- Year 2017
- NSF Award #1557211
- Registration Current Noyce Scholar
- First Name Stephannie
- Last Name Jimenez
- Institution Mount Saint Mary's University
Abstract
As a biochemistry undergraduate student pursuing a bachelor degree and secondary teaching credentials, I have had the pleasure in conducting interdisciplinary biochemical research with Drs. Depr?le and Nogaj at Mount Saint Mary’s University. Our research focuses on the bio-monitoring of the Los Angeles air pollution levels as well as qualification and quantification of antioxidant compounds (polyphenols) and PAHs (a specific class of air pollutants) in Peruvian tea mixtures. I have been routinely using a Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer to analyze the data and tested the effects of 6 Peruvian tea extracts on HeLa cervical cancer cells using the MTT Assay. Many positive and conclusive results have been obtained over the last 3 years of my involvement with research that could potentially further the war on cancer. The amount and versatility of knowledge acquired has been tremendous. Among the valued skills attained are leadership, mentorship, communication (oral and written), supplemental instruction, instrumentation familiarity, and knowledge in experimental design. Having experienced firsthand how influential research is, infusing some research component into my own teaching to broaden the scientific coverage of my classes will be a priority. Early exposure to research has been proven to be a high impact practice according to the literature. Accommodating for high school students to visit undergraduate research laboratories, introducing them to scientific literature search with the proper scientific search engines and getting them interested with current and original research, will be achievable thanks to the skills I have acquired while performing undergraduate research. This continuous and early infusion of scientific research will have a positive impact on the next generation of students.
