Talmage Participants

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Hawaii

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Kenneth Lee
Mentor: Ebunoluwa Oluwakemi Kukoyi

Research: This summer, I conducted research in Dr. Kenneth Lee’s lab, focusing on the gas-phase complexation of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) with proteins such as bovine serum albumin (BSA), human serum albumin (HSA), myoglobin, and hemoglobin. We used Cyclic Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry (cIM-MS) for data collection and analysis, along with Collision-Induced Unfolding (CIU) to investigate the structural effects of PFAS-protein interactions. Our findings aim to contribute to the development of analytical tools that enhance our understanding of PFAS toxicity, which will enable targeted drug development in the future.

A bit about me: Outside the lab, I enjoy playing video games and pickleball. I also like going to the park with my family. 

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jeremy Johnson
Mentor: Matt Lutz

Research: This summer I worked in the Johnson lab characterizing the THz frequency generation of different crystals, particularly BNAS and MNAS. I was also heavily involved in developing and testing new ways to both passively and activity cool the crystals to raise their damage threshold under incident laser power. Being able to increase the power of the laser hitting the crystal without melting or otherwise damaging would allow for more THz generation and is of great interest to increase the effectiveness of our research. This would also allow for larger and more powerful lasers to be used. I was successful in prototyping and applying a Peltier/liquid cooling assembly that can be used to accomplish this.

A bit about me: Outside the lab, I enjoy rock climbing, hiking, and camping. I also like working with 3D printers and electronics, building and programming devices with microcontrollers like Arduino. During my internship, I had a blast going repelling and enjoyed working with the faculty and students. I discovered a passion for engineering and rapid prototyping, learning 3D modeling as I designed and printed components for our cooling devices.

Undergraduate Institution: Southwestern University - Texas

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Barry Willardson
Mentor: Aaron Wilson

Research: This summer, I conducted research on the interactions between the CCT anti-carin β complex and the MLST8 protein to better understand how these components function together in the cell. We characterized the CCT complex by purifying it, imaging its structure, and examining how anti-carin β inhibits ATPase activity. In parallel, we investigated the folding pathway of MLST8 within CCT by purifying the MLST8-CCT complex, imaging folding intermediates, and identifying mechanisms of formation in both regulated and up-regulated pathways. By clarifying the dynamics of MLST8 folding and CCT activity, this work contributes to a deeper understanding of protein misfolding and aggregation, with potential applications in identifying new biomarkers and therapeutic targets for diseases, including cancer.


A bit about me: I am a military kid who grew up all over the United States, and I graduated from a small town in rural Nevada. Outside the lab, I can be found swimming, eating cucumbers, playing violin or organ, or working as a beekeeper. This summer, I have enjoyed spending time with my labmates, including movie nights, hiking, and getting together for dinner. During this internship, the most impressive thing was attending my labmates' defense of her dissertation. She was successful and will receive her doctorate.

Undergraduate Institution: Snow College


Faculty Advisor: Professor: Dr. Kara Stowers
Mentor: Andrew Ralph

Research: In the lab this summer, I explored the structure-function relationship between metal organic framework (MOF) structure and electrochemical response. We worked on developing synthesis methods for different MOFs with varying pore sizes and used FTIR, BET, and cyclic voltammetry to characterize them. We hope to scaffold our MOFs onto a carbon structure to improve their stability and electrochemical response. Our research is enabling the use of MOFs in nonenzymatic glucose sensing.

A bit about me: Outside of the lab, I enjoy playing the piano and pipe organ, going for long walks, and adventuring with the people I love. I also love a good sci fi novel and discovering new things about the way the world works. 

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Dr. David Michaelis
Mentor: Daniel Odogwu

Research: This summer I contributed to research in the Michaelis Lab, where we investigated and screened cobalt–ligand complexes for retro-hydroformylation catalysis. We primarily used NMR to quantify products and glove box chemistry to create our complexes. Our research could provide a cheaper/renewable alternative building blocks for petroleum products.

