Lauren S
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at University of Minnesota
Expertise
molecular biology, cell biology, genetics
Bio
I received my PhD from the University of Minnesota pursuing in Molecular, Cellular, Developmental Biology, and Genetics. I use a variety of molecular biology and microscopy techniques to examine the differential roles of the highly-similar mammalian cytoplasmic actins. I now work as an industry scientist. I grew up in Minnesota knowing that I wanted to become a scientist, but not knowing what that meant. Following high school, I received my Bachelor of Arts in Biochemistry, Cell, and Molecular Biology at Drake University. Through a series of biomedical science courses in high school and early experiences in undergrad, I learned that I wanted to pursue graduate school with the ultimate goal to teach in higher education. During undergrad, I participated in multiple research projects focused on DNA repair in yeast and protein domains in Tetrahymena at both the University of Iowa and Drake. In graduate school, I split my focus into two parts: my dissertation research examining the unique rolls of the highly similar cytoplasmic actins, and teaching and mentoring, both in practical teaching experience as a mentor and teaching assistant as well as pursuing training in higher education and inclusive teaching. Outside of science, I like to spend my time traveling, seeing live music, visiting theme parks, cross stitching and embroidering, and catching up on the newest bingeworthy television shows. I spent a semester of my time in undergrad at Cardiff University in Cardiff, Wales and have spent all of my time since eager to travel, with plans to visit all of the major theme parks around the world.Project ideas
Differential roles of molecular isoforms
Many protein and RNA molecules function as differentially structured or spliced isoforms with high sequence identity but unique functions. In this project, students will identify a molecule(s) of interest with isoform variance and examine the structural and functional differences of the isoforms to learn more about how structural changes contribute alterations in molecule function.
Genetic mutations in hearing loss
Hearing loss can be caused by a plethora of different genetic or environmental causes that can contribute to auditory dysfunction in two main ways: conductive or sensorineural. In conductive hearing loss, often a mechanical or structural problem exists in the outer or middle ear while sensorineural hearing loss occurs in the inner ear with the cochlea or neural pathway. There are a number of genetic mutations that can result in hearing loss at different stages of life. In this project, students will investigate genetic causes or predispositions that result in hearing loss and how they impact the structures of the auditory system.