In data-intensive research, effective methods for accessing, organizing, and sharing information are critical to powering scientific discovery. A Michigan State University IT student employee is doing just that, bringing technical expertise directly into the research lab to help researchers work more efficiently and collaboratively.
Caleb Hess/MSU-DOE Plant Research Lab
Dong Duong presents the GreenCut Database at the University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum.
Dong Duong, a member of MSU IT’s Research Cyberinfrastructure team, recently presented his work at the University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF). His project highlights how student talent, mentorship, and real-world collaboration can create meaningful impact for researchers across campus.
This year, Dong partnered with the MSU-DOE Plant Research Laboratory, working with Dr. Berkley Walker and his colleagues to address a complex challenge.
“We wanted to bring together a bunch of data on a common set of genes involved in photosynthesis,” Walker said. “Doing it in an easily searchable way got complicated very quickly.”
The research team, which spans six labs, was managing gene-related data across multiple spreadsheets. This made it difficult to organize and analyze highly interconnected information, limiting both efficiency and collaboration.
Working closely with researchers, Dong developed the GreenCut Database, a centralized web application that brings together data from multiple labs into a single dashboard.
The platform allows researchers to explore plant gene data, manage files and attachments, visualize experimental results, and collaborate more effectively across teams. Built as an Okta-integrated portal, the system provides secure access while aligning with MSU’s technology environment.
Throughout the project, Dong worked closely with researchers throughout the project to understand their scientific workflows and translate their needs into practical, user-friendly features. At the same time, he expanded his technical skillset by leveraging modern cloud technologies and adapting to new approaches for organizing complex biological data.
The GreenCut Database is already delivering value.
By streamlining workflows and centralizing data, the platform reduces administrative burden and helps researchers spend more time focused on scientific discovery. It also creates a shared resource that supports collaboration across labs, making it easier to work with large and interconnected datasets.
The platform’s impact extends beyond the original project. It has already been included in grant proposals, helping support future research initiatives and demonstrating the long-term value of the solution.
Ryan Mosley provided project management and mentorship throughout the effort, helping coordinate stakeholders and guide the project’s direction. Through that support, Dong gained valuable real-world experience while contributing to meaningful research outcomes.
“Dong was introduced to the GreenCutDB project through the RCI (Research Cyberinfrastructure) Student Mentoring Program,” Mosley said. “Dong did a wonderful job taking the plant gene data and organizing it into a relational database with a cohesive front-end website to help the PRL track and plan future research projects.”
Dong’s presentation at UURAF gave him an opportunity to share both the technical accomplishments and research impact of the project with the broader MSU community.
The project demonstrates how student employees can make meaningful contributions to the university’s research enterprise. By connecting students with real research challenges, MSU IT provides hands-on learning opportunities while helping researchers develop new tools that accelerate discovery and advance MSU’s research mission.
