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2010 UW Amgen Scholars Program

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Students

Janice Cho

Cho HeadshotInstitution: Pitzer College, Human Biology and Spanish
Faculty Mentor: Christine Queitsch, Quantitative Genetics, Biochemistry, Genomics, Plant Biology

Janice Cho is a rising senior at Pitzer College in Claremont, CA majoring in Human Biology and Spanish. This summer, she will be working in Dr. Christine Queitsch’s lab in the Department of Genome Sciences investigating the mechanisms of variable tandem repeats on the micro-evolution of wild-type phenotypes using the Arabidopsis and yeast models. She just spent this past year studying abroad in Ecuador and Spain taking classes in politics, history, and literature, so she hopes the Amgen Program will get her back on track to her science career. Her past research experiences include the Summer Student Academy at the City of Hope working with mouse imprinted genes and investigating CHD1, a chromatin remodeling factor in Drosophila at Pitzer. Outside of the lab, Janice loves to hike, swim, and watch “How I Met Your Mother.” She is also a soccer fanatic and loves to talk about anything related to soccer, an interest sparked by her year abroad (Real Madrid is her favorite team). Eventually, she plans to pursue an M.D/Ph.D but would first like to spend a year abroad either teaching English or doing research.


Michael Choi

Choi HeadshotInstitution: University of Washington, Chemistry and Biochemistry with a minor in Mathematics
Faculty Mentor: Hannele Ruohola-Baker, Biochemistry, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Michael Choi is a rising junior at the University of Washington majoring in Chemistry and Biochemistry and minoring in Mathematics. As an Amgen scholar, he is in the Ruohola-Baker laboratory investigating embryonic stem cells and stem cell maintenance. In the future, he is interested in attending graduate school, and he plans to further investigate the biology of disease on the molecular level and research cures. Outside of class, Michael enjoys playing tennis, reading, and spending time with friends and family.


James Clements

Clements HeadshotInstitution: Loyola Marymount University, Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Applied Mathematics
Faculty Mentor: Paul Yager, Bioengineering

James Clements is a rising senior at Loyola Marymount University pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering. This summer he will be working in the Yager lab investigating and characterizing semiquantitative paper-based assays. Paper-based assays are diagnostic tools that can potentially increase the accessibility of diagnostic tests in the developing world. James is committed to the improvement global health and plans to pursue a PhD in bioengineering in order to contribute to this cause. James spends his spare time rock climbing, slack lining, and traveling.


Bertram Drury

Drury HeadshotInstitution: University of Missouri-Columbia, Chemistry with a minor in Biological Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Terrance Kavanagh, Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences

Bert is a senior at the University of Missouri – Columbia majoring in Chemistry with a minor in Biology. During his undergraduate years Bert has worked in Dr. Fred vom Saal’s lab, researching the effects of endocrine disruptors like bisphenol -A (BPA) on mice. Bert is excited to be back home in Washington for the Summer and to be a part of the Amgen Program where he is further exploring his interest in toxicology by working in Dr. Terrance Kavanagh’s lab. He will be investigating the toxicity that nanotechnologies such as Quantum Dots may have on epithelial tissue. Bert’s long-term goal is to pursue an MD/PhD and work in academic medicine. Outside of the lab, you’ll see Bert riding or working on his bike, playing Ultimate, gardening, or struggling with a crossword puzzle.


Benjamin Dulken

Dulken HeadshotInstitution: University of Washington, Bioengineering
Faculty Mentor: Suzie H. Pun, Bioengineering

Ben Dulken was born in Munich, Germany but has lived most of his life in the greater Seattle area. He is currently a rising junior at the University of Washington, majoring in Bioengineering. This summer Ben will be working in the lab of Dr. Suzie Pun exploring the potential of ampiphilic triblock co-polymers as drug delivery systems via the formation of drug-encapsulated micelles and cross-linked hydrogels which exhibit controlled drug release. After college he hopes to attend graduate or medical school. In his free time, Ben enjoys competitive cycling and has competed for the University of Washington, as well as the Café Appasionato cycling teams. He also is an avid jazz piano player, and has played with numerous local jazz combos. Other hobbies of his include hiking, rock climbing, and running.


Hannah Dzimitrowicz

Dzmitrowicz HeadshotInstitution: Middlebury College, Molecular Biology, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Brian Kennedy, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology

Hannah Dzimitrowicz is a rising senior at Middlebury College in Vermont, majoring in Molecular Biology and Biochemistry. This summer, she is working in Dr. Brian Kennedy’s lab and investigating the role of A-type nuclear lamin mutations in disease. After Middlebury, she plans to pursue an MD/PhD. Aside from research, Hannah enjoys rowing, horseback riding, hiking, and running.


Onyi Esonu

Esonu HeadshotInstitution: Bowdoin College, Biochemistry
Faculty Mentor: Rheem A. Totah, Medicinal Chemistry/Drug Metabolism

Onyi Esonu is a rising junior at Bowdoin College and is majoring in Biochemistry. This summer she will be working in the Totah Lab comparing mutant and wildtype CYP2C8 metabolism of bisphosphonates. Her previous research was conducted at Bowdoin College, where she devised a method of extracting neuropeptides from lobster eyestalk tissues using mass spectrometry. After graduation, she plans to pursue and MD/Ph.D in order to begin a career in infectious disease research. In her free time, Onyi enjoys reading, running and spending time with friends and family.


