Mutations in Yeast - A Summer Under the Microscope

Nate Schoenly '08, Biology/English double major and
Dr. Malcolm Lippert, Associate Professor of Biology

Nate Schoenly became inspired to do summer research work on yeast mutations by taking a genetics course and by having had a job in Dr. Malcolm Lippert’s lab last summer helping with the associate professor of biology's own research.

“That led me to want to do medical research, which connects to my plan to become a dentist,” Schoenly said, “which I like because dentistry relates to every branch of science—genetics, biology, medicine, and so forth; I’m also attracted to the close work of dentistry, which requires dexterity,” he said. “That is needed in the lab work I’m doing, so it will improve my dexterity.”

Now under the advisement of Lippert, Schoenly has received $2,000 from the American Society for Microbiology (ASM) and $2,000 for his summer research. He also received up to $1,000 for travel expenses from the ASM to attend a meeting of the American Society of Microbiology in May 2008 where he will make a poster presentation detailing the shape and results of his research. The research project, which Schoenly works on 40 hours a week this summer, has implications for cancer research.

“We’re trying to understand any processes that increase mutation rate since that can cause an increase in appearance of cancer,” Professor Lippert said. “And transcription rates are a new scientific area that needs study to understand its influence on mutation.”

Not satisfied with biology alone, Schoenly is a double major at Saint Michael’s in English literature and biology. “I love literature,” he said, “and the faculty is great.” He is also involved in volunteer work, participating in the MOVE (Mobilization for Volunteer Efforts) Cause for Paws program with once a week visits to the local humane society to walk the dogs.