Cullen Shaffer
This past summer, I worked with Dr. Abdel Bachri, Darryl
Webb, and Ricardo Romo at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. We
worked in partnership with Dr. Rupak Pathak and Dr. Martin Hauer-Jensen. We sought to understand the interplay of
gamma radiation and microgravity on producing chromosomal aberrations. The
effect of radiation on causing chromosomal aberrations has been well
documented, but not microgravity’s impact on producing chromosomal aberrations.
Human umbilical endothelial vein cells (HUVEC) were chosen for our experiment
because when astronauts and cancer patients are exposed to radiation they can
develop circulatory system diseases later on in life due to accumulation of stable
chromosomal aberrations. As students, we gained invaluable experience and
insight into how research is coordinated and conducted. We learned how to
harvest and maintain different cells lines, how to produce chromosome slides,
and how to clean and utilize the HARVs. We also familiarized ourselves with
several pertinent scientific articles in order to help improve our experimental
protocols. Posters were created detailing parts of our experiment and were
presented at the Central Arkansas Undergraduate Summer Research Symposium at
UAMS. I will use this experience to build towards applying for graduate school
where I will get my masters in plant pathology.
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