Jessica Forbes

Forbes HeadshotInstitution: Carroll College, Mathematics, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Kristin Swanson, Pathology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Neural Pathology

Jessica Forbes is a senior at Carroll College in Helena, MT. She is double majoring in Mathematics and Biology. Next year, she will be studying abroad in Scotland for two semesters. While abroad, she is excited to explore Europe and immerse herself in a new culture. Her past research was conducted at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in Richland, WA where she focused on the verification of a Support Vector Machine (an algorithm) used to identify proteotypic peptides. At the University of Washington she works with the Swanson Lab which specializes in mathematically modeling the growth of glioma brain tumors. Outside the lab, Jessica enjoys running, hiking, visiting new restaurants around Seattle, and music.


Sarah Frisch

Frisch HeadshotInstitution: University of North Dakota, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Lynn Schnapp, Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

Sarah Frisch is a Biology/Pre-Medicine major who is entering her senior year at her home university: University of North Dakota (UND), Grand Forks, ND. Through the Amgen program she has the privilege of working in the lab of Dr. Lynn Schnapp located in the Center for Lung Biology at South Lake Union. The focus of the lab is in determining the mechanism of acute lung injury repair and the effects of a particular cellular matrix remodeling protein titled Urokinase Plasminogen Activator Receptor Associated Protein (uPARAP), which internalizes and degrades collagen. Sarah enjoys spending her free time being a volunteer for hospice home services, a member of different campus clubs including being the former President of the National Society of Collegiate Scholars UND chapter, spending time with friends, going to movies, shopping, duplicating portrait pictures by sketching larger versions, and religiously playing intramural volleyball.


Vicky Herrera

Herrera HeadshotInstitution: University of Washington-Bothell, Biology, Chemistry
Faculty Mentor: Horacio de la Iglesia, Biology

Vicky is a junior at the University of Washington in Bothell. Currently, she is pursuing degrees in Biochemistry and Chemistry. This summer, she is doing research with Dr. De Iglesia of the Biology department. She is assisting in how sleep disruption adversely affects memory compensation and the protein that controls it. This project will tells us a great amount on circadian clocks. During her free time, Vicky loves to run, hike, and spend time with her family and friends.


Laura Hoverson

Hoverson HeadshotInstitution: Scripps College, Biology
Faculty Mentor: Maitreya Dunham, Genome Sciences

Laura Hoverson is a rising senior at Scripps College in Claremont, California. She is majoring in Biology and plans to pursue a graduate degree in a related field. This summer, she is working in Dr. Maitreya Dunham’s lab in the Genome Sciences department. Her project for the summer is to identify all of the essential genes in the yeast Saccharomyces bayanus using the transposon Tm7. She has previously volunteered at Harborview Hospital and studied abroad in Copenhagen, Denmark. In her free time, she enjoys kickboxing, reading and traveling.


Lesley Jones

Jones HeadshotInstitution: University of California-Davis, Biological Sciences
Faculty Mentor: Merrill B. Hille, Biology

Lesley Jones is a rising senior at UC Davis, majoring in Biological Sciences. This summer, she is working in with Dr. Merrill Hille on early stages of zebrafish development, specifically the protein p120 catenin and mutants of its various phosphorylation sites. After graduation, she plans to pursue a PhD in Molecular Biology. In her spare time, Lesley enjoys a good book, learning new instruments, and trying exotic new foods.


Suzanne Kissel

Kissel HeadshotInstitution: Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology, Chemistry/Biochemistry, Molecular Biology
Faculty Mentor: Beth Traxler, Microbiology

Suzanne Kissel is a senior at Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana. She is majoring in Chemistry, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. This summer, she is working in the Traxler lab 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 enjoys sailing, eating Taco Bell, and hanging out with friends and family.


Julie Kobie

Kobie HeadshotInstitution: Gettysburg College, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology with a minor in Mathematics
Faculty Mentor: Rodney Ho, Pharmaceutics

Julie Kobie is a rising senior at Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. She will be graduating in the spring of 2011 with degrees in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and a minor in mathematics. This summer at the University of Washington, Julie is working with mentor Dr. Rodney Ho in the field of pharmaceutics. She will be researching drug targeting and delivery through the development of nanoparticle delivery agents with attached peptides used to target breast cancer cells. Julie plans to continue undergraduate research at her home institution next year in hopes to then pursue a PhD in biostatistics. Outside of the lab, Julie enjoys good food, warm weather and spending time with friends and family!


Sophia Levan

Levan HeadshotInstitution: Wesleyan University, Chemistry, Molecular Biology
Faculty Mentor: Carlos E. Catalano, Biochemistry

Sophia Levan is a rising junior at Wesleyan University in Middletown Connecticut, pursuing a double major in Molecular Biology & Biochemistry and Chemistry. During the school year, Sophia researches in the Olson Lab, investigating the crystal structure of a pore-forming toxin found in cholera. At the University of Washington Sophia is working in the Catalano Lab. Her summer project is designed to test the structural model of a viral protease required for the maturation of the viral capsid based on predictions made about the protein’s function. In addition to research, Sophia’s interests include cooking, art, and theater.


