What is your professional background?
I am a junior at The Westminster Schools in Atlanta, and a Duke TiP scholar in Biological and Chemical Sciences. I was also one of three students in Dr. Kasia Kaufman’s Research Methods: Biology Lab Internship, where we recreated Bargmann et al’s chemotaxis experiment working exclusively with C. elegans.
In what division do you work, and who is your mentor?
I was chosen for the Cardiology Research Internship in the Division of Cardiology under the tutelage of Dr. Kathy Griendling. I had the opportunity to work with each of the researchers in Dr. Griendling’s lab, including Elizabeth Faidley, Drs. Bernard Lassegue, Marina Sorrentino-Hernandes, Steven Forrester, Elena Dolmatova, and, of course, Kathy Griendling.
Briefly describe your research. Why is it important?
My own personal project, completed with the help of Elizabeth Faidley and Dr. Steven Forrester, was to determine the part of the Poldip2 gene that codes for the localization of the protein by tagging the different constructs with GFP and staining the nucleus, cytoskeleton, and mitochondria. In the course of this project, I applied numerous lab skills, such as Western blots, Bradford assays, transfections, sterile technique, pipetting, and cell culture. The pictures of the cells that expressed the different constructs showed that most of the constructs had localized to the mitochondria, except for one which did not contain the mitochondrial targeting peptide; however, we also noticed a change in the morphology of the mitochondria. Considering all of this protein’s functions in the mitochondria, further exploration of how this protein impacts the mitochondria could lead to new discoveries about the way the powerhouse of the cell operates.
What did you like most about your time at Emory, and how did it inspire you toward your future goals?
My time at Emory has been very fulfilling, and I have learned a lot about what it means to be a researcher and the many skills it takes to be one, which makes me eager to start a career in science and, particularly, research. My favorite thing about my time at Emory was how open and helpful everyone was by taking time out of their days to explain everything to me and answering my endless questions about anything and everything.
What is your favorite book, movie, or TV show?
My favorite TV show is Parks and Recreation, because I think it is the funniest show ever.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
After school, I love to run on the trail at Westminster, listen to music, go to concerts, and hang out with my friends at spots around town.
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