected,” he said. The event was a personal milestone, as family and friends finally grasped the impact of his work. "The point of science is sharing," Morrison said, “and it’s important to close the gap between researchers and the public.”