Lan Luong

Luong HeadshotInstitution: University of Puget Sound, Molecular and Cellular Biology
Faculty Mentor: Stan Fields, Genome Sciences and Medicine

Lan is an upcoming senior at the University of Puget Sound majoring in Molecular and Cellular biology and minoring in Math. His main career goal is to obtain a MD/PHD degree so that he can effectively treat patients affected by dioxins poisoning, and do research to find ways to completely remove the poison from the patients’ body. Lan had worked on two research projects at Puget Sound before coming to the University of Washington to strengthen his research experience. In his freshmen year, Lan studied the effect of salinity and temperature on the distribution of two mussel species in the Puget Sound, the native Pacific blue mussel, Mytilus trossulus (Mt), and the introduced Mediterranean blue mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis (Mg). The summer before his junior year, he worked on a project to look for evidence of molecular evolution in the Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene in the ice worm Mesenchytraeus solifugus. Currently, he is working in Dr. Stan Fields’s lab to test a method that would allow for efficient assessment of the activities of ubiquitin ligase mutants. If successful, this method can open up new ground into understanding the catalytic activity of ubiquitin ligase. When he able to find free time, Lan loves a good match of tennis or badminton. His other hobbies are bird watching, hiking, and karaoke.


Claire McLeod

McLeod HeadshotInstitution: F.W. Olin College of Engineering, Engineering with a concentration in Bioengineering
Faculty Mentor: Michael Regnier, Bioengineering; Physiology & Biophysics

Claire McLeod is a senior at F.W. Olin College of Engineering in Needham, Massachusetts, where she is majoring in Engineering with a concentration in Bioengineering. This summer, Claire is working with Dr. Michael Regnier in the Heart and Muscle Mechanics Lab (HAMM). Her project focuses on the preparation and study of scaffolds in cardiac tissue engineering. Specifically, she is investigating if cobalt protoporphyrin, a heme oxygenase-1 upregulator, improves cardiomyocyte survival within fibrin-based tissue constructs. After graduation, she plans to pursue graduate studies in bioengineering. Outside the lab, she enjoys skiing, sewing, and photography.


Michelle McRae

McRae HeadshotInstitution: Williams College, Chemistry, History
Faculty Mentor: Dustin Maly, Chemistry

Michelle is a rising junior at Williams College where she is pursuing degrees in both Chemistry and History. This summer she is working in the Maly Lab studying the inactive conformation of the Jnk3 kinase in hopes of furthering what is known regarding the way enzymes mediate intracellular phosphorylation. Her previous research experience includes a summer in the Tublitz lab at the University of Oregon’s Institute of Neuroscience, where she studied chromatophore development in the cuttlefish Sepia officinalis to further the understanding of the neuronal mechanisms that underlie cephalopod body patterning behavior and a winter of organic materials chemistry research in the Park lab at Williams College where she synthesized various fluorinated organic monomers and polymers with the goal of increasing the morphology of the polymer blend later in bulk heterojunction solar cells through self-assembly. Michelle is a member of the Williams crew team and in her free time enjoys reading, eating good food, traveling, and being outside. She was born and raised in Eugene, Oregon.


Kate Mead

Mead HeadshotInstitution: University of Washington, Bioengineering
Faculty Mentor: Jens Gundlach, Physics

Kate is a senior at the University of Washington, majoring in Bioengineering and minoring in Philosophy. During the past year, she has studied the effects of pulsed, low intensity ultrasound on bacteria. As an Amgen scholar, she is working on a project to reliably sequence DNA through the nanopore MspA. When the pore is added to a bilayer and subjected to an electric potential, negatively charged ssDNA particles flow through the pore one nucleotide at a time. Due to the unique steric hindrance of each type of nucleotide, current readings can be analyzed to determine the original ssDNA sequence. In the future, she hopes to pursue a PhD in medical physics. Outside of the lab, Kate enjoys cooking, listening to unusual music, and hiking.


Elizabeth Meier

Meier HeadshotInstitution: Scripps College, Biology with a minor in Latin American Studies
Faculty Mentor: Hannele Ruohola-Baker, Biochemistry, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Elizabeth Meier, a Biology major and Latin American Studies minor, will be a senior at Scripps College in Claremont, California this fall. She is currently under the mentorship of Dr. Hannele Ruohola-Baker where she researches the role of specific microRNAs (miRNA) in stem cell maintenance and pluripotency. Elizabeth will conduct pluripotency assays to determine whether specific miRNAs increase the efficiency and kinetics of induced pluripotency stem cells (iPSCs). She hopes this summer research opportunity will introduce her to essential molecular biology skills as well as spark an interest in the rapidly expanding area of stem cell research. Elizabeth spent the past year studying abroad in England and especially enjoyed traveling in Spain and Italy. During her free time, Elizabeth enjoys reading, spending time in coffee shops, running, and practicing bikram yoga.


