M. Paul Murphy Research Faculty Mentor of the Month
May Research Faculty Mentor of the Month
Dr. M. Paul Murphy is a professor in the College of Medicine Department of Molecular & Cellular Biochemistry. Dr. Murphy started his undergraduate degree at the University of Toronto studying biochemistry. Post-graduation, he would go on to earn his Masters in psychology and then earn his PhD in neuroscience, both from the University of Toronto. Dr. Murphy also holds the title of program co-director at the SuRE Resource Center.
Throughout the last year, he has mentored seven undergraduate students. Most of Dr. Murphy’s research lab is centered around an age-related disease, Alzheimer’s disease. “These days, most of our work is on sleep and Alzheimer's disease. I generally start students off with a shared project, and then after they've been around for a while, I let them work more on their own,” stated Dr. Murphy. Last year, he was able to take his lab to Sweden, where four UK undergraduates presented their research at the International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases. “He inspires all of us daily to do our best work and makes it so that we love doing what we do. He inspires a great environment to work in and do research in,” said one of Dr. Murphy’s mentees.
“The best thing about having undergraduates is the energy they bring to the lab, as well as their curiosity about everything,” said Dr. Murphy. “It helps to keep me sharp, since I always have to be ready to show a new person in the lab something that I may not have done for a while!” Dr. Murphy also noted that a quality he looks for in potential undergrad researchers is enthusiasm.
Dr. Murphy participated in undergraduate research, much like his mentees. “I worked as an undergraduate in my doctoral advisor's lab - it was what made me decide to go into graduate school, and to work with her,” Dr. Murphy describes. “It was a completely off the wall project on the structure of part of the bird brain and the hippocampus in chicadees.” Although the research didn’t take off like expected, he still credits it for teaching him patience throughout the experience.
“Test the waters, and ask around,” advised Dr. Murphy to students who are interested in getting involved with research. “Don't be afraid to step outside your comfort area, and work on something that you know very little about. That's what experience is for!” He also encourages those interested in research to reach out to students already involved. Students can share experiences with each other, but don’t be afraid to try something different or unexpected.
Thank you Dr. Murphy for your continued support of undergraduate research at the University of Kentucky. We are pleased to recognize your commitment and dedication as the Research Faculty Mentor of the Month.
Learn more about Dr. Murphy: medicine.uky.edu/users/mpmurp3