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

I am doing research with Dr. Bela Peethambaran in the Biological Sciences Department. We are working on testing a plant extract, Myrothamnus flabellifolius, on acute myeloid leukemia multi-drug resistant cells in order to see its cytotoxic effects.

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

The most fascinating part of the research I am doing is the potential benefit of this plant. In South Africa currently, this plant is incorporated into a tea and used as a home remedy. We previously saw the plant’s cytotoxic effects on leukemia cells. With this, we hope that this plant can serve as a prophylaxis to common cancer therapies to reduce the harmful side effects.

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

Through the USURF experience, I have learned important critical thinking skills in addition to laboratory techniques. I have used these skills to design and improve my experiments. I have also been able to use these critical thinking skills outside of the lab in my schoolwork and in my other experiences.

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

In my research, one challenge is taking care of my cells. They are very sensitive so it is a huge responsibility to make sure I am checking on them every day.

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

Researching with the USURF grant makes me even more interested in Biology. I learned so much new information, more than from the classroom, through research and reading papers. I have also used research to connect what I learned in the classroom to broader applications.

6. Tell us something interesting about yourself.

An interesting fact about myself is that I am a classical Indian dancer, and I have been dancing since I was in third grade.