Ingrid Pabon-Hernandez

Ingrid HeadshotInstitution: University of Puerto Rico-Rio Piedras, Chemistry
Faculty Mentor: William M. Atkins, Medicinal Chemistry

Ingrid is a fifth year Chemistry major student from the University of Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras Campus. She will be working this summer on Dr. William Atkin’s lab in the Medicinal Chemistry Department with some model membranes called Nanodisc, which consists of segment of phospholipid bilayer surrounded by a protein coat of defined and controllable size with the potential of enhancing our understanding of membrane proteins in our body. Her job this summer will be to replace the Tryptophan in the protein belt of the Nanodiscs with another amino acid capable of emitting a fluorescent signal at a different wavelength in order to be able to study membrane proteins that contain Tryptophan. After this summer internship, she will return to Puerto Rico to finish her undergraduate studies with hopes of returning to the U.S. to pursue her graduate studies. On her free time, Ingrid likes to read novels, watch movies, and she is also a certified Scuba-Diver.


Jung Mi Park

Park HeadshotInstitution: Emory University, Neuroscience, Behavioral Biology
Faculty Mentor: Hong Shen, Chemical Engineering

Jung Mi Park is a rising junior at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. She is majoring in Neuroscience and Behavioral biology with a minor in Economics, and planning to pursue a future career in the medical field. This summer, Jung Mi is working in Dr. Hong Shen’s lab in the UW Chemical Engineering department, where she will be investigating how to engineer immune responses. Her research will examine the surface chemistry of different characterized hydrogels and its effects on dendritic cell maturation to tailor a more effective and specific immune response in hopes of advancing the development of synthetic nanoparticles to create a distinct immune response. In her spare time, Jung Mi enjoys reading, watching movies, spending time with friends and family, playing video games, and, of course, having fun outside in the beautiful UW area.


Colin Platt

Platt HeadshotInstitution: Williams College, Chemistry
Faculty Mentor: Hannele Ruohola-Baker, Biochemistry, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Colin Platt is a rising senior at Williams College in Williamstown, MA. He is currently pursuing a degree in Chemistry, although he is in the process of switching his focus and plans to earn a Masters and/or PhD in a Biomedicine-related field. During the Amgen program he is doing research in the Ruohola-Baker lab, working to produce evidence for a link between hypoxia and the generation of cancer stem cells due to hypoxia-induced expression of miRNAs thought to regulate cellular stemness. When not in the lab, Colin enjoys glassblowing, scuba diving, international travel, and a good book.


Andrew Sinclair

Sinclair HeadshotInstitution: Oregon State University, Bioengineering with minors in Business and Entrepreneurship, Chemistry
Faculty Mentor: Shaoyi Jiang, Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering

Andrew Sinclair will enter his culminating year in Oregon State University’s bioengineering program this fall. This summer, he is researching in Dr. Shaoyi Jiang’s lab in the Chemical Engineering department at UW, working on characterizing zwitterionic polymersomes for drug delivery applications. This could lead to substantial improvements in drug circulation time, specific tissue targeting and ease of freeze-drying. He has also researched the development of non-fouling coatings for biomedical devices. In his free time, Andrew enjoys playing tennis, taking spontaneous road trips and burritos. He plans to apply to PhD programs in the fall and continue biomaterials-related research.


Mitchell Smith

Smith HeadshotInstitution: Arizona State University, Chemistry
Faculty Mentor: Lilo Pozzo, Chemical Engineering

Mitchell Smith is a Chemistry senior at Arizona State University. His previous work in ASU’s Keck Lab for Environmental and Planetary Biogeochemistry investigated mass fractionation of uranium isotopes during adsorption and mineral formation. At the University of Washington, he works in Dr. Pozzo’s lab characterizing fluorinated surfactants and investigating their potential use in polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), potentially improving the resolution of this widely-used technique. Mitchell enjoys backpacking, climbing, and reading. He plans to pursue a Ph.D. and looks forward to a career in research.


Elizabeth Sunderhaus

Sunderhaus HeadshotInstitution: Cedar Crest College, Genetic Engineering with a minor in Chemistry, and a Concentration in Forensics
Faculty Mentor: Joshua Akey, Genetics/Genomics

Elizabeth Sunderhaus is a junior at Cedar Crest College in Allentown, Pennsylvania. She is majoring in Genetic Engineering with a concentration in Forensics and a minor in Chemistry. This summer, she is doing research with Dr. Joshua Akey of the Genome Sciences department. Her project involves using computational techniques to analyze the genomic sequences of complex diseases that show genetic influences. The goal of the project is to try to determine if the diseases are being positively selected for in humans. Next year, she will be continuing at Cedar Crest in her studies, along with playing basketball for the Falcons, and researching fingerprint patterns. When she is not studying or practicing, she likes to use her down time to read, watch television, and eat chocolate ice cream.


Autumn Tocchi

Tocchi HeadshotInstitution: Chapman University, Biology with a minor in Chemistry, Honors
Faculty Mentor: Peter Rabinovitch, Pathology

Autumn Tocchi will be a senior this fall at Chapman University in Orange, CA. She will graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a Chemistry minor. Her career goals are to apply to graduate school to start her Ph.D. In the past, Autumn has done research at Chapman University looking at the beneficial relationship that exists between pomegranate juice extract and pancreatic cancer. During her summer at the University of Washington, she is working in the Rabinovitch lab, testing novel peptides and their ability to help with aging, and aging disease. Outside of research, Autumn is excited to be outside and an athlete. She has studied abroad, loves playing Ultimate Frisbee, and adores dancing and reading.


