How I found my research: Liam Babcock savors the challenges and lessons of discovery

By Tom Gresham

Liam Babcock is spending his senior year at Virginia Commonwealth University juggling coursework with his responsibilities in two research labs on the health sciences campus, and he couldn't be happier about it. Babcock, a biology major in the College of Humanities and Sciences, said simultaneously working in two labs focused on human health has helped him recognize how much he enjoys the process of discovery and appreciates the chance to make a real-world impact.

"From designing experiments to analyzing results, every small step teaches me something new," Babcock said. "It's exciting to see ideas become reality, especially knowing that my work could one day restore quality of life to people who need it."

Babcock earned second place among the undergraduate poster presentations at the Carolina Cannabinoid Collaborative conference last year, and he also received second-place recognition in the undergraduate poster presentation category at the Research to Recovery conference in Richmond in May. He conducted research in the Lichtman laboratory at VCU this summer through a VCU Undergraduate Research and Creative Scholarship Summer Fellowship.

Babcock, who is minoring chemistry and pre-medicine, is applying to Ph.D. programs and hopes one day to be a university professor with his own research lab. He shared what has made his research experiences so meaningful with VCU News.

Tell us the focus of your research, and why it is important.

In the laboratory of Aron H. Lichtman, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology and toxicology in the School of Medicine, I investigate the endogenous cannabinoid system, with an emphasis on its role in drug addiction, chronic pain and other disorders of the nervous system.

I am completing an undergraduate thesis project exploring novel therapies to improve prostate cancer treatment, in the lab of Paul B. Fisher, Ph.D., professor and Thelma Newmeyer Corman Chair in Oncology in the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and director of the VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, and Swadesh K. Das, Ph.D., associate professor in the Department of Cellular, Molecular and Genetic Medicine and member of the MCCC and VIMM.

What inspired you to pursue this line of research?

I first became interested in developing and testing therapeutics after reading books on emerging biomedical research. Wanting to get involved in research myself, I spoke with several professors about how to find my interests and get started in a lab. This led me to join the Lichtman lab, where I have developed a strong interest in chronic pain and inflammation research.

After more than a year in the Lichtman lab, I became particularly interested in one of the chronic pain conditions my research focuses on, chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, making me curious about therapeutic strategies that could also address the cancer itself. Wanting to study cancer treatments that go beyond relying solely on drugs, I joined the Fisher lab.

Liam Babcock (second from left) feels fortunate to have been mentored by (from left) Aron H. Lichtman, Ph.D., professor of pharmacology and toxicology; Paul B. Fisher, Ph.D., professor and Thelma Newmeyer Corman Chair in Oncology in the VCU Massey Comprehensive Cancer Center and director of the VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine; and Swadesh K. Das, Ph.D., associate professor of cellular, molecular and genetic medicine and member of the MCCC and VIMM. (Jonathan Mehring, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

Tell us about a surprise in your research journey.

I was surprised to see just how much work I can handle as a full-time student while working simultaneously in two labs. These experiences have helped me develop a wide range of skills, including, but not limited to, designing and performing experiments, interpreting data, collaboration, scientific communication, teaching and adapting to different working styles.

What is an obstacle or challenge you have had to overcome in your work?

Balancing school with lab work has been challenging from the start, and I think it is for most people. Managing coursework and running experiments, all while maintaining a work-life balance, requires careful planning, time management and learning how to prioritize tasks effectively. To combat these challenges, I take breaks from school and lab work when needed, use a calendar to organize my days, and, most importantly, plan for setbacks, which allows me to easily handle failure when it happens.

Is there a memorable partnership or lesson you've embraced along the way?

One of the greatest lessons I've learned throughout my research journey is just how much the people around you matter. A supportive, collaborative team can elevate everyone's work, while a group that doesn't work well together can hold everyone back. This lesson applies not only to the lab members but also to professors working together on collaborative research projects, and it's something I will carry with me throughout my career as a scientist.

What advice would you offer undergrads to kick-start their own research journeys?

Getting your foot in the door is the hardest part. Find what research you are interested in, talk to professors teaching your courses, and most importantly, don't be afraid to contact professors about doing research in their lab. Your research experience will be full of trial and error, but your tenacity and passion will carry you through it.