Jonathan Strong , CBS 2009
Undecided
Major
Microbiology
Mentors
Reuben Harris: Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics
Brief Bio
I will measure disease resistance in transgenetic plants.
Future Plans
I plan to graduate and go on to pursue a Ph.D.
Why Research?
I really enjoy the thrill of scientific discovery, and I like working with professionals in my field.
What Did I Get from Research?
I gained valuable experiences for my honors thesis, and gained experience for graduate school.
How Did I Start?
I have been working Professor Harris since my sophomore year. I have done several projects in his lab before. I am now branching out into new fields with faculty co-sponsorship.
Advice for Another Student
Start early, and pursue research your freshman year. The sooner you get involved, the sooner you get the initial training and skills. Starting early will give you more time to do more research and gain valuable skills for the rest of your collegiate career.
Research Summary
Our lab studies apobec proteins that have antiviral properties in mammals. We are transferring these genes into plants and seeing if they have any affect against plant bacteria. I will be studying plants with the genes and plants without the resistant genes then see if there is a difference.