The Amgen Scholars Program

LeeAnn Allen
Institution: Scripps College
Faculty Mentor: Dustin Maly, Chemistry

LeeAnn is a rising senior at Scripps College in Claremont, California. She is majoring in biochemistry with an art conservation minor. At Scripps, she studies vaccines using the tobacco mosaic virus as a scaffold. Earlier this summer, LeeAnn had the opportunity to research vaccines for Lumpy Skin Disease in Gaborone, Botswana. This summer, LeeAnn is working in the Maly Lab studying the conformations and functions of kinases. Back in Claremont, LeeAnn competes in Latin dance and is Vice President of the Claremont Colleges Ballroom Dance Company. She is also a member of Sigma Xi. LeeAnn hopes to pursue a PhD in Chemistry in order to become a professor.

Ersilia Anghel
Institution: University of Arizona
Faculty Mentor: Suzie Hwang Pun, Bioengineering

Ersilia Anghel is a rising honors senior at the University of Arizona majoring in biochemistry and art history. As an Amgen Scholar, she is working with Dr. Suzie Pun in the Department of Bioengineering on developing vehicles for the delivery of genes to be used as medical therapy. Outside of research, she has taken classes at the University of Utrecht in Dutch Art History and is curating an exhibit on medical art at the University of Arizona Museum of Art. Ersilia's goal is to become a research physician specializing in surgery and regenerative medicine. When time permits, Ersilia enjoys diving, biking, and cherries.

Alan Beem
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Hannele Ruohola-Baker, Biochemistry, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Alan is a rising senior at the University of Washington. His work with the Ruohola-Baker Lab concerns the effects of Drosha expression levels on miRNA biogenesis, as well as the development of an assay to aid the determination of pluripotency in stem cells.

After high school, Alan decided to stop attending Northwestern University, worked as a parks department garbage-man, in the food industry, at a record store, and on a Christmas tree farm (among other places). Through all this, he never stopped thinking or analyzing the world, he enrolled at Seattle Central Community College, where he fell in love with economics. His fascination with the field stems from his lifelong interest in the brain and its role in the human experience. He transferred to the UW, where he is majoring in Economics and Neurobiology. Alan's goal is to pursue a PhD and to conduct his graduate studies at one of a small number of neuroeconomics labs in the country. His research experience prior to the Amgen Scholars Summer Program is with the Seelig Lab for Quantitative Biology and DNA Nanotechnology. He believes these experiences with molecular biology will help in his effort to discover the mechanisms of decision making from the ground up.

In his spare time, Alan likes to DJ dubstep and drum'n'bass, as well as produce electronic music, ride his road bike down steep hills, read books on systems, organization, chaos, science, statistics, the brain, (anything interesting and non-fiction), arguing / debating, watching the occasional good movie, and cooking and eating excellent food.

Michael Bocek
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Maitreya Dunham, Genome Sciences

Michael Bocek is a rising junior studying Biochemistry at the University of Washington. He is working in the Dunham Group this summer, studying the evolutionary genetics of yeast, with regards to the advantages and disadvantages of partial chromosome duplication. He plans to pursue a PhD after graduation. In his spare time, he enjoys playing the oboe, hiking, backpacking, cooking, and having crazy dance parties.

Daniel Cheung
Institution: Oregon State University
Faculty Mentor: Dan Ratner, Bioengineering

Born in Hong Kong but residing in Keizer, Oregon, Dan Cheung is continuing his studies at Oregon State as a junior where he is majoring in Bioengineering. At OSU, he is also part of the CBEE (Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering) club, tennis club, and Sigma Beta Rho Fraternity. For the summer, Dan is working in Dr. Dan Ratner's lab in the Bioengineering Department at UW, where he is investigating carbohydrate-pathogen interactions between human milk glycans and the Norovirus using microarray printing and label-free sensors. After graduating from Oregon State, he is planning on pursuing a PhD in either bioengineering or biomedical engineering to help him pursue a health-related career. When he isn't stuck inside his apartment completing his engineering homework while blasting techno, Dan loves to play tennis, cycle aimlessly around town, and attempt to persuade people to bake him cookies.

