What attracted you to the Seifert Scholars program?
I was attracted to the Seifert Scholars program because it gave me the opportunity to continue my research in Dr. Temesvari’s lab over the summer. It offers undergraduates a valuable chance to work in EPIC, gaining extended time in the lab, access to advanced equipment, and opportunities to collaborate with both researchers and fellow undergraduates.
What is your research?
Acanthamoeba castellanii is an amoeba that causes blinding corneal and retinal infections known as Acanthamoeba keratitis (AK). The parasite causes apoptosis of tissue in the eye and the production of cytokines. The current treatment of applying topical eyedrops is ineffective and damages the host tissue along with the parasite. Thymosin β4 (Tβ4) promotes cell proliferation in corneal cells and has been shown in the Temesvari laboratory to reduce parasite-damage to host cells. However, the laboratory has also seen that Tβ4 does not protect cell monolayers by killing the parasite. My project is looking at the release of cytokines by corneal cells when exposed to the parasite and when exposed to Tβ4 to investigate if the Tβ4 could contribute to monolayer production by inhibiting the release of cytokines.
What has been the impact of the Seifert Scholars on your career?
As a Seifert Scholar, I have been able to learn new techniques which includes; ELISAs, fluorescence cell staining, and flow cytometry. The program has given me the opportunity to work in Dr. Temesvaris lab over the summer where I have been given the opportunity to complete my own project, learn more about the health of the human eye, and given access to equipment and space that has furthered my experience.
What is the next step of your career?
After graduation I plan to continue my education in medical school. I hope to expand my knowledge and continue to do research, possibly as a physician scientist in order to come up with the best possible choices to help improve the health of individuals in my community.