Cameron Turtle

Turtle HeadshotInstitution: University of Washington, Bioengineering with a minor in Mathematics
Faculty Mentor: Faculty Mentor, Michael Regnier, Bioengineering; Physiology & Biophysics

Cameron is a rising junior in the Bioengineering department at the University of Washington. This summer he is continuing his work in Dr. Michael Regnier’s Heart and Muscle Mechanics (HAMM) lab. The HAMM lab explores the molecular mechanism behind cardiac function/dysfunction and investigates the ability of gene therapy to reverse or prevent heart failure. The HAMM lab has previously characterized a mutant regulatory protein (L48Q cTnC) which may be a viable option to combat certain forms of heart disease. Cameron’s current project is to characterize another mutant (L57Q cTnC) which could be a viable therapeutic for other types of heart disease. Cameron is interested in pursuing a PhD in Bioengineering but will find time for his other interests, which include spending time with friends and a variety of athletics.


Jaylen VanOrden

VanOrden HeadshotInstitution: University of Washington, Bioengineering, Computer Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Daniel Chiu, Chemistry, Biophysics, Nanotechnology

Jaylen VanOrden is a senior at the University of Washington, double majoring in Computer Engineering and Bioengineering. He likes solving problems, and hopes to use what he learns to advance medical research. For the Amgen program, Jaylen is working in Dr. Chiu’s lab using microfluidic devices to find interfacial tension values. Outside of lab, Jaylen works fixing computers, and enjoys hiking, handball, racquetball, and playing video games.

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Faculty

Joshua Akey – Genetics/Genomics

Website: http://www.gs.washington.edu/faculty/akey.htm

Description: Our laboratory is broadly interested in understanding the evolutionary history of human populations. Important events in human history, such as changes in population size or adaptation to new environments, impart signatures on patterns of DNA sequence variation. The research project would focus on analyzing patterns of genetic variation that have been collected in geographically diverse human populations, to better understand human evolutionary history. There is considerable flexibility in developing a specific research project, which will be tailored to the interests and background of the student. Specific examples include, but are not limited to, studying patterns of evolution in regulatory regions of the human genome, investigating how different populations are related to one another, and comparing patterns of polymorphism and divergence at specific candidate genes between humans and non-human primates.

Requirements: There are no specific requirements, although some familiarity with (or interest in learning) basic computer programming would be helpful.


William M. Atkins – Medicinal Chemistry

Website: http://depts.washington.edu/wmatkins/lab.html

Description: Two exciting projects are available. Both projects relate to the structure and function of enzymes that metabolize drugs and form the basis for drug-drug interactions that confound prediction of drug clearance. The first project aims to understand the effects of simultaneous binding of multiple drugs at the active site of cytochrome P450s (CYPs), wherein the direct molecular interaction between these drugs within the active site alters their redox properties, and hence their relative reactivity. To explore this, electrochemistry will be attempted to measure the oxidation potential (energy required to remove an electron) of cytochrome P450-bound acetaminophen (Tylenol) in the presence and absence of ‘effector’ drugs. The student will contribute by measuring binding affinities of drugs for CYPs using optical spectroscopy. The second project involves protein engineering of glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) in order to control their stereoselectivity towards hydroxynonenal (HNE), a product of oxidative stress that likely has a causal role in many diseases including Alzheimer’s, atheroschlerosis, cataracts, and asthma. GSTs provide the major route of HNE metabolism. HNE is formed as a racemate, but the individual enantiomers appear to have different biological effects. Understanding the stereochemical selectivity, and manipulating it via protein engineering, could provide new therapeutic strategies for controlling these diseases. The student will perform site-directed mutagenesis.

Requirements: Introductory chemistry course with lab


Carlos Enrique Catalano – Medicinal Chemistry

Website: http://depts.washington.edu/medchem/faculty/Catalano.html

Description: Our lab studies the steps in the assembly of double-stranded DNA viruses, such as herpesviruses and many bacteriophage. Specifically, we study the viral motor that packages viral DNA into a pre-formed capsid structure. We use enzyme kinetics, biochemistry, and biophysical approaches to study the entire virus assembly pathway, with special emphasis on the packaging motor. Summer students may use a variety of approaches to study the problem, from molecular biology (cloning mutant proteins) to optical spectrosopy (studying protein-DNA interactions) to enzyme kinetic studies.

Requirements: Recent Chemistry Course, with Lab


Daniel Chiu – Chemistry, Biophysics, Nanotechnology

Website: https://depts.washington.edu/chiugrp/

Description: Chiu lab is focused on developing new methods for probing complex biological processes at the single-cell and single-molecule level, and on applying these new techniques for addressing pressing biological problems. New methods in development include new microfluidic platforms and advanced microscopy techniques.

Requirements: Have completed at least first year General Chemistry courses.


