1. Who are you doing research with this summer and what kind of research project are you doing?

I am doing research with Dr. Holaska this summer. Our project is focused on the interplay of the LEM-domain protein Emerin, in the coordination of proper temporal gene expression throughout myoblast growth and differentiation. Mutations in the EMD gene, which encodes for emerin, cause Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy. The subsequent loss of emerin is hypothesized to cause improper differentiation and thus improper repair of myofibers. The mechanism for which emerin plays a part in Emery-Dreifuss muscular dystrophy is still under investigation.

2. What do you find fascinating in the research that you’re doing?

I have a huge fascination in epigenetics and the fields of personalized medicine. Over the past two years working with Dr. Holaska investigating how the expression and localization of genes and gene promoters respectively, can play a role in effective muscle repair and differentiation is quite fascinating. It is also quite overwhelming how highly regulated the process of muscle repair actually is.

3. What skills are you learning through the USURF experience?

The main technical lab skill I am learning this summer is Western Blotting. Aside from the technical, I am learning what goes into the process of preparing to publish as well as learning some more statistical analysis methods to review our data.

4. What are the challenges you’re encountering in your research?

Cells! Using living organisms such as myoblasts has been quite the challenge. The particular cell line we are using are quite the picky eater, so making certain to use proper tissue culture technique as well as using the exact same everything test-to-test to ensure as consistent results as possible

5. How is your USURF experience impacting the way you view your field?

Being able to work in a university lab has definitely opened my eyes to the grit of research, most especially in the field of epigenetics. Additionally, being in the lab setting every day has shown me what it takes to keep a lab running. Most importantly though is the research experience, sine I plan to attend a graduate program working toward, some day, conducting research to advance the field of personalized medicine.

6. Tell us something interesting about yourself.

Outside of the lab I like to continually try new things and am a bit of an ‘adrenaline junkie’. My outside-the-lab activities include anything from indoor rock climbing, playing guitar, attending rock concerts, and playing basketball, to cliff jumping.