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Grace R

- Research Program Mentor

PhD candidate at Dartmouth College

Expertise

cancer biology, single-cell RNA sequencing analysis in R

Bio

Hello! I'm Grace Rosner, currently researching the mysteries of glioblastoma stem cells (GSCs) as a second-year Ph.D. student at The Frank J. Guarini School of Graduate and Advanced Studies at Dartmouth. With a profound passion for unraveling the complexities of cellular biology, my academic journey has led me to explore how GSCs, known for their resilience and adaptability, respond to radiation therapy. This work is not just a scientific pursuit for me; it's a mission to decode the secrets of adversaries in cancer treatment, aiming to pave the way for innovative and effective therapies. In addition to my primary research focus, my experience spans a broad spectrum of techniques and projects that underscore my versatility as a scientist. Before my current role, I honed my skills in molecular biology through internships and research positions, where I engaged in diverse projects from exploring the landscape of colorectal cancer metastasis to examining the role of solute carrier proteins in tumor cell metabolism. My technical expertise encompasses single-cell RNA sequencing, CRISPR-CAS9 gene editing, and radiation techniques, alongside foundational skills in cell culture, western blot analysis, and flow cytometry - to name a few. These skills were further augmented by my involvement in projects assessing early urinary markers of kidney injury and the impact of gene regulation on metabolism in the tumor microenvironment. I was also awarded an NSF GRFP for my ideas around algae biofuel synthesis. My ability to adapt and thrive in various research settings is a testament to my dedication to understanding and solving complex biological problems, making me a well-rounded scientist and mentor in the field of molecular and cellular biology. Beyond the bench, I'm a ukulele player, poetry enthusiast, and philosopher at heart. I am also extensively committed to mentoring and teaching, having served as a teaching assistant for undergraduate courses and actively participating in initiatives to support students with disabilities at Dartmouth.

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.

Algae Biofuel synthesis through genetically engineered TAG Secretion

There are many different avenues researchers have taken to produce efficient 0% or negative emission biofuel. However, the major contribution to greenhouse gas accumulation is aviation and mass ground-transportation, both of which rely on diesel rather than gasoline. Algal metabolism of triglycerides (TAG) – easily convertible to biodiesel – has been robustly bioengineered to produce copious amounts of TAG. The problem with industrial biodiesel production from algae lies in extraction of TAG from algae. The physical methods require energy intensive processes of mechanical cell lysis that make algal biodiesel production inefficient and costly, and they cannot be scaled up easily to industrial levels. Passive methods of TAG extraction from algae often kills the culture, resulting in a less “renewable” source of energy. What if we could engineer cells to excrete TAG's by themselves! Lets learn about genetic engineering and TAG secretion across species!

An Exploration of Cancer Metastasis Mechanisms and Research Frontiers

This project, based in analysis of publicly available data and culminating in a literature review, aims to investigate the biological processes underlying cancer metastasis, the latest research developments, and the challenges in preventing and treating metastatic cancer. Through this exploration, the student will gain insights into the complexities of cancer spread and the current frontiers in metastasis research.

Coding skills

R programming

Teaching experience

During the summer session, from June 21st to September 2nd, I served as a teaching assistant for BIOL13: Gene Expression and Inheritance. My responsibilities included conducting two lab sections weekly, with each session comprising a TA-led presentation and subsequent experiments over approximately four hours. Weekly, I participated in a presentation preparation session and a lab run-through to discuss and rehearse upcoming labs. Additionally, I reviewed all class lecture recordings and graded weekly lab assignments and course exams. This period was invaluable for enhancing my teaching style and appreciating the mentoring of undergraduate scientists in molecular biology fundamentals.

Credentials

Work experience

Weill Cornell (2021 - 2021)
Intern
Colorado College (2021 - 2021)
Student Researcher
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (2016 - 2016)
Research Intern
Dartmouth Health (2019 - 2021)
Research Intern in the Leach Lab

Education

Colorado College
BA Bachelor of Arts
Major in Molecular Biology, Major in Classics, Minor in Philosophy
Dartmouth College
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Cancer Biology, Glioblastoma

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