Horacio de la Iglesia – Biology

Website: http://depts.washington.edu/hacholab/research.php

Description: Research Interests: Research in our laboratory is guided to understand the neural basis of behavior. Specifically, we are interested in biological timing, which can be studied at different levels of organization, using different approaches and throughout the phylogenetic tree. 1)Biological timing in mammals: Virtually all living species have biological clocks that generate and control the daily cyclic variations in physiology and behavior, such us rhythms in locomotor activity, temperature and hormonal secretion. In mammals, the master control of these so-called circadian rhythms is exerted by a biological clock located within the suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the brain. We use behavioral, physiological and molecular techniques in order to understand how the SCN generates and orchestrates this array of circadian rhythms. 2) Biological timing in intertidal crustaceans: Species of the intertidal zone show behavioral and physiological rhythms synchronized to the tidal cycle. These circatidal rhythms also rely on biological clocks and a second line of research in our laboratory is directed to identify the molecular mechanisms and neural pathways by which these clocks are able to sustain rhythms in decapod crustaceans. For this project we study organisms from a unique community of crustaceans distributed throughout the intertidal habitats of our beloved Pacific Northwest.


Maitreya Dunham – Genome Sciences

Website: http://dunham.gs.washington.edu/

Description: My lab works on genome evolution in yeast, ranging from laboratory evolution over a few weeks up to species-level differences over millions of years. We study these topics on a genome-wide scale using microarray and sequencing technologies as well as classical genetics approaches. Summer opportunities include both experimental and computational possibilities.

Requirements: Some laboratory experience (e.g. a lab course or other research experience) is preferred.


Stan Fields – Genome Sciences and Medicine

Website: http://depts.washington.edu/sfields/

Description: Ubiquitin is a 76 amino acid protein that is an essential signaling molecule in nearly every pathway in eukaryotic cells. Ubiquitin is attached to other proteins only after it has been activated by a cascade of three proteins known as E1, E2 and E3 enzymes. There are many E3 enzymes (called ubiquitin ligases) and they determine the target substrate specificity of this cascade. E3s are critical enzymes: several human diseases, including types of cancer and Parkinson’s disease, are caused by mutation of genes that encode E3 enzymes. The goal of this project is to develop a new technology to enable easy and rapid identification of substrates for ubiquitin ligases, from yeast to man. One way to systematically identify targets for an E3 would be to mutate the enzyme and to mutate ubiquitin so that only the single mutant E3 would be able to transfer the mutant ubiquitin. However, identifying such a mutant combination would be extremely difficult. Evolution has solved this problem for us, because there are several ubiquitin-like proteins that are attached to substrates using enzymes that are very similar to the ubiquitin E1, E2 and E3s. The student will engineer a yeast ubiquitin E3 to enable it to transfer a human ubiquitin-like protein to its substrates. This project will teach molecular biology techniques along with biochemistry, and if all goes well, identification of peptides by using tandem mass spectrometry. The project aims to solve an important biological problem (the elucidation of enzyme-substrate relationships for E3 enzymes) by developing an innovative new technology.

Requirements: Some basic biology coursework.


Jens Gundlach – Physics

Website: http://www.phys.washington.edu/groups/nanopore/index.shtml

Description: We are working on a new and direct technique for sequencing DNA. In this technique, single-stranded DNA molecules are driven through a biological pore where they produce a measurable obstruction of an ionic current that also flows through the pore. In collaboration with a microbiologist we are mutating a naturally occurring pore protein to make it suitable for this sequencing technology.


Merrill B. Hille – Biology

Website: http://www.biology.washington.edu/index.html?navID=42&parecID=159

Description: The students will study the role of a regulatory protein, p120 catenin, in early zebrafish development. This protein likely regulates the adhesion and motility of cells that form the early embryonic structures. The kinds of molecular biology techniques the students will use are PCR, transformation of bacteria, sterile technique, sub cloning and moving genes to different vectors, in vitro preparation of mRNA, Western Blots. If the student progresses rapidly they will be able to inject their mRNA construct in to zebrafish eggs and see where they go during early development with live or confocal microscopy. Most of our genes have green fluorescent protein markers.

Requirements: The students should have had a course with some protein signaling or protein structure understanding, for example a 200 or 300 level cell biology class with a chemistry prerequisite or a biochemistry class. The students should be willing to concentrate we


Rodney Ho – Pharmaceutics

Website: http://sop.washington.edu/pharmaceutics/faculty-a-research/rodney-ho.html

Description: The research program in this laboratory focuses on drug delivery and targeting for cancer and AIDS. The student in this summer research program will learn how to construct anti-HIV or anti-cancer nanoparticles and evaluate their biochemical and biophysical structure and functions in test tubes and appropriate cell culture models. They will be a part of the overall goal to improve effectiveness and safety of drugs for treatment of cancer and AIDS.

Requirements: Biology and chemistry with laboratory experience. Biochemistry and molecular biology will be helpful.


