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Summer is winding down, and while most students likely spent the past few months working part-time jobs, pursuing internships, or just relaxing, 13 students in Iowa State University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (LAS) participated in faculty-sponsored research projects. These students are the latest recipients of the LAS Dean’s High Impact Award for Undergraduate Research.

Following is a look at some of the innovative research they completed this summer. A list of all summer 2023 recipients appears at the end of this article.

Luke Champion (’27 aerospace engineering, physics)
Mentored by Amanda Weinstein, associate professor of physics and astronomy

Luke Champion is conducting research that is out of this world, literally. He’s developing ways to make gamma-ray telescopes more sensitive on Earth and beyond, resulting in more accurate data.

“We are working to create a better estimation of the background noise that you get when using gamma-ray telescopes,” Champion said. “If we can estimate this background noise well, then we can subtract it from our data, which improves the sensitivity of gamma-ray telescopes.”

Hamelynn Harzman (’26 biology)
Mentored by Jeffrey Essner, professor of genetics, development, and cell biology

Hamelynn Harzman is spending her summer surrounded by fish. Using CRISPR technology, Harzman is studying the ZO-1 tight junction protein using zebrafish. ZO-1 and other tight junction proteins play an important role in blood vessel formation and maintenance by forming a seal between two endothelial cells. She tags these cells with red fluorescent protein to better see them throughout a zebrafish’s embryo development.

“I love screening embryos for fluorescence. We typically use the green fluorescent protein to visualize the entire zebrafish vasculature,” Harzman said. “Under certain light filters, the tagged blood vessels are a beautiful bright, almost neon green. They remind me of little aliens and viewing them under the microscope always gives me a new appreciation for our planet’s unique biology.”

Michael Kumar (’24 biology)
Mentored by Don Sakaguchi, Morrill Professor and director of the biology and genetics undergraduate program

When tissue degenerates in the retina, it can lead to life-altering disorders such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. This summer in the Sakaguchi Lab, Michael Kumar is studying retinal progenitor cells (RPCS) and their potential role in tissue regeneration.

“We have found that RPCs have the potential to divide and differentiate into various cell types in the retina, including projecting neurons, photoreceptors, interneurons, and glial cells,” Kumar explained. “We have characterized these cell types through a cell labeling method known as immunocytochemistry.”

His foundational research will help set a baseline for future experiments.

“Conducting research with Dr. Sakaguchi has been a very valuable experience for me,” Kumar said. “Not only have I learned many lab techniques that will help me in graduate school, but I have also adopted many professional skills that will benefit me throughout my life. Watching and working with a professional in the lab has been inspiring and educational.”

Shandra Truong (’25 biology)
Mentored by Mohan Gupta, associate professor of genetics, development, and cell biology

 Shandra Truong is rapidly adding new lab techniques and computational skills to her skillset this summer. Using a model organism yeast, she’s studying how gene mutations can affect microtubules, which play a major role in cell division. Through CRISPR’s gene-editing technology, she can induce point mutations in specific genes. The research could have implications to better understanding chromosomal segregation errors and their role in human disease.

“I have learned so much about yeast biology, microscopy, and genome-editing methodology,” she said. “It’s very rewarding to learn new skills, carry out an experimental plan, and see it come into fruition ­— whether the results are what is expected or not!”

Remaining summer 2023 LAS Dean’s High Impact Award for Undergraduate Research:

Hyunho Choi (’24 biology)
Mentored by Hongqing Guo, assistant professor of genetics, development, and cell biology

Brianna Feldmann (’25 biology)
Mentored by Nicole Valenzuela, professor of ecology, evolution, and organismal biology

Jordan Hansen (’24 biology)
Mentored by Geetu Tuteja, associate professor of genetics, development, and cell biology

Sean Hartmann (’25 English)
Mentored by Justin Remes, associate professor of English

Seo Young Kim (’25 biology)
Mentored by Mohan Gupta, associate professor of genetics, development, and cell biology

Eric Kremer (’24 biology)
Mentored by Don Sakaguchi, Morrill Professor and director of the biology and genetics undergraduate program

Elizabeth Larkin (’25 genetics)
Mentored by Hua Bai, associate professor of genetics, development, and cell biology

Evan Moon (’24 psychology)
Mentored by Monica Marsee, associate professor of psychology

Catherine Steele (’25 genetics)
Mentored by Hua Bai, associate professor of genetics, development, and cell biology