Vivian Chou
Institution: Pomona College
Faculty Mentor: Trisha Davis, Biochemistry

Vivian Chou is a rising junior at Pomona College in Claremont, CA, where she is pursuing her B.A. in Molecular Biology. As an Amgen Scholar, Vivian is working with Dr. Trisha Davis in the Department of Biochemistry. The Davis lab studies the mechanics of the cell cycle. Vivian's project will focus on the Dam1 protein complex, a component of the yeast kinetochore. In summer 2010, Vivian participated in the MD/PhD Summer Undergraduate Research Program at the University of Nebraska Medical Center. There, she worked full-time in the lab of Dr. Robert Lewis investigating mammalian signal transduction pathways. During the school year at Pomona, Vivian works in the lab of Dr. Clarissa Cheney, where she studies vesicular trafficking and Rab GDI interactors in Drosophila. Outside of the lab, Vivian enjoys reading, music, cooking, and Chinese calligraphy. Vivian also enjoys travel and is heading to University College London this fall, where she will both continue her scientific studies and conduct further lab research. Following college, Vivian plans to pursue an MD/PhD.

Matt Franklin
Institution: Michigan State University
Faculty Mentor: Danilo C. Pozzo, Chemical Engineering

Matt Franklin is a rising senior at Michigan State University studying chemical engineering. This summer, under Dr. Danilo Pozzo, he is analyzing structure-function relationships for protein-surfactant structures using small angle X-ray scattering by developing a theoretical model from Monte Carlo simulations. He is excited to work with both simulations and experiments to research biological structures. Further, he plans to earn a PhD in bio-chemical engineering to develop and improve models for biological phenomena. Outside of research, Matt enjoys longboarding, mountain biking, and raspberries.

Emma Grygotis
Institution: Earlham College
Faculty Mentor: Matt Kaeberlein, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology

Emma Grygotis is a rising junior at Earlham College, where she is studying Biochemistry. This summer, she is working in the Kaeberlein lab studying the molecular mechanisms by which dietary restriction contributes to an extended lifespan. Specifically, she is working with several strains of C. elegans investigating the role of the MDT-15 protein in nutrient-sensitive aging pathways. In addition to her work in the lab, Emma plays clarinet with Earlham's orchestra and woodwind quintet. She is also preparing for a semester abroad in Tanzania, and enjoys hiking, skiing, and reading.

Helen Kim
Institution: Claremont McKenna College
Faculty Mentor: Stan Fields, Genome Sciences, Medicine

Helen Kim is a rising senior and a Molecular Biology major at Claremont McKenna College in Southern California. Back in Claremont, Helen has worked with Drosophila melanogaster to conduct genetics crosses and protein interaction experiments in a lab focused on the chromatin remodeling factor CHD1. This summer in Washington, she is excited to study and learn in Dr. Stan Fields's laboratory in the Genome Sciences department. She will be testing a new method that combines phage protein display and high-throughput sequencing to query the functional role of different mutations on the activity of ubiquitin ligases. Outside of the lab, Helen likes to read, adventure out in LA, and attend live music shows.

Joseph Kruempel
Institution: University of Iowa
Faculty Mentor: Matt Kaeberlein, Genetics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology

Joe Kruempel is a senior at the University of Iowa, majoring in Biology. This summer, he is working in Dr. Matt Kaeberlein's lab, which uses yeast, nematodes, and mice to study evolutionarily conserved longevity factors, with the goal of identifying genetic pathways that can be manipulated to extend lifespan and healthspan in humans. His project for the summer involves exploring a potential nematode model of a class of human diseases called ribosomopathies, whose patients have defects in genes involved in ribosome structure and processing that lead to a range of clinical pathologies which are caused by p53-dependent apoptosis in highly proliferative tissues. After graduating he hopes to pursue a PhD. In his free time Joe enjoys good books, traveling, and the outdoors.

Theresa Kurtz
Institution: University of Rochester
Faculty Mentor: Kristin Swanson, Pathology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Neuro Pathology

Theresa Kurtz is a rising senior at the University of Rochester. She is pursing a double major in mathematics and neuroscience. This summer, she is working under Dr. Kristin Swanson in the pathology department, investigating growth models for glioma brain tumors. She is currently researching methods of MRI that are useful for identifying hypoxia--a factor that influences the aggressiveness of tumor growth. At the University of Rochester, Theresa is conducting a brain-imaging experiment in the Concepts, Actions, and Objects lab that studies the regions of the brain responsible for mathematical expertise. Outside the lab, Theresa enjoys climbing and hiking.

Megan Lacy
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Eric Shea-Brown, Applied Mathematics

Megan Lacy is entering her final year as an undergraduate at the University of Washington majoring in neurobiology with a minor in quantitative science. This summer Megan is working with the Shea-Brown group in the Applied Mathematics department on modeling deep brain stimulation in Parkinson's disease. In her free time, Megan enjoys being outside, spending time with friends and family, reading, and going to concerts.

