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Office of Academic Enrichment

Prevention, Interception, and Treatment of Esophageal and Lung Cancers

Field of Study:
Biology
Department:
Department of Surgery, Division of Thoracic Surgery
Rank of Student:
Freshman, Sophomore, Junior
Desired Majors:
: Biology, Biochemistry, Biomedical Science, Molecular Genetics, or related fields in biological sciences.
Hours per Week:
20
Compensation Type:
Academic Credit,
Salary / Stipend
Application Deadline:
Contact:
Laura Kresty, Ph.D. (laura.kresty@osumc.edu); Yun Zhang, Ph.D. (yun.zhang@osumc.edu)
Private
Public
Project Description
The primary research goal of our lab is to understand the complex mechanisms underlying cancers of the esophagus and lung with the goal of developing more efficacious interventions for cancer prevention, interception, and treatment. Broadly, laboratory interests include inhibiting cancer progression through natural products and pharmacologic agents by understanding how host-related (e.g., sex, age, obesity, genetics, microbiome) and environmental factors (e.g., diet, chemical exposures, tobacco use) mediate cancer development and responses to therapy. Ongoing projects in the lab currently include: (1) identification of therapeutic resistance mechanisms in esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC), (2) identification of environmental factors linked with progression from Barrett’s Esophagus to EAC, (3) targeting gene isoforms for EAC intervention and treatment.

Required Applicant Information
Applicants should supply a brief summary of prior research experience (if any), a statement of why this research would be a good fit, and a copy of their CV or resume.
Required or Desired Skills
Previous experience with benchwork (via coursework or prior research experience), such as liquid handling, mass measurement, solution preparation, and strict adherence to lab safety, is required. In addition, the students should have basic knowledge of general-chemistry-level calculations, such as calculating molarity and dilution. Prior knowledge of statistics is desired but not required.
Faculty Member Lead:
Laura Kresty, Ph.D.
Starting Semester:
Spring,
Summer
Length of Project (in semesters):
8