Catalyst Symposium Showcases Students’ Research Work

Congratulations to the Summer 2024 Catalyst participants, who presented recaps of the research work they did this summer at the Catalyst Symposium held November 14-15. Zoe Hayek ’25, Liam Flynn ’25, Alex Batchik ’26, Michael Wu ’25, Carter Richmond ’25 and Anna Johannessen ’25 (pictured L to R) worked alongside researchers at Case Western Reserve University and Oakwood Labs. Below are recaps of each of their projects.

Alex Batchik ’26 completed a Catalyst project exploring the impact of mutations in human UPF1 and UPF3 mutations in the UPF1 and UPF3 genes and their effects on NMD function in yeast. Over the course of six weeks in the Baker Lab at CWRU, Alex performed advanced lab experiments like Western Blots, Northern Blots, yeast cultures and protein/RNA isolations.

Liam Flynn’s ’25 project at Oakwood Labs focused on encapsulating the cancer treatment drug Ibrutinib in PLGA microspheres, with the goal of achieving a linear, prolonged release. This kind of innovation could lead to more effective and sustained drug delivery systems, potentially revolutionizing treatments in the medical field. 

Zoe Hayek ’25 worked in the Yu Lab at CWRU on a project focused on efflux pump regulation and protein crystallization. Her research targeted the efflux pumps in Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which play a key role in its resistance to antibiotics. By understanding and weakening these defenses, Zoe’s work could enhance the effectiveness of drug treatments. Her efforts, including crystallizing proteins to analyze their form and function, are expected to be published in several medical journals by this spring! 

Anna Johannessen ’25 is making strides in cancer research through her project! She spent the summer working alongside the Crespo Group at CWRU, synthesizing light-activated drugs for use in photodynamic therapy—an innovative approach to treating cancer. 

Carter Richmond ’25 worked in CWRU’s Two-Phase Flow and Thermal Management Lab, where he focused on cryogenic fluids, which are used in space missions. His research involved testing and troubleshooting equipment that will soon head to the International Space Station, gathering crucial data on heat transfer in low gravity. This groundbreaking research could play a key role in future NASA missions, both manned and unmanned.

 

Michael Wu ’25 took a deep dive into cutting-edge cancer research through his project at the Liang Lab at CWRU. Michael explored the intricate process of RNA modification and developed a system to regulate RNA methylation. His research focused on how irregularities in RNA methylation can contribute to cancer development—a topic at the forefront of modern medical science. Throughout his project, Michael completed advanced lab techniques like PCRs and Western Blots, gaining hands-on experience in the scientific process. His dedication to unraveling the complexities of RNA modification has the potential to make an impact in the fight against cancer.

See photos from the Symposium here.