In my CURE-based research project, student teams investigate how small RNA pathway genes/proteins in Tetrahymena thermophila respond to DNA damage induced by MMS and hydroxyurea, testing the hypothesis that genes important for the sRNA pathway will show damage-responsive changes in expression. Conducted in collaboration with Dr. Suzanne Lee through the NW Tetrahymena CURE Consortium, the project lets students generate novel, non–pre-determined results that contribute to a broader multi-institution research effort. Over the semester, students experience an authentic research workflow through structured updates and group work, including journal club/lab meeting presentations, iterative troubleshooting supported by lab manuals, peer review and revision, and culminating in a full research-style manuscript and presentation of findings.
keywords
Education, Tetrahymena, Molecular Biology
Teaching
courses taught
BCHM 4720 - Metabolic Pathways and Human Disease
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2024
Covers energy metabolism and anabolic/catabolic pathways; metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids; photosynthesis; special topics on human diseases with pathologies and metabolic pathways. Formerly CHEM 4720. Same as BCHM 5720.
BCHM 5720 - Metabolic Pathways and Human Disease
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2024
Covers energy metabolism and anabolic/catabolic pathways; metabolism of carbohydrates, lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids; photosynthesis; special topics on human diseases with pathologies and metabolic pathways. Formerly CHEM 5720. Same as BCHM 4720.
CHEM 3311 - Organic Chemistry 1
Primary Instructor
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Fall 2024
Intended primarily for nonmajors. Topics include structure and reactions of alkanes, alkenes, alkynes, alkyl halides, and aromatic molecules; nomenclature of organic compounds; stereochemistry; reaction mechanisms and dynamics. Department enforced corequisite: CHEM 3321. Degree credit not granted for this course and CHEM 3451.
MCDB 3140 - Cell Biology Laboratory
Primary Instructor
-
Spring 2025 / Fall 2025 / Spring 2026
Provides laboratory experience using microscopy, bioinformatics, DNA isolation, PCR and gel electrophoresis to study cell biology and gene expression in a model organism. Students will learn research skills such as interpreting data and planning experiments. Recommended corequisite: MCDB 3135 or MCDB 3145.
MCDB 3145 - Cell Biology
Primary Instructor
-
Fall 2025
Examines intracellular mechanisms, including transport of ions and small molecules across membranes; protein targeting to organelles; membrane trafficking between organelles; signal transduction; the cytoskeleton; and the cell cycle. Recommended prerequisite or corequisite: MCDB 3140 concurrent with either this class or MCDB 3135.
