University: University of Wisconsin, Madison
Hometown: Overland Park, KS
NIH Research Project:
Effect of Multiple Structured Therapy Interruptions on HIV Envelope Evolution: Implication for Immunopathogenesis
Mentor: Mark Dybul, M.D. Laboratory of Immunoregulation National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
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I am originally from Kansas where I attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence my freshman year. However, my interest in molecular virology brought me to the University of Wisconsin at Madison. I am currently a senior, anxiously awaiting the completion of my majors in molecular biology and genetics. During the academic year I work in the laboratory of Dr. Ann C. Palmenberg who is interested in all aspects of picornavirology. Picornaviruses are members of a family of viruses that includes the virus that causes polio.
While at the University of Wisconsin at Madison I have had more opportunities than I thought possible. These opportunities may not have been realized without the help of the UGSP. I am now in my second summer with the UGSP, and I am working alongside Dr. Mark Dybul and Marybeth Daucher in the Laboratory of Immunoregulation of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases. This laboratory conducts clinical research and trials concerning HIV and AIDS. I am currently researching changes in the HIV genome as a result of intermittent, highly active antiretroviral therapy to evaluate if rebounding HIV comes from HIV that was hidden in a single pool or in a variety of different areas or systems throughout the body. The support of the students, faculty, and mentors of the UGSP has been a tremendous help to me on the path to achieving my long-term goal of continued research in HIV/AIDS and as an M.D./Ph.D. |