Bone has been identified as the most prevalent site for breast cancer metastasis; however, the cause is not fully understood. Current models fail to consider the piezoelectric effect on breast cancer behavior. This work aims to develop a piezoelectric 3D in vitro breast cancer bone metastasis model to more accurately observe the interactions between breast cancer cells and the bone microenvironment. With a more physiologically accurate modeling system, novel cancer treatments and breast cancer behavior can be investigated.
Womanhood and National Identity
Olivia Hogan
Psychology & German
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Joshua Bosquette
What does it mean to be a German woman, and how has the definition changed throughout the course of the 20th century? Olivia is dissecting the meaning of “German” and “woman,” both what people have perceived the terms to mean and what they are in practice. By analyzing historical essays, media, interviews, and scholarly articles, she aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion of feminist studies and the relationship between gender and national identity in 20th-century Germany.
Sex-Specific Microglial Responses in Parkinson’s Disease
Grace Douglas
Biomedical Physiology
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Iris Zhang
Recent research has shown that male and female microglia respond differently to Parkinson's Disease. The influence of sex-specific differences on LRRK2-mediated microglial responses in Parkinson's Disease has not yet been explored. This study will provide the first direct investigation into how sex-specific microglial responses cause LRRK2-mediated neuroinflammation, contributing to a greater understanding of personalized treatment options for Parkinson's Disease.
CURO ALUMNI
Hope Grismer (BS '24) Studied Reproductive Health as an Undergrad. Now she's working on a master of public health degree in UGA's College of Public Health.
Hope Grismer was interested in non-profits, human rights, and expanding healthcare access in underserved communities. As an undergraduate, Hope Grismer studied the physiologic mechanisms involved in fluid movement and embryo implantation in the reproductive tract with Dr. Xiaoqin Ye’s lab in the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology. It is well established that uterine fluid movement is essential for successful embryo implantation. Simply put, dysregulation inhibits healthy fertility. By exploring the physiological factors and biological mechanisms occurring in the female reproductive system, a more well-informed foundation for treatments of infertility is fostered.
What's next? After finishing her MPH (environmental health emphasis), Hope plans to attend medical school to further pursue her passion for public health and medicine. She aspires to become a well-rounded physician with a deep research and public health background.
The Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities allows and encourages ALL undergraduate students to pursue faculty-mentored research, including students in their first year at the University of Georgia.
The University of Georgia Foundation is registered to solicit in every state and provides state specific registration information at http://www.ugafoundation.org/charity.