Kyle Lakatos
Institution: University of California, Santa Cruz
Faculty Mentor: Rheem A. Totah, Medicinal Chemistry

Kyle is an undergraduate at the University of California, Santa Cruz studying Biochemistry. During his stay in Washington, Kyle is working under Dr. Rheem Totah in the Department of Medicinal Chemistry where he will be performing biochemical assays on a specific Cytochrome P450 (CYP) BM3. This is very important for understanding drug metabolism as CYP proteins are often involved in the oxidation of xenobiotics. Kyle enjoys teaching and aspires to become a professor and conduct research in plant biochemistry, looking for new methods to help with the increasing concern of global warming. Outside of academic life he enjoys dancing, fine dining, adventures, and playing ultimate Frisbee. He is actively involved in raising awareness around social justice issues and increasing diversity in higher education.

Marsha Lampi
Institution: Oregon State University
Faculty Mentor: Rodney Ho, Pharmaceutics

Marsha Lampi is a senior in the honors college at Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon. She is studying bioengineering with a minor in chemistry and will be graduating in spring of 2012. After graduation, she plans to pursue a PhD in bioengineering. This summer, Marsha is working with Dr. Rodney Ho in the department of Pharmaceutics. Marsha's research project focuses on creating nanoparticles targeted to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) which is overexpressed in many forms of cancer. In her free time, Marsha runs cross country and track for Oregon State, enjoys cooking, and taking in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Brynn Livesay
Institution: Oregon State University
Faculty Mentor: Shaoyi Jiang, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering

Brynn just finished her second year in the Chemical Engineering program at Oregon State University. This summer, she is working in the Jiang lab on a project focused on using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) to measure peptide monolayers and their low-fouling characteristics in varying conditions to find the optimal preparation conditions for these surface coatings. She has previous research experience in the Biomaterials and Biointerfaces lab at Oregon State investigating surfactant stabilization of protein solutions. Outside of the classroom, Brynn is a College of Engineering Ambassador; the president of Phi Sigma Rho, a sorority for women in engineering; and the secretary for the Chemical, Biological, and Environmental Engineering Club at Oregon State. Brynn spends as much of her free time as possible on the volleyball court whether it is playing on intramural volleyball teams or coaching 6th grade girls at the Boys and Girls club in Corvallis, OR.

Alexandra Long
Institution: Carleton College
Faculty Mentor: Kim Woodrow, Bioengineering

Alex is a rising junior at Carleton College majoring in Biology with minors in Biochemistry and Latin American Studies. This summer, she is working in the Woodrow laboratory investigating different nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems for HIV entry inhibitors. She has a strong interest in global health and hopes to find ways to integrate this perspective into a future career in biomedical research. Outside of lab, Alex enjoys hiking, biking, martial arts, and reading. At the end of the summer she is traveling to Ecuador to study public health for a semester.

Circe McDonald
Institution: Domincan University of California
Faculty Mentor: Randall T. Moon, Pharmacology

Circe is a rising junior at Dominican University of California majoring in Biology with an emphasis in Cellular and Molecular Biology with minors in Chemistry and Philosophy. This summer she is working in the Randall Moon Lab investigating the mechanisms of Wnt signaling in human embryonic stem cells. In the future, she plans to pursue a career in biomedical research. Outside of the lab, she enjoys reading, sailing, playing the flute, and trying new food. She also serves as a film critic for her school's newspaper.

Molly McQuilken
Institution: Cedar Crest College
Faculty Mentor: Beth Traxler, Microbiology

Molly is a senior at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She is majoring in Genetic Engineering with a double minor in Chemistry and Mathematics. This summer, she is doing research with Dr. Beth Traxler of the Microbiology department. Her project involves studying the type IV secretion system of Burkholderia cenocepacia, which is a pathogen that often infects people with cystic fibrosis. In her free time she likes to paint and play disc golf.

Megan Neumann
Institution: The College of St. Scholastica
Faculty Mentor: Lynn Schnapp, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

Megan Neumann is a rising senior at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN, where she is pursuing a major in Biology and minors in Chemistry and Russian. After college, she intends to further her education in the biomedical sciences. This summer, she is working in the lab of Dr. Lynn Schnapp located in the Center for Lung Biology at South Lake Union. The lab's focus is to determine the mechanism of acute lung injury resolution and the effects of a specific cellular matrix remodeling protein, uPARAP, which internalizes and degrades collagen. Megan's role involves isolating the uPARAP ectodomain and creating a truncated recombinant protein in order to study its possible medical applications. Megan is an organic chemistry teaching assistant and the drumline captain at her home university. Aside from academics, her interests include Legos, meteor showers, zombies, golfing, and working on her conversational Russian.

