Regents of The University of Minnesota
Grant: $25,392 - Department of Health and Human Services - Jun. 5, 2009
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Award Description: This project occurred at a subcontract site, Gustavus University. Teacher Statement ? Dwight R. Stoll Dr. Stoll is an assistant professor of chemistry at Gustavus Adolphus College in Saint Peter, Minnesota. Dr. Stoll spent 12 weeks supervising the student during the summer of 2009. Our initial goals for the summer project were to: 1.Work with Dr. Wendt to identify biomarkers of significant interest in lung diseases. 2.Begin developing a low cost analytical methodology for rapid, accurate, and precise quantitation of target biomarkers found in human urine. Working with Dr. Wendt we identified the molecule desmosine as a high value target for the development of novel analytical methodology. We began developing a two-dimensional separation approach based on high performance liquid chromatography. During our work we quickly learned about some of the challenges associated with quantitation of low-abundance compounds in a complex fluid such as human urine. Indeed a significant portion of our time was spent trying to understand interactions between desmosine and other constituents of the urine sample. At Gustavus I teach the two main analytical courses in our chemistry curriculum, Quantitative Analysis and Instrumental Methods of Analysis. Interacting with Dr. Wendt and her research group has had and will continue to have a lasting impact on the way I teach these courses. The ability to engage students in these courses in thinking about solving problems of real biomedical significance contributes to a deeper understanding of modern challenges in analytical chemistry, and provides the opportunity to talk with them about potential careers in analytical chemistry, medicine, and opportunities at the interface between these fields. A change in the Instrumental Methods course this year involves the incorporation of a student project where they will develop a method for a target analyte of interest to them. Working with Dr. Wendt has expanded the scope of potential targets for these studies to include molecules of medical significance. Our summer experience has significantly advanced our intitial goals. Ongoing conversations with Dr. Wendt about biomarkers of significant clinical interest will continue to guide our methodology development work. We have made good progress toward the development of a rapid, low-cost two-dimensional separation method for desmosine. Work on this method will continue throughout the current academic year, including further study of some very interesting results obtained during the summer experience. Student Statement: Jason Schultz. Gustavus Adolphus College Initial Goals: Entering this summer I was considering two main career tracks: medical school vs. chemistry graduate school. This summer opportunity gave me a chance to experience both career paths and the knowledge I gained gave me insight into which career track I really wanted to do. Knowledge/Skills Acquired: This research project gave me a better understanding of analytical separation techniques as they are applied to medical research, specifically biomarker discovery research. The skills that I acquired will aid me in a research career as well as a medical career. I now have a better understanding of the science behind the medical tests and the chemistry involved in their results. Most of the new skills I learned this summer were built upon my pervious knowledge of analytical techniques. I had some experience with separation; however, my skill set coming into this summer was minimal. Now I have a higher understand of both analytical research techniques and complex biological separation. Impact on Career Goals: This summer I discovered that I enjoyed doing research in a medical setting. Working towards something that has such a beneficial outcome drove me and made the work enjoyable. From my experience this summer, I am now planning on applying to graduate school with a focus on medical research.
Project Description: As defined in the award description field
Jobs Summary: N/A (Total jobs reported: 0)
Project Status: More than 50% Completed
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