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Jessica T

- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at University of Michigan - Ann Arbor

Expertise

cancer, drug discovery, hallmarks of cancer, oncogenes

Bio

Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death in women. As a sixth year Ph.D. Candidate, I am working to improve this statistic. My translational project investigates the efficacy of a novel anti-mitotic agent for ovarian cancer treatment. I utilize a myriad of techniques to pursue this project, including viability assays, western blotting, qPCR, flow cytometry, along with the principles of drug discovery and pharmacokinetics. Outside of the laboratory and my science communication endeavors, I enjoy Michigan’s beautiful scenery with my maltipoo puppy Juniper, add houseplants to my growing collection (current favorite: queen marble pothos), and drive my MINI cooper.

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.

Drug Discovery

How much does it cost to create a drug? How much time? What is the success rate? What is the approval process? Investigate these questions and learn about the drug development industry - choose to focus on therapeutics or vaccines.

Hallmarks of Cancer

Cancer is a tricky disease and can develop in any part of the body. Luckily decades of research has identified key molecular characteristics, or hallmarks, that ultimately lead to cancer. Explore one or two of these hallmarks in a specific cancer or all.

Teaching experience

I formally taught a Honors Chemistry Workshop (2 hours weekly) for 6 semesters which used Process Oriented Guided Inquiry Learning (POGIL). The workshop consisted of 2-3 activities in a workbook that the students completed in groups. We never gave students the answers, but rather helped them come to the answer on their own. Additionally I have mentor experience in undergrad as a Peer Advisor (2 hours weekly, 2 semesters) and as a Ph.D. candidate, I have trained two undergrads in molecular biology techniques (>1 year).

Credentials

Work experience

Merck (2016 - 2016)
Molecular Biology Intern
Merck (2017 - 2017)
Infectious Disease Intern

Education

University of Delaware
BS Bachelor of Science (2018)
Biological Sciences
University of Michigan - Ann Arbor
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Pathology

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