Name: Ariel Aspiras
Undergraduate Institution: American University, BS Biochemistry
Degree: MS Biology
Advisor: Dr. Angelini
Research Project: Studying how developmental genes function using the milkweed insects. The HOX genes and Leg Patterning Genes are well conserved across all species so the milkweed insects are a good model for this research. I am using RNA interference and quantitative real time PCR to better understand how these genes function. I am also studying eye degeneration in cave amphipods to learn more about the development of the eye in terms of evolution.

Name: Gervaise Henry
Undergraduate Institution: Eckerd College, BS Molecular Biology
Degree: MS Biology
Advisor: Dr. Decicco
Research Project: Multiple Myeloma and The Bone Microenvirnment.  I am looking at the molecular signaling between the cancer multiple myeloma and the stromal cells found in the bone marrow; including mesenchymal stem cells, adipocytes, and osteoblasts.  I am using mammalian cell cultures, western blots, QPCR, and immunohistochemistry techniques to look for any effects of leptin on the different cell types.  Understanding these signals and their effects can help to better understand the progression of multiple myeloma.

 

Name: Sarah Jung
Undergraduate Institution: University of Maryland, BS Biology
Degree: MS Biology
Advisor: Dr. Decicco
Research Project: In the photo I am loading a protein gel in preparation for a Western Blot. I use this technique to study the inflammatory proteins that may be involved in signaling pathways associated with skin cancer. We use the knock-out mice, TPL2, as a model because they develop a high incidence of skin cancer.

 

Name: Mara Laslo
Undergraduate Institution: University of Maryland, Baltimore County
Advisor: Dr. Carlini
Research Project: I study sexual differentiation of the milkweed bug, Oncopeltus fasciatus. Genes that regulate sexual dimorphism are well-conserved across species (humans have orthologs of some of the same genes!) Milkweed bugs are members of Heteroptera, and early branching lineage of insects, and so can offer an interesting evolutionary comparison. Because they are 'true bugs', milkweed bugs develop directly, without a larval stage. Sex determination has only been studied in insects with a larval stage and complete metamorphosis. Knowledge of sexual differentiation in the milkweed bug can help us infer an ancestral state of insect sex determination.

Name:  Mandy Ng
Undergraduate Institution: University of Maryland Baltimore County, BS Biology
Degree: MS Biology
Advisor: Dr. Kaplan
Research Project:  We are looking at how bacteria produce biofilms.  Biofilms are substances bacteria secrete to help them survive in their microenvironments.  Right now I am testing antibiotic-like compounds to study their effects on bio film induction by  Staphlococcus aureus.

Name: Masha Reider
Undergraduate Institution: University of Illinois at Chicago
Advisor: Dr. Connaughton
Research Project: In the Zebrafish lab, my master's thesis looked at the effects of thyroid deprivation and rearing temperature on the development of retinal layers and general morphology. My dissertation research will assess the interaction of multiple endocrine systems during zebrafish development, including thyroid, corticotropin, and prolactin hormones. The purpose of this work is to examine whether thyroid-inhibited fish recruit compensatory actions by other endocrine systems in various stages of development.