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Senior Ashley Palmer (West Simsbury, Conn.) presented biological research conducted with cutting-edge technology April 4-6 at the 79th Annual Meeting of the Pennsylvania Academy of Science in Grantville, Pa.
The project continued research she did her junior year and during a summer internship at Thomas Jefferson University’s Kimmel Cancer Center. She was one of 22 Lafayette students to present at the conference (see related story).
“Presenting at PAS allowed me to practice public speaking skills and receive feedback from some of the top professionals in biological research concerning my investigation,” says Palmer, a biology major.
In a year-long study conducted in pursuit of departmental honors, she analyzed E. coli bacteria and its response to environmental changes under the guidance of Laurie Caslake, assistant professor of biology. They used microarray technology, which allows researchers to study several genes simultaneously.
Since joining the Lafayette faculty in fall 1999, Caslake has mentored 11 students in research projects, some of which have been presented at academic conferences. She has published her research in peer-reviewed journals and has received grants from several sources, including National Science Foundation.
The relatively new technology is cutting-edge and is used to research and analyze how genes are expressed under varying conditions and why tissues act in a particular manner.
“Microarray slides look like a regular microscope slide of an organism’s cells; however, each gene in the organism on the slide is put in a specific order to facilitate the study of the gene’s functions,” says Caslake.
“At the conference, there was only one other student who presented research using microarray technology, but this student didn’t complete the kind of advanced, hands-on work that Ashley did.”
Palmer credits Caslake with helping her complete the research and prepare for presentation.
“Dr. Caslake has provided guidance and support throughout my research project,” she says. “She is a good role model and mentor because of her vast knowledge of research in the field of molecular biology.”
Palmer, who plans to pursue a career in cancer research or pharmaceuticals, feels this work is good preparation for the future.
“It has allowed me to utilize previously learned research techniques and differs in that an honors thesis allows a more independent approach to research,” says Palmer.
“Lafayette provides a good learning environment by encouraging one-on-one interaction between students and professors.”
Palmer is a biology teaching assistant and has served as an organic chemistry tutor. She belongs to Phi Beta Phi sorority.