Grace M
- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Expertise

molecular biology, RNA, oncology drug development, RNA Therapeutics, cancer biology, C. elegans, aging research, lipid metabolism, translational research, public health

Bio

Hi! My name is Grace McIntyre. I am a PhD Candidate at the University of Michigan studying Molecular and Cellular Pathology. I graduated from Marian University - Indianapolis in 2022 with degrees in Biology and Public Health. I am very passionate about translational research. Translational research is a type of disease focused molecular biology research that seeks to apply discoveries made in the laboratory to the clinic. In my research, I collaborate with clinicians, chemists, and pharmacologists to develop new therapies for late-stage ovarian cancer patients. I am also pursuing a MS in Bioinformatics to improve the computational skills needed to interpret biological data. Outside of research, I really enjoy spending time outside and exploring new walking trails, attending local community events, cooking new foods, and hanging out with my friends. I look forward to meeting you and exploring your research project together!

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Using NHANES dataset to explore the role of environmental toxins on diabetic patients

Using the publicly available Nutritional Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), we can explore many questions relevant to public health. For example we can explore the role of perfluorooctanic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), syntheic compounds used for industrial manufacturing in the 1940s that leak into the environment and water system, on individual's with diabetes. Diabetic individuals have an increase in blood gluocse levels and PFOS have been associated with many chronic diseases. Is there a relationship between PFOS and blood glucose levels? In this project, you will be able to explore a health related question that is relevant to public health. Additionally, you will improve your computational skills by using R Statistical Programming to manipulate the NHANES dataset and analyze this question. Following the completion of your analysis you can generate a report in the style of a Scientific Research Paper.

Investigating the role of Vitamin C and apoptosis in cancer

Data describing the association between Vitamin C and improved cancer patient survival is largely inconsistent. Some investigators show that Vitamin C can promote apoptosis in breast cancer cells and can be used as an anticancer therapy. In this project you write a review on the role of Vitamin C in cancer through the lens of apoptosis. Additionally, you could complete some cell survival and apoptotic assays to assess the role of Vitamin C on breast cancer. Upon completion of this project you could put together a scientific poster, write a review, or a report in the style of a scientific research article.

What's in my water?

Most water contains heavy metal ions such as copper, iron, and zinc. Not all metal ions are bad but at high concentrations they can be unsafe. In this project you could collect water samples within your community and measure the metal ion levels such as ferric and ferrous water. In this project you might learn more analytical chemistry techniques and explore a question relevant to public health. At the end of this project you should be able to put together a written report in the style of a scientific article or a scientific poster.

Coding skills

R Statistical Programming

Teaching experience

I have been mentoring driven students interested in pursuing personal projects since high school. Starting in my undergraduate career, I began mentoring other undergraduate students interested in molecular biology and research. I trained students through teaching molecular biology techniques, experimental design, hypothesis formulation, and identification of gaps in the knowledge based on the literature. I helped students prepare their research for conferences and oral presentations. I continue to pursue this kind of mentoring as a PhD student in Molecular and Cellular Pathology at the University of Michigan where I study novel therapeutics for ovarian cancer. I also serve as a volunteer mentor for students interested in pursuing graduate degrees in biomedical sciences and medical school. I review applications and help students communicate their research and career goals more effectively.