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Intrigued by her study of cancer cells in her immunology and genetics classes, Priyanka Nair ’08 (Kerala, India) wanted to expand her knowledge of the field through practical applications.
Since the summer, the biology major has been making the most of her opportunities and plans to present her findings based on several projects at the 83rd annual Pennsylvania Academy of Science meeting in Pittsburgh this spring.
Nair began her work by studying a protein known as RANTES or CCL5, which has been implicated in disease progression in patients with breast cancer. According to Nair, recent literature has indicated that the 168 lines of breast cancer tumor cells express low levels of CCL5, so these cells are known to spread slowly.
Using a mouse breast cancer model, Nair and Robert Kurt, assistant professor of biology, genetically modified the 168 cells to express high levels of CCL5. The researchers then observed the subsequent effect on the spreading capabilities of the tumor cells.
Nair and Kurt collaborated through Lafayette’s distinctive EXCEL Scholars program, in which students conduct research with faculty while earning a stipend. The program has helped to make Lafayette a national leader in undergraduate research. Many of the more than 160 students who participate each year share their work through articles in academic journals and/or conference presentations.
Now studying the ability of a mouse breast cancer cell line to defend itself through independent study research with Kurt, Nair is excited about being a part of cutting-edge research that is taking hold among scientists around the world.
“Using immunological methods to control the spread of tumor cells is a line of research that has also gained importance worldwide to eliminate the pain and suffering caused by cancer,” she says.
Kurt notes that Nair is an “excellent student researcher,” and points out that her EXCEL work provided the starting point for an honors thesis being conducted by Marquis Scholar Michael Werner ’07(Neenah, Wis.), who is pursuing B.S. degrees in biology and geology.
Nair considers both the completed EXCEL work and ongoing independent study project to be valuable learning experiences that have taught her more than she had hoped. She credits Kurt’s abilities as a research collaborator with enabling her to get the most out of her research opportunities.
“Professor Kurt’s patience and openness to questions was very important for me, as it helped clarify doubts and go even beyond details that concerned our research,” she says. “I ended up learning a lot more than what my research entailed and for that, I’m thankful to him.”
A leading cancer researcher, Kurt has mentored more than 25 Lafayette students in research projects since joining the faculty in 2000. Most recently, he received a $192,750 National Institutes of Health grant to continue research that ultimately may lead to more effective treatment strategies for breast cancer patients. The grant extends research supported by a $214,000 U.S. Department of Defense grant to study the immune response to breast cancer. He also played the lead role in obtaining a $144,058 National Science Foundation grant for the biology department that funded the purchase of major equipment that has enhanced laboratory exercises and expanded research opportunities for students and faculty, including cancer research.
Kurt and Nair believe that Lafayette offers an outstanding environment for in-depth undergraduate research often conducted on the graduate level.
“The research experience students get at Lafayette is exceptional,” says Kurt. “The students get involved in every aspect of a project, from design to analysis.”
“With the EXCEL program, Lafayette provides its students with unique opportunities to get a hands-on experience in different fields of study,” adds Nair. “You end up learning to think and analyze things effectively, which is a great asset to have.”
Nair is programs chair of Minority Scientists and Engineers, peer tutor for general biology, teaching assistant for immunology, and peer counselor for the Class of 2010. She also is a member of International Students Association. Last spring, she spent the semester abroad in Bremen, Germany, studying chemical engineering, language, culture, and politics with five other Lafayette students.
As a national leader in undergraduate research, Lafayette sends one of the largest contingents to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research each year. Forty students were accepted to present their research at this year’s conference.