Biology Student Pursues Summer Research Through Robert. F. Smart Award
Karen Leeds '08 conducted biology research this summer funded by the Robert F. Smart Award, which will contribute to her honors project.
Describe your research project.
The aim of my project is to begin to understand the role that SOX transcription factors play during the evolution and development of complex body plans by studying their basal function in a primitive animal system (the sponges). Transcription factors are proteins that bind to genes and regulate when those genes are turned on or off. SOX transcription factors are known to play important roles in complex animals such as the specification of the primary layers of the body and determination of sex. The specific question that I would like to answer is: Do the SOX transcription factors play a role in gastrulation or germ layer specification in the earliest animals, the sponges? One of the first events that had to happen for complex animals to evolve was the specialization of cell layers in the body plan. Sponges do not have true “germ layers,” but they do have specialized cell layers, and I will investigate whether or not the SOX genes play a role in this early cell type specification.
What made you pursue undergraduate research this summer and how did you find an advisor?
I got involved in this project when I was trying to decide what project I would like to pursue as my biology honors project. I have worked in Dr. Hill's lab since the spring of my freshman year and after gaining some experience in the lab, we decided on a project that would suit my interests. I decided to pursue undergraduate research this summer to continue working on my honors project and to try to generate as much data as I can to further advance my project. I first became interested in undergraduate research during my first semester here at Richmond when I had Dr. Hill as my lab instructor for Introduction to Genetics. I asked her how I could get involved with research. After reading up on the biology professors' research interests, I decided that I was most interested in Dr. Hill's research and asked her if I could join her lab.
What prepared you for this opportunity?
My first semester at Richmond really prepared me for this research project. Before taking Intro to Genetics, I had no idea what field of science I would pursue. However, after taking Intro to Genetics I recognized I really liked biology. Also, after taking this class, I realized I also liked being in and working in a lab. Dr. Hill prepared me for undergraduate research because she was the first lab instructor that I had at Richmond, and she definitely encouraged me to pursue undergraduate research early on in my college career.
How do you see this project contributing to your collegiate success here at Richmond?
I see this project contributing to my collegiate success at Richmond because of how challenging it is. I know I'll be able to understand more about biology beyond what is taught in class or in a textbook through this experience. Even after working just a few weeks this summer, I realize that I'm expanding my scientific knowledge every day. I think that pursuing this project will be one of the greatest accomplishments of my college career.
You've got a crystal ball. What's in store for you after graduation?
Although I am still undecided about what I would like to do after graduation, I can see myself either in medical school or graduate school sometime in the near future.
What has a liberal arts education at the University of Richmond meant to you?
A liberal arts education at the University of Richmond has meant a lot to me. I have had the opportunity to explore many fields beyond the sciences, such as history, language, religion, music and English. Richmond has given me many opportunities that would not be available to me if I did not go to a liberal arts school. I have been able to take classes that are not a part of my major, I have been able to study abroad in Australia and I also have been able to pursue undergraduate research as early as my freshman year. These experiences have given me new perspectives and expanded my knowledge in a variety of subjects. I'll truly be prepared to enter medical school or graduate school because of the liberal arts background that Richmond has given me.