ASU graduate pursues PhD to understand how the world works on a deeper level

This profile is part of a series showcasing alumni of the School of Molecular Sciences.

Ryan Muller graduated from ASU with a Bachelor of Science degree in medicinal biochemistry with a focus on molecular biosciences and biotechnology in 2015. A graduate of Barrett, The Honors College at Arizona State University, Muller is currently a third-year graduate student in University of California-Berkeley's molecular and cell biology program.

We asked Muller some questions about his student experience at ASU and how his undergraduate career here helped prepare him for his current work in academia and research. Muller is broadly interested in RNA biology and specifically studies mRNA translation regulation and ribosome quality control. He uses a combination of classic biochemistry and computational methods in his research.

Question: Why or how did you choose your current career path?

Answer: I chose to pursue a PhD as part of a larger goal toward professorship because I am interested in understanding how the world works on a deeper level. My career trajectory gives me the freedom to answer interesting questions, to use cutting-edge techniques, and to interact and discuss ideas with fellow scientists.

Q: How did your undergraduate experience in the School of Molecular Sciences at ASU prepare you for your current career path?

A: ASU was quite supportive of my interests in science and research. I took the opportunity to explore classes outside of my comfort zone and engage in research early in my undergraduate career. With an early start in research and a wealth of support from faculty and peers alike, I was able to build a strong foundation that set me up to excel in academic research.

Q: What is it like applying your degree in a new area?

A: It is at once both exciting and daunting. In research, the answers often cannot be found in a textbook, because they simply don't exist yet. I strive to use what I have learned in my degree to piece together what has yet to be discovered.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories of ASU, academic, research, or otherwise?

A: During my freshman and sophomore year at ASU, I had the opportunity to participate in iGEM, a synthetic biology research competition. iGEM was my first taste of independent research and I cherished the freedom to design and implement a synthetic biology strategy with real-world impact. My favorite memories of the iGEM experience were the conferences, where I had the chance to present my work and interact with synthetic biology researchers. Our team even won a gold medal at the competition!

Q: What is your advice for current students in the School of Molecular Sciences who are thinking of pursuing a career path similar to yours?

A: Research develops a new way of thinking about problems in your field that goes beyond the standard coursework and naturally sets you up well for a career in academia. My advice is 1) Get involved in research — the earlier the better. 2) Don't get discouraged if a professor turns you down; there are a plethora of labs at ASU with exciting research and an interest in training undergraduates. 3) Explore and utilize all the resources ASU has to offer (For example, pursuing funds available for traveling and presenting research; listening to invited speakers and seminar series for nearly all the science sub-disciplines; asking for advice from the ASU staff members who are hired specifically to investigate competitive research scholarships and provide advice and application edits; taking advantage of a number of programs at ASU that will provide research stipends; and many others.)

Q: What would you tell a prospective ASU student that they need to know about studying in the School of Molecular Sciences at ASU?

A: Like most things worth doing in life, working towards a degree from the School of Molecular Sciences is hard work. That being said, if you're proactive and not shy about asking for help, there are abundant resources and people more than willing to offer their assistance to help you reach your goals. Success in the School of Molecular Sciences is about becoming an independent learner while also understanding how to network for resources and opportunities along the way. If you are interested in understanding how nature works at the molecular scale and are willing to put in the necessary work, the School of Molecular Sciences will be a good fit for you.