2018 REU Student Profile
George studies biochemistry at Taylor University. This summer he is learning more about biochemistry by conduction research with Professor Merino's research team.
I have the privilege of being a part of Dr. Merino’s research group. The goal of the research is to develop a new sunscreen that works by controlling the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the cell. The hope is to be able to prevent melanoma development as cancerous cells require a higher concentration of ROS to grow and survive. My part in Dr. Merino’s research group deals with the use and treatment of fibroblasts. I will be culturing human cells for the use in various tests. These cells will be tested after treatment with hydrogen peroxide or ultraviolet light to test the apocynin compound created by another group member. I will be testing apocynin’s ability to decrease the ROS concentration within the cells. I will perform MTT assays and tests with Dichlorofluorescein treatment to be able to quantify our results.
- George Gray
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