Hello, I am Soyeon An. I am a senior majoring in biology and have
been working at the National Center for Biodefense and Infectious Diseases
since May, 2013. I have been studying how to treat the spread of emerging
viruses including the Rift Valley Fever Virus and the Venezuelan Equine
Encephalitis Virus. Our lab is
researching how infected cells activate the cell-death mechanism known as
apoptosis.
Our lab has regular meetings in which we share
our latest research progress and to discuss journal articles that are relevant
to our projects. After hearing on my lab
mates discuss their research, I developed my interested in how small non-coding
RNA regulates gene expression. I
followed up with an experiment that used small noncoding RNA to inhibit a
target gene and observed the effects on viral replication. I wanted to understand how the host miRNA
expression changes as a result of viral infection. By better understanding miRNA regulation, we
may be able to develop therapeutic methods to combat viruses.
I work in the lab two days of week. The first thing I do is cell maintenance. Since every experiment starts with growing of
cells, I want to make sure that they are in good condition and ready for
use. I also support my lab mates with
their research while my experiments are processing.
I have conducted q-RT PCR on four different
miRNAs to verify DNA sequence data that was obtained from VEEV infected host cells.
Now I am going to research journal
articles to learn more about the role of target miRNAs. I will either use their methodology or apply similar
concepts to my research to identify the function of miRNA in viral replication.
Ultimately I am planning to pursue a PhD after
graduation. I was recently accepted into
the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for a two-year post baccalaureate
research fellowship. I will be working
on germline specific small non coding RNA (piRNA) pathway and PIWI
protein. My current OSCAR project helped
me prepare for the NIH program.
