Synedgen is pleased to welcome 3 student interns for the summer.
Allyson Leicht is a Senior dual major in Chemistry and Economics at Grinnell College, Iowa. At Grinnell she has worked on several research projects including a computational chemistry project to examine the mechanisms of hydrogen and deuterium exchange of arginine containing peptides, and a synthesis project to generate and analyze Ircinin produced from economically priced ingredients. Outside of the laboratory she has run a textbook lending library, worked as a peer tutor, worked at a preschool, and served as Project Manager for Grinnell’s “Alternative Breaks Program”, a student-run organization that offers students the opportunity to travel as members of a fun, safe, and intentional service community during breaks.
At Synedgen, Allyson is working on synthesizing new compounds to help expand Synedgen’s molecular library, including independent synthesis of at minimum one compound, generation of synthesis precursors through alternative synthesis pathways, and characterization of new compounds by FTIR, 1D and 2D NMR, and size exclusion chromatography.
Alyssa Thompson is a third year student at the University of Cincinnati (UC) majoring in Middle Childhood Education with a focus in science and English content areas. After graduating from the University of Cincinnati, she hopes to teach biology while pursuing her Masters of Science in Education, and eventually her PhD in Education. Her ultimate goal is to work in a STEM education department, preparing future science teachers to better teach, excite, and encourage students in the classroom.
Briana Thomas is a rising Junior at the University of Cincinnati majoring in Biological Sciences. During the academic year, she works in a research lab at UC. After completing her degree, she plans to attend medical school for a MD/PhD in Pediatrics with an interest in Neurology. Her hopes are to not only provide the best care to each patient she will eventually treat, but also to make healthcare more accessible to low-income families.
This summer the UC students are interning in the research and development department at Synedgen. They experience hands-on training and active research in the fields of microbiology and cell biology. Their research will aid in the characterization and evaluation of promising new molecules. These new molecules, developed through Synedgen’s glycomic technology platform, will be assessed for their impact on infection, healing and inflammation.
“Our goal is to give the interns hands-on research experience that can’t be learned in a classroom and expose them to real life laboratory challenges,” said Synedgen president Shenda Baker PhD. “The study of our novel molecules gives the students a unique opportunity to perform interdisciplinary research in an emerging field.”
Briana Thomas, Alyssa Thompson, Allyson Leicht
