How I found my research: Grayson Jacey seeks to help make important medicines more accessible

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Grayson Jacey, a junior at Virginia Commonwealth University, has already enjoyed a rich array of research opportunities during his time as an undergraduate - and that's by design.

"My academic path has been shaped by a strong interest in research," he said.

Jacey is pursuing a dual degree in chemical and life science engineering in the College of Engineering and in chemistry in the College of Humanities and Sciences, and he has embraced research opportunities not only within the College of Engineering and the Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs at VCU but during two co-op terms with DuPont and while abroad in India and Germany. Most recently, Jacey was awarded a Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship to support upcoming summer research at the University of Bonn.

VCU News caught up with Jacey to learn about his passion for research and his ongoing work in the catalysis lab of Frank Gupton, Ph.D., Floyd D. Gottwald Jr. Chair in the Department of Chemical and Life Science Engineering and founder of the Medicines for All Institute, which is improving global access to lifesaving medicines.

In two sentences, tell us the focus of your research ... and why it is important/impactful for all of us.

My research at VCU focuses on synthesizing more cost-effective palladium catalysts used in Suzuki cross-coupling, which is an important reaction for medicines like Losartan and Lenacapavir. Palladium costs around $1,600 per troy ounce and contributes significantly to the price of manufacturing these lifesaving drugs, so finding ways to improve catalyst performance and reduce the amount of palladium needed would make these medicines more affordable to produce.

What inspired you to pursue this line of research?

I was drawn to this research because it combined engineering, chemistry and the opportunity to make a practical difference. My dad is a doctor, so I grew up with an appreciation for health care and the role it plays in people's lives. Even though I never saw myself becoming a doctor, I still wanted to contribute to that field in some way. Over time, I realized I was more interested in the scientific and engineering side of medicine, especially how drugs are developed and made.

Joining Dr. Gupton's catalysis lab during my freshman year at VCU gave me that opportunity. Through the lab's close connection with the Medicines for All Institute, I was able to see how catalysis research can support more efficient pharmaceutical synthesis and improve access to important medicines.

Tell us about a surprise in your research journey.

A major surprise has been realizing how far one opportunity can take you. When I first joined Dr. Gupton's catalysis lab, I mainly viewed it as a chance to explore an academic interest. I did not expect that experience to lead to so many other opportunities.

After spending about a year in the lab, I was able to leverage that experience into a co-op with DuPont, where I learned how research skills can transfer into a real-world setting. From there, I was also able to pursue international research experiences in India and in Germany.

What surprised me most is that beginning with one specific interest ended up helping me build a much wider range of technical, professional and personal skills than I ever expected.

Tell us about an obstacle or challenge you had to overcome in your work.

One challenge I faced was during a summer REU (the National Science Foundation's Research Experiences for Undergraduates program) in Dr. Gupton's catalysis lab, when I was designing a reactor to test a newly developed catalyst. I spent hours running experiments and trying to optimize the system, but after multiple runs, I still did not see the data I was hoping for. That was frustrating, especially because I had invested so much time into the project.

I realized that research is not only about getting positive results. It is also about learning what does not work, and sometimes proving the null hypothesis. Although the original results were disappointing, I learned a great deal from the process, and I am now applying that reactor design experience to a different project with much more confidence.

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

One memorable lesson is the value of learning from experienced mentors. Throughout my undergraduate experience, I have been fortunate to work with mentors who challenged me and helped me grow. In particular, Simon Friedrich, the Ph.D. student I work with in the catalysis lab, has taught me a great deal about research, troubleshooting and approaching problems. As an undergraduate researcher, that mindset has helped me grow more quickly by learning from others' experience instead of only from my own mistakes.

What do you find fulfilling about the research process?

There is always something new to learn. I especially enjoy being able to take concepts from my chemical engineering coursework and apply them in a hands-on way through experiments. One of my favorite experiences was using a CSTR (continuously stirred-tank reactor) because we had learned about designing those kinds of reactors in class.

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

Ask and to be direct. A lot of opportunities begin with a simple conversation or email. When I was first looking for research experience, I reached out to professors whose work interested me and made an effort to speak with them directly. That is how I eventually connected with Dr. Gupton and joined his lab.

You do not need to have everything figured out before you begin. The most important step is being willing to ask and take initiative. One of my mentors once told me, "The best time to weed a garden was yesterday. The second best time is now." I think the same is true for research.