Amari

But what does it look like?: Investigating the effect of singular mutations on disease

Our entire world depends on the tireless function of enzymes--from plants to bacteria to mammals, we would be lost without them. In this project, we will explore how minute changes in an enzyme's (a type of protein) makeup can have a vast effect personal health and even contribute to diseases. You will select a human disease of your interest and together we will explore the dysfunction of the enzymes responsible for this disease. You will learn about the biochemistry behind the structure-function relationships of enzymes and how any small changes or mutations in a protein can affect overall phenotype or physical appearance. Throughout this project, you will learn how to trace a mutation in a protein's composition through to its functional and pathological effects using literature review and first-hand documentation from the scientists and medical doctors searching to better understand this disease. You can present your research in a format of your choosing--whether that be in the form of a research review paper, a podcast where you present your findings and interview experts in this field, or create a video to highlight your personal interest in the project!

Is coffee bad for you?: Analyzing the effects of coffee on metabolism and overall health

Friend or foe: coffee, and its active ingredient caffeine, has be praised and demonized by many. In this project, we will dive into the literature to analyze the health implications of caffeine consumption. To better understand how caffeine consumption impacts metabolism, we will not only look at internal systems including the nervous, circulatory, and digestive systems, but also look at human models to better understand the multifaceted effects of caffeine. Further, we will expand the reaches of this project by observing the culture impact of caffeine consumption among different societies and paint a broader picture of why coffee is so integral to our society. To summarize your findings, you can present your research in a format of your choosing--whether that be in the form of a research review paper, a podcast where you present your findings and interview experts in this field, or create a video to highlight your personal interest in the project!

Why is our body killing us?: Exploring the vital role of cell death in human health

In our bodies, we are simultaneously generating and destroying biological materials in a complex process called autophagy. But how can this be? In this project, you will learn about the biology behind the concert of programmed cell death and how the body identifies what the throw away and what to keep. Further, we will explore the roles of autophagy in a healthy human and how changes in this system can result in abnormal or disrupted human health. In this project, you will devise a question about a biology phenomenon and how then design a project for how to answer this question. To present your findings, you can present your research in a format of your choosing--whether that be in the form of a research review paper, a podcast where you present your findings and interview experts in this field, or create a video to highlight your personal interest in the project!