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Jessica Ryan ’06 (Prospect Park, N.J.) is researching the structure of proteins to further the understanding of terminal diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.
A chemistry major with a minor in math, Ryan is working as an EXCEL Scholar with Yvonne Gindt, assistant professor of chemistry.
“We are trying to determine how much structure there is when we ‘denature’ or unfold certain proteins,” explains Gindt. “This is fundamental knowledge and research; however, there are many potential applications, particularly in understanding certain diseases. For example, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s are both considered ‘misfolding’ diseases. The more we learn about protein structure, the better we may be able to understand these diseases.”
In Lafayette’s distinctive EXCEL Scholar program, students assist faculty with research while earning a stipend. Lafayette is a national leader in undergraduate research. Many of the 180 students who participate in EXCEL each year go on to publish papers in scholarly journals and/or present their research at conferences.
Gindt received a $100,000 grant from the National Institutes of Health this summer to continue her research with Lafayette students on protein folding and aggregation. Gindt investigated improper folding of proteins with three students who presented their findings last year at the Intercollegiate Student Chemists Convention in Annville, Pa., including Meghan Ramsey ’04 (Lakeville, Minn.), recipient of the national Goldwater Scholarship, the premier undergraduate award in math, science, and engineering.
Ryan is using a solvent to examine protein-folding mechanisms in phycocyanin, a blue protein contained in some types of algae, and see what kind of changes occur to the protein.
“Not much is known about the specific structure of denatured protein or how specific parts of it will interact with solvents,” she says.
Ryan, who is considering becoming a high school chemistry teacher after graduation, is excited about this in-depth research. She was prompted to explore the opportunity after taking a class with her mentor.
“Professor Gindt is a great teacher both in class and in lab. I learned a lot in her class, and when I was considering doing research, she was the first professor I thought to do research with. She has significantly helped me, both with my project and with deepening my understanding of the underlying chemical principles that govern everyday processes,” says Ryan.
“Jessica is a great worker,” says Gindt. “She’s learning how to do hands-on science. This isn’t cookbook classroom research. This is an experiment where the outcome is unknown.”
Ryan says this work is one of many positive experiences she has had at Lafayette.
“I think it is great that Lafayette has the EXCEL program. Many schools do not have a commitment to getting undergraduate students involved in serious research. Lafayette has given me many opportunities and experiences I would not have received at any other school,” she says.
Ryan is a member of the American Chemical Society and the Dry Surfers, a living group with an interest in technology.
As a national leader in undergraduate research, Lafayette sends one of the largest contingents to the National Conference on Undergraduate Research each year. Over the past five years, more than 130 Lafayette students have presented results from research conducted with faculty mentors, or under their guidance, at the conference.