Shaoyi Jiang – Chemical Engineering, Bioengineering

Website: http://www.cheme.washington.edu/people/faculty/jiang.htm


Terrance Kavanagh – Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences

Website: http://depts.washington.edu/envhlth/faculty.php?Kavanagh_Terrance


Brian Kennedy – Biochemistry, Molecular Biology

Website: http://depts.washington.edu/biowww/faculty/kennedy.html

Description: A major focus in my research group is to understand the mechanisms which control aging. We use yeast, worms and mice as models organisms for aging research and have identified genes which modulate the aging process. In an intensive research program a summer student would be given a project related to one of these aging genes and would conduct experiments to determine the function(s) of that gene that important for the control of aging. Dietary restriction is one intervention that results in life span extension in every model organism tested. Many of the genes we study are important to mediate the downstream effects of dietary restriction. Understanding the mechanisms by which dietary restriction extends lifespan is important since dietary restriction works in primates and is therefore likely to modulate human aging.


Dustin Maly – Chemistry

Website: http://depts.washington.edu/malylab/

Description: Cells are able to integrate an enormous array of environmental information and convert these signals into complex behaviors such as growth, differentiation, and motility. This relay of extracellular stimuli into a phenotypic response involves the transfer of information through complex signal transduction networks that are precisely regulated, both spatially and temporally. Determining how these signal transduction networks are able to turn simple inputs into complex behavior is one of the greatest challenges in modern biology and will provide valuable insight into the cause and treatment of many diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and inflammation. Our group studies how cells sense and respond to their environment, by developing new biochemical and chemical tools that allow a greater quantitative understanding of cellular signaling than is possible with currently available methods. Using the tools of organic synthesis and protein biochemistry we are generating cell permeable small molecules that allow the activation or inactivation of specific signaling enzymes in living cells. While we are interested in studying the function of a number of protein families that are involved in signaling, our initial efforts are focused on enzymes that mediate intracellular phosphorylation (the protein kinases and phosphatases). These studies focus on three main areas: 1) the location-specific function of kinases and phosphatases. 2) The quantitative characterization of specific intracellular phosphorylation events. 3) The conformational plasticity of signaling enzymes.

Requirements: The specific project within these areas will depend on your interests and prior research experience. Completion of an introductory organic chemistry course (and any associated laboratory courses).


Lilo Pozzo – Chemical Engineering

Website: https://www.cheme.washington.edu/facresearch/faculty/lpozzo.html

Description: Electrophoresis, the motion of charged particles due to an externally applied electric field, is routinely used to separate biomolecules (e.g. DNA, Proteins) from complex mixtures (e.g. human plasma). Besides its paramount importance in most biological fields, electrophoretic separations are also used in diagnostic applications and in biosensors. This research aims to improve electrophoretic bio-separations through the use of nano-structured materials that have not been traditionally applied in this area. These materials include new surfactants and surfactant mixtures, structured sieving matrices (e.g. micelle crystals) and/or non-traditional electrolytes. We will make use of fundamental principles in colloid and polymer science to correlate the physics of the system to the overall efficiency of the separation. Leading edge electrophoresis techniques (e.g. microfluidics, capillary electrophoresis) will be used in conjunction with in-situ characterization experiments to probe the structure and conformation of biomolecules during the separation. Students working in this project will also be exposed to a wide variety of cutting-edge experimental techniques including scattering methods and spectroscopy.

Requirements: Interested students must have completed all of the basic Chemistry courses as well as Organic Chemistry and Physics. Basic laboratory experience is also essential. Students from Chemical Engineering Departments are especially encouraged to participate.


Suzie Hwang Pun – Bioengineering

Website: http://faculty.washington.edu/spun/

Description: The Pun Lab develops nanoparticles for delivery of genes, siRNA, and molecular imaging agents. Applications for these delivery vehicles include siRNA to the central nervous system, cancer therapy, and tissue engineering. Researchers in our lab learn techniques related to mammalian cell culture, nanoparticle formulation and characterization, and gene transfection assays.


Christine Queitsch – Quantitative Genetics, Biochemistry, Genomics, Plant Biology

Website: http://www.gs.washington.edu/labs/queitsch/

Description: Natural selection acts on phenotypes rather than on genotypes. Our lab is interested in identifying molecular mechanisms that rapidly generate selectable phenotypic variation. One potential mechanism of great interest is highly conserved DNA Tandem Repeats (TR). These can expand and contract rapidly thereby creating shorter or longer proteins or regulatory regions. In yeast and for some human diseases phenotypic consequences of length polymorphisms in these TR have been demonstrated for some genes. We have undertaken a systematic approach to the genome of the plant Arabidopsis thaliana and have identified many such variable TR across 50 genetically divergent Arabidopsis populations and we found correlations to previously identified phenotypes. This summer project encompasses generating transgenic plants with variable repeat lengths in a control background to establish causality of repeat length and phenotype. Work will include plasmid construction, plant transformation, phenotypic analysis, and statistical analysis of phenotypes.

Requirements: Lab experience and/or computational background desirable but not required.


