Faculty Mentor: Dr. Cynthia Cooper, Dr. Diane Janick-Buckner, and Dr. John Rutter

Research Thesis: Optimization of a mixed culture system for microglia and neurons using immortalized cell lines

Research Description:

My research interests encompass a curious mixture of cell and molecular biology. My thesis research is centered on creating and optimizing a mixed cell culture system using immortalized cell lines to facilitate research concerning degenerative effects evidenced in Parkinson’s disease. A mixed neuron/microglia cell culture system could provide a process by which certain aspects of microglia-induced neurodegeneration can be studied without the use of animals, thereby allowing laboratories without animal facilities to participate in this type of research. Once this project is finished, I plan to complete a PhD program in neuropharmacology

Expected Date of Graduation: May, 2004

Undergraduate Education: Culver-Stockton College, 2001, B.S. in Biology

Why did you choose Truman? Truman has an excellent reputation as one of the finest universities in the Midwest.

Hometown: Palmyra, Missouri

Hobbies: Collecting texts - antique and new; Wolves and their reintroduction to Yellowstone and northern Minnesota; Beaches-anywhere!; My sons, Kyle and Cody and their football games and track meets