Ian Nova
Institution: Santa Clara University
Faculty Mentor: Jens Gundlach, Physics

Ian is currently entering his senior year in the Bioengineering program at Santa Clara University in California but is originally a native of the Seattle area. This summer he will be working in the Gundlach lab in the Physics department investigating nanopore DNA sequencing. Ian spent his previous summer conducting a research project on plant ecology in the Costa Rican rainforest. Although he is currently unsure of his future career plans, Ian will most likely pursue a graduate degree in biology but hopes to spend as much time as possible climbing and skiing mountains until then.

Stephen Oja
Institution: University of Wisconsin - Madison
Faculty Mentor: Bo Zhang, Bioanalytical Chemistry, Electrochemistry

Steve will begin his last year at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where he is studying chemistry. At school, Steve is involved with atmospheric chemistry research and is also an environmental steward on his campus. His hobbies include kayaking, attending Packers football games, and eating cheese. He wants to use his chemistry background to pursue a career in pharmaceutical research. For the summer, he is working in Dr. Bo Zhang's lab, developing an array of bipolar nanoelectrodes to image single-cell exocytosis events, which will eventually be extended to a system capable of imaging an entire neuronal network.

Galen Pizzorno
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: Gwenn Garden, Neurology

Galen is a junior majoring in Neurobiology and Biochemistry at the University of Washington, where he recently transferred from Dartmouth for the large number of research opportunities. He currently works for Dr. Gwenn Garden in Neurology and investigates when and where Presenilin 2, a gene involved in Alzheimer's, is expressed in microglia. His interest in research arises from a desire to understand and provide support for the brain. Galen enjoys tutoring biology and is Tutoring Coordinator for UW's Tribeta Biological Honor Society chapter. He is also an avid soccer player and volunteers at Whisker City, a local cat shelter.

Jason Reynolds
Institution: Idaho State University
Faculty Mentor: Peter Rabinovitch, Experimental Pathology

Jason Reynolds will enter his final year pursuing his degree in Microbiology at Idaho State University in Pocatello, Idaho. During the school year he stays busy as a student member of the American Society for Microbiology, an associate member of Sigma Xi, the Society for Scientific Research, as an officer of the ISU Microbiology Club, and a member of the ISU Pre-Health Professionals of America. His research as an Amgen Scholar in the Rabinovitch lab involves the molecular basis of aging. He has been an undergraduate research fellow in the Bearden Vascular Biology Lab, studying the function of the microvascular system in blood-brain barrier function and the effect of homocysteine, a risk factor for thrombosis, atherosclerosis, and stroke. His work has been recently featured in Blood: Journal of the American Society of Hematology. When he's not manipulating very small volumes of liquid in the lab, he enjoys moving large things in the gym. His hobbies also include hiking, camping, and listening to metal music at an obnoxiously loud volume.

Robin Wilson
Institution: Case Western Reserve University
Faculty Mentor: Michael Regnier, Bioengineering, Physiology & Biophysics

Robin Wilson is a rising senior studying biomedical engineering at Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland, OH. This summer, she's working in Dr. Regnier's lab studying the effects of dATP, a variation of ATP, on muscle mechanics of cardiac myocytes to develop improved treatment options for heart attack victims. After graduation, she plans to pursue a PhD in bioengineering within the area of biomechanics. In her spare time, Robin enjoys playing sports, hiking, listening to music, and going on adventures.

Gedion Yitref
Institution: University of Washington
Faculty Mentor: AJ Boydston, Organic Chemistry

Gedion Yitref is a rising senior at the University of Washington pursuing a degree in Chemistry. This summer, he will be continuing work in the Boydston group focusing on how mechanical forces can act as an impetus for bond making and breaking events. More specifically, he will synthesize polymer chains equipped with a strained ring that can undergo force-induced chemical transformations upon elongation of the macromolecule. This may provide a viable means to guiding the reaction pathways in certain ring opening events. In the future, Gedion is interested in attending graduate school but is not quite sure what area of chemistry he would like to specialize in. When Gedion is not in lab, he enjoys going on runs, playing basketball, and listening to Bob Marley.