University: Montana Tech of the University of Montana
Hometown: Sand Coulee, MT
NIH Research Project:
In Situ Imaging of Immune Responses
Mentor: Ronald N. Germain, M.D., Ph.D.
Laboratory of Immunology
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
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I've always been curious about the world, asking myself, "How does this work?" or, "Can I use this to help someone or improve something?" My interest in science started at a young age and has taken root in the research field.
I am currently a senior majoring in chemistry at Montana Tech of the University of Montana.
As this final undergraduate year approaches, I am so thankful for the many opportunities afforded me throughout the years. The "research door" revealed itself as I conducted molecular biology research at McLaughlin Research Institute from 1995 to 1998. As a high school senior, this door was unlocked with an acceptance into the UGSP. Not only could my research interests be further cultivated in cutting-edge labs with the best mentors, but also the financial burdens of college would be lifted.
I worked in a medicinal chemistry lab during my first two college years, and this past year, I worked as a chemistry/biology intern for Montec, a biotechnology company. During my last two summers at NIH, I trained with Dr. John W. Daly's Pharmacodynamics Section in the Laboratory of Bioorganic Chemistry of the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. I was involved in analysis of alkaloids found in Argentinean toads and assisted in the synthesis of four nicotinic agonists originally developed for treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
This summer, I am training in Dr. Ronald Germain's Laboratory of Immunology in the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on the synthesis of a caged gadolinium contrast agent for in vitro visualization of the immune response using MRI technology.
This fall I will be applying to a number of doctoral programs in immunology and pharmacology. |
