Major: Psychology Research Department: Pathology Graduation Date: May 2018 Abstract: Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified more than 100 common risk variants, typically encoded by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), for prostate cancer. However, little is known regarding the functional mechanism of the common risk variants in non-coding regions. In order to further elucidate the mechanisms of these risk alleses with in cis regulatory Elements, we cloned a risk allele (rs684232), centered in 1100 base pair of promoter/enhancer DNA fragment, into the luciferasere porter plasmid. We confirmed that this risk allele affects luciferase activity representing reduced transcription of nearby target genes. Email:[email protected]
Tell us about your journey. I entered the Green Fellowship with a desire to learn more. I wanted to move outside the classroom and apply all that I had learned to real world scenarios. My experience in the Green Fellowship was unconventional because I’m a Pre-Med student with a degree in Psychology. My previous lab experience was in a Cognitive Development lab and I wanted to venture out into a lab that will give me even more valuable experience as I prepare to apply to medical school. I entered The Mani Lab that studies epigenetic factors of prostate cancer where we used biochemical lab techniques. Here I had to recall basic sciences concepts and participate in my own research project to study transcriptional regulation in prostate cancer cells. The four months that I spent at UTSW were very rewarding even through the long days. I ended my semester with more knowledge and a better idea of what I wanted to do with my career. I would like to thank Dr. Ravnik, Deb Mcgill, and the entire Green Fellows staff for this wonderful opportunity. I’d like to thank my UT Dallas mentors and family for supporting me throughout this fellowship. Lastly, I’d like to thank the Cecil and Ida Green Foundation for funding my work as a Green Fellow.
Advice for Future Green Fellows
My advice to future Green Fellows is to enter this program with an open mind, attend all meetings with a desire to LEARN, and network with as many people as you can. Most importantly, don’t forget to take care of yourself. This program requires long hours, great focus, and a strong will. Self-care will carry you all throughout the duration of this program. You can do this!. I can be contacted at [email protected]