Peter Rabinovitch – Pathology

Website: http://www.pathology.washington.edu/Research/labs/Rabinovitch/


Michael Regnier – Bioengineering; Physiology & Biophysics

Website: http://www.bioeng.washington.edu/regnier/main.html

Description: The goal of our research is to understand the molecular and cellular mechanisms that regulate cardiac and skeletal muscle contraction, and how these mechanisms are disrupted in diseases. We use the knowledge gained from these experiments to design protein and gene based therapies to improve the performance of diseased muscle and to develop tissue engineered muscle constructs as cell-replacement therapy for myocardial infarct (heart attack) and skeletal muscle injuries. Many research projects are done in collaboration with other laboratories at the University of Washington, at other institutions across the US, and in Italy.

Requirements: Basic Biology and Chemistry courses are essential. Coursework in Biochemistry, Cell Biology and Physiology would help.


Hannele Ruohola-Baker – Biochemistry, Institute for Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine

Website: http://depts.washington.edu/taneli/

Description: My laboratory works on stem cell biology utilizing two systems, Drosophila germ line stem cells and human embryonic stem cells. In both cases we have shown that microRNAs play an important role in stemness. Our goals now include defining the key microRNA targets and their function in stem cells and their differentiating progeny. Further, we seek to understand the regulation and importance of the stem cell specific hypoxic metabolism. The goal is to understand whether the key stemness character observed in normal stem cells is also observed in pathological stem cells, so called cancer stem cells.


Lynn Schnapp – Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine

Website: http://depts.washington.edu/pulmcc/faculty/schnapp.htm

Description: Mechanisms of Acute Lung Injury and Repair

Requirements: Our lab is focused on the processes that govern acute lung injury and its resolution. In particular, we are interested in why lung injury resolves under certain circumstances (i.e. Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome) and progresses to end-stage fibrosis


Hong Shen – Chemical Engineering

Website: http://www.cheme.washington.edu/people/faculty/shen.htm

Description: Our laboratory focuses on developing technologies to probe and intervene the immune and nervous system. 1. Engineering immune cells for the development of single-cell based biosensors; 2. Developing molecular probes for monitoring chemical reactions of intracellular compartments; 3. Developing modular delivery systems for mediating functions of immune cells and nerve cells.


Kristin Swanson – Pathology, Mathematics, Applied Mathematics, Neuro Pathology

Website: http://www.pathology.washington.edu/research/labs/swanson/

Description: The Swanson research lab is located in the University Medical Center, and focuses on mathematical modeling and the analysis of quantifiable data obtained through medical imaging such as MRI, PET, and CT. With our convenient location in the UMC, we are in a unique position to compare model results and predictions with data obtained from real patients receiving care at the University. Student researchers necessarily learn aspects of neuro anatomy, tumor evolution and biology, medical imaging, computational and data processing methods. Individualized projects are chosen to best meet the student’s interests and abilities, while at the same time serving the overarching goals of the lab. The lab’s current focus includes, but is not limited to, the modeling of brain tumor growth, evolution and response to therapy, and comparisons of information obtained from superficially disparate imaging modalities such as MR and PET. This modeling effort provides many interesting avenues for student research: from data acquisition and processing to investigation and development of new mathematical models of tumor processes. Our lab is truly interdisciplinary: with over a dozen members with backgrounds ranging from biology to applied mathematics and computer programming, we are able to determine suitable research projects for just about anyone with a scientific background. A vast majority of our lab members are pre-med, providing a stimulating environment with many resources for information and opportunities. Students are supervised daily by the lab manager, with at least once weekly lab meetings involving progress reports to Dr. Swanson.

Requirements: The student should have a strong interest and background in either mathematics or medical imaging, and be in good academic standing. Student should have intermediate to advanced computer experience and be comfortable spending extended periods of time at a


Rheem A. Totah – Medicinal Chemistry/Drug Metabolism

Website: http://depts.washington.edu/medchem/faculty/Totah.html

Description: Work in our lab focuses on cytochrome P450 enzymes that are involved in drug metabolism as well as the metabolism of essential fatty acids such as the ω3 and ω6 fatty acids. We are looking at modulation of fatty acid metabolism in extrahepatic tissues and potential toxicity caused by different drug substrates. The student will be investigating the mode of inhibition of fatty acid metabolism by measuring inhibitory kinetic constants and identifying metabolites that are formed from various fatty acids using liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry.

Requirements: Chemistry and Chemistry Lab


Beth Traxler – Microbiology

Website: http://depts.washington.edu/micro/faculty/traxler.htm

Description: We would like to have a student work on a genetic analysis of genes that are involved with exchange of DNA between bacteria by conjugation. Specifically, we are interested in the similarity of conjugation systems that act in the standard lab bacterium E. coli and in bacterial pathogens like Agrobacterium tumefaciens and Burkholderia cenocepacia (which can infect plants and cystic fibrosis patients, respectively). We want to compare proteins that are important in these different organisms to determine how similar their transfer systems are.

Requirements: Basic understanding of biology and chemistry required (advanced high school or introductory college); helpful knowledge and skills include basic understanding of genetics and molecular biology.


Paul Yager – Bioengineering

Website: http://faculty.washington.edu/yagerp/

Description: We are developing microfluidics-based analytical techniques for molecules of biomedical interest. Ongoing projects focus on the use of optical detection methods, including fluorescence, optical absorbance, and surface plasmon resonance imaging. Projects are funded by NIH and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.