Nolan Calhoun, a 2015 student in Wood Hudson’s Undergraduate Research Education Program presented his research findings at the 15th Annual Posters-at-the-Capitol program. Posters-at-the-Capitol is a celebration of the research and scholarly achievements of undergraduates across Kentucky. Calhoun, a senior at Gatton Academy (Western Kentucky University) presented his research findings from when he did a summer research internship at Wood Hudson. His presentation to state legislatures, policy makers, members of the Executive Branch, as well as Commonwealth policy makers, focused on incidences of the *6A variant on exon 1 and the single nucleotide polymorphism on exon 7 of the transforming growth factor-beta receptor type 1 gene in colorectal cancer patients with more than one tumor.
This study investigated the incidence of two germline variants in patients with multiple forms of cancer. The study found that variant patients were older, female, and had a shorter lifespan.
“I was so excited to be a part of this extraordinary event,” said Nolan. He went to say, “It is very important to show that funding drives research, and in turn, research drives toward the cure.” Nolan’s presentation reminded legislators why funding for science education is so vital for students pursuing scientific and medical fields.
Wood Hudson’s Undergraduate Research Education Program (UREP) offers college students the opportunity to work alongside scientists and physicians doing hands-on biomedical cancer research and the chance to learn basic research techniques. To date, over 280 students have taken advantage of this internship. To learn more about the program visit woodhudson.org.
Two Boone County teachers honored
Two teachers scored equally for the Boone County Education Associations Teacher of the Year award: Cooper High School Teacher Karen Wills and RA Jones Middle School Teacher Jennifer Hickey were selected as dual recipients of this years 2015-16 BCEA Teacher of the Year Award.
Normally only one teacher a year is selected but there was so much support behind both Mrs. Wills’ and Ms. Hickey’s nominations that it was impossible to choose between the two. Their names will be added to a plaque kept in the KEA-Northern Kentucky Office. Both will receive a check for $500 each. In addition Karen Wills was selected as the NKEA Teacher of the Year.
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