From Humans to Hounds: My Wild Ride Through Research Approval

This fall, I had an experience that was both challenging and unexpectedly pawsome. I started out with a big dream: I wanted to study GLP-1 genes in humans to understand how certain genetic variants might relate to metabolism. It sounded simple enough — until I ran into something called the IRB, or Institutional Review Board.

If you’ve never heard of the IRB, it’s basically a team that makes sure all research involving people is safe, fair, and ethical. They review everything — from consent forms to how you store data. But here’s where things got tricky: since I’m a minor, the IRB said I couldn’t conduct human-based genetic research, even with supervision.

At first, I was really disappointed. I had already spent weeks designing the project and planning out how I’d collect cheek swab samples from volunteers. I even practiced labeling tubes and preparing my materials! But instead of giving up, I decided to pivot.

That’s when I came up with a new idea: Why not study dogs instead?

Switching from humans to dogs opened a whole new world of science — and honestly, it turned out to be even more exciting. Unlike human DNA studies, animal genetic research dosn’t require most of the difficult work for IRB approval, which means fewer constraints and more room to explore. Plus, dogs share many genetic similarities with humans, making them a great model for understanding health and biology.

So, I redesigned my project to focus on identifying four specific GLP-1 gene variants in different dog breeds. I learned how to collect DNA samples safely, extract the genetic material, and analyze it to look for variations. It felt like solving a biological mystery — one base pair at a time!

Through this process, I discovered that science isn’t just about perfect experiments or smooth progress — it’s about adapting when things don’t go as planned. I had to learn about research ethics, DNA extraction, and even a little about veterinary science along the way.

Looking back, what started as a setback turned into one of the most rewarding parts of my project. I realized that sometimes the best discoveries happen when you take a detour — even if that detour is covered in fur and wagging its tail.

Until next time, stay curious — and remember, every great scientist knows how to turn a “no” into a new opportunity.