A Q&A with Biochemistry Pre-Med Major Scott Lirgg

Scott P. Lirgg
Biochemistry Pre-Med Major and Psychology Minor

In this conversation, Lirgg talks about his dedication and passion for Obstacle Course Racing, being Drum Major for the Razorback Marching Band, researching in the Kumar Lab, and what’s next after graduation. 

Q: Tell us a little about your academic passions, research and/or what you’re studying within the college. What excites you about this?

At the U of A I’m studying biochemistry and psychology. I always knew that I wanted to go to medical school, so that was a big influence on choosing my major.

I choose biochemistry because as I considered the subject, I found that it crossed a variety of disciplines and essentially tied together many of sciences. I also chose to study psychology because of how interesting I find the subject. There is so much we don’t know about the mind, and learning about these discoveries as they are taking place is exciting.  

I am doing research in the Kumar Lab where I am working on my project Delineating the Structural Forces Responsible for the High Stability and Enhanced Activity of SuperFGF (R136E/S61L). I am investigating how specific modifications lead to increased thermodynamic stability and bioactivity. 

This protein is essential for cell-to-cell signaling and cell proliferation; however, its mitogenic properties cannot be fully harnessed due to its low thermodynamic stability. This low stability leads to an ineffective application in various products.

I am testing a protein, R136E/S61L, to understand if these mutations are responsible for a higher stability and activity. The goal of my project is to test the protein R136E/S61L and see how stable it is, with the hope and goal of being able to put this into some product that could be bought, and applied, to heal wounds faster in times of need.

Q: How long have you been at Fulbright College? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?

I have been in the Fulbright College my entire tenure at the U of A. I really enjoy how there is a diverse search for knowledge. There are so many different subject areas, each with amazing professors, knowledgeable in their own area. 

The Fulbright College has also provided its students with outstanding scholarships and grants to assist in furthering academic advancement. I think that this empowerment of students has been what I enjoyed most about Fulbright College. 

Q: What has your favorite class been so far and why?

I have had several classes that I have loved at my time at the U of A, from the H2P program, to my summer abroad with Health Teams Abroad, but I feel that my most rewarding academic class I have taken was honors Biochemistry 1 with Dr. Kumar. 

He is an amazing teacher, and I believe that anyone who takes this class and puts in the effort required will learn more in that semester than they have in any other class – at least that’s how it was for me. Dr. Kumar lays out exactly what students need to know for his class, as well as what is needed for future academic successes, such as the MCAT.  

My favorite class however is marching band. Having served as the Drum Major for the Razorback Marching Band for three years has been an honor and a dream. I have always been in band going all the way back to seventh grade and beginner band, and I knew from my first marching season that I had a passion for being the leader of the band. 

I served as Drum Major for three years of my four years in high school and three of my 4 years here. This class allows me to hone my leadership potential as well as create amazing shows for every football game. 

But the Razorback Marching Band is more than a class, it’s a family.

For many students Epley (the band hall) becomes a second home, always filled with students enjoying each other’s company between classes. If I am having a packed and stressful week in the classroom I know that as soon as I get to band I can relax and focus on something completely different than I do the rest of the day. 

Q: What advice would you give to new students about to join the college?

I would say that the most important thing to do when you get to college is find somewhere to get plugged in. Whether that be the band, Greek life, one of the church groups on campus, or one of the many RSOs, finding somewhere where you can thrive outside the classroom will make the college experience that much better!

Q: What do you like to do during your time outside of the university?

I have several passions and hobbies that I partake in when I’m not in class. Like I spoke about earlier, band is a huge portion of my life and I spend a lot of time there. 

I also enjoy golfing, running, leading two small church groups on Wednesday and Sunday nights, doing research, volunteering at Welcome Health in Fayetteville, being the vice president of Kappa Kappa Psi, and hanging out with my friends. 

Over the last several years I have been training for the Obstacle Course Racing (ORC) World Championships. After finishing third in an Oklahoma City qualifying race of more than 2,500 runners this past May, I qualified for the OCR World Championships in London in October.

I am super excited to represent Team USA in this race. I train for around two hours a day alternating between running, lifting and general OCR practice. I have had so much support throughout my training and can’t wait to compete in London. 

You can check out my whole story on GoFundMe or on my Facebook page.  

Q: When do you anticipate graduating, and what’s up next on the horizon for you?

I’ll be graduating at the end of this academic year. Right now, I am in the process of applying to different medical schools, so after this year I will be off to one of those schools. 

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to add or let readers know?

I would just say that when you are here, be sure to take advantage of every opportunity that you have because you will only get this experience once in your life.