Chemistry and Biochemistry News

This summer, chemistry senior Craig Winters is completing his capstone research project at the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy under the supervision of Dr. Andrew Coop. He is researching nicotinic receptors and synthesizing compounds that antagonize those receptors. The goal of the research is to develop compounds that can be injected into people who have overdosed on nicotine and other drugs so that the effect of the overdoses are negated. This research ties in with Craig’s career goal of becoming a pharmaceutical chemist. Craig is enjoying his capstone experience very much: “I enjoy doing this because it saves lives of those that do not know the harmful effects of nicotine and other harmful drugs that still have to be tested.”

Biochemistry Senior, Briana Winer is completing an internship in Dr. Janice Evans’ lab at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Briana is assisting in research using mouse oocytes. Since her career goal is to be an embryologist in a fertility clinic, the practice she has gotten thus far handling oocytes and the techniques she’s learned for pulling pipets and transferring eggs are very helpful. In addition, Briana reports, “I have made new friends and colleagues that help me push myself to work harder. I can’t wait to see what the rest of my time at Hopkins will bring!”

Chemistry alum Lisa (Baker) Hinton (BS, 2011) is the winemaker at local Old Westminster Winery. Their Malbec recently won Best in Show at the Comptroller’s Cup Wine Competition. This wine was fermented with wild yeast, crafted with minimal intervention and aged in French oak barrels for eighteen months. Congratulations to Lisa and her family!

Biochemistry junior, Yaakov Itzkowitz was chosen for the Toby Eagle Scholarship at Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. Here’s his description of this exceptional opportunity:

“The Toby Eagle Scholarship for Cancer Research has provided me with the opportunity to participate in and observe research taking place in the Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery at the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine. The department is renowned for its part in groundbreaking cancer research and my time here has allowed me to observe and participate in the medical community’s “front line of defense” against cancer. In the weeks I have spent in the lab I have learned a great deal– specifically about the epigenetic factors that contribute to cancer growth. I am very excited about the work being done here and have been privileged to meet professionals who are not only outstanding scientists but remarkable human beings.

My work this summer has strengthened my resolve not only to attend medical school, but to participate in research that can save and improve the lives of those suffering from cancer and other debilitating or life threatening illnesses. This internship has taught me a great deal about medicine as well as molecular biology, both of which will undoubtedly serve me well in my career path.”

Biochemistry senior Ciara Faupel is spending the summer at the Nathan Schnaper Summer Intern Program (NSIP) in Cancer Research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. She is testing the ability of novel small molecules to inhibit the growth of cancer cells. She loves this experience and is planning to use all the information, skills and experience she has gained towards her career goal as a biochemistry researcher.