A bit about me: When I’m not at work I like to hike or take walks with my wife. If I’m at home I enjoy reading, baking cookies, or napping.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Josh Price
Mentor: Nate McMurray

Research: This summer, I had the opportunity to work alongside Nate McMurray in assisting him with his research regarding training and running an AI LLM to see amino acids as a language which for a number of desired peptides, able to output stable alpha helical novel AA sequences. I was able to learn how to use many instrumentations as well as techniques and further my coding knowledge. I took the AI produced sequence and synthesized it using a microwave and then purified it and analyzed it confirming predicted helicity. We are now working on specializing the AI to do specific tasks to improve folding, stability, and other motifs like beta sheets. I loved developing a relationship with my mentors and other pre-med research assistants in my lab. The experience of applying knowledge and just having an environment where you're welcomed and encouraged to be yourself and contribute to the group is something I really appreciated.

A bit about me: In my spare time, I enjoy rocketry, sports: volleyball and basketball, baking, hiking/outdoors, traveling (In the future when I have a big boy job), and watching Anime.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho


Faculty Advisor: Dr. Steve Castle
Mentor: Gracie Damstedt

Research:
I have been working on the total synthesis of thioenamide as part of a broader effort to determine the stereochemistry of prethioviridamide, an anti-cancer peptide whose proposed structure has been called into question by computational studies. The project requires a complex 6-step synthesis and relies on techniques such as column chromatography, thin-layer chromatography (TLC), NMR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry to purify and characterize intermediates. Ultimately, this work has the potential to contribute to a publication and deepen our understanding of thioviridamide’s bioactive structure and therapeutic promise.


A bit about me:
Outside the lab, I enjoy hiking Y, visiting Sand Hollow, and spending time in the temple. This summer I discovered how much I enjoy cooking new recipes—it feels like lab work, where small changes matter. I relax by listening to alternative rock while doing dishes, and one of my favorite internship memories was our lab’s football game and cookout. It’s been such a fun, supportive group to be part of.

Undergraduate Institution: Utah Valley University

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Ryan Kelly
Mentor: Sachini Moratuwage

Research: In the Kelly Lab, I’ve been working on method development for single-cell proteomics. This summer, I contributed to a project aimed at processing 2,000 cells per day using Tandem Mass Tag (TMT) labeling. I operated a modified Opentrons OT-2 liquid handler, adapted to precisely transfer fluids in the nanoliter range. To improve sample throughput, I designed a protocol for pooling TMT-labeled samples prior to mass spectrometry analysis.

A little about me: I’m happiest outdoors—you’ll usually find me boating, golfing, camping, summiting peaks, or flying RC planes. I used to be a sneakerhead until prices took off, so I pivoted: I learned to make custom Air Jordan 1s from scratch. When I’m not out in the wild, I’m usually indoors, crouched in front of a sewing machine, building my next pair of handmade shoes.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Dr. JC Price
Mentor: Coleman Nielsen

Research: This summer I spent time trying to renovate the lipidomics analysis workflow by aziridinating double bonds in omega-species lipids. This allows us to determine the species of omega-type lipids using LC-MS. We also spent time implementing a nano mode to a mass spec, allowing us to use less solvent, less sample, for a greater signal and interpretation. The implementation of this workflow will help us to understand the lipid turnover rates in mice with alzheimers, helping us to characterize the lipid context of this disease.


A bit about me: I enjoy playing piano and guitar, mountain and street biking, running, hiking, fishing, and just about anything else outdoors! Once the sun goes down, you'll probably find me at home reading or watching movies with friends.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Dr. Brandon Gassaway
Mentor: Morgan Payne

Research:

Improper repair of DNA damage, including double stranded breaks (DSB), can lead to the development of diseases, including cancer. This summer I worked in the Gassaway lab investigating the role of BAZ1B phosphorylation in DSB repair in mammalian cells. Through
this project, I gained hands-on experience using PCR, bacterial transformation, and immunofluorescence to work towards relevant data collection.

A bit about Me:

Outside of the lab, I’m an avid baker who loves spending hours in the kitchen making pastries, watching movies, and jamming to musicals. I also enjoy being with my family and spending time
trying out a variety of hobbies, with my recent favorites being softball and tap dance.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Professor Christensen

Research: This summer I contributed to the research in the Christensen Lab where we investigated protein-protein interactions involving CMG2, a type of cellular receptor. We used proteomics and western blot techniques to gain insight into how CMG2 inhibitors alleviate pain associated with endometriosis. Our findings could validate the use of CMG2 as a therapeutic target for managing endometriosis-related pain, potentially improving the lives of numerous women affected by this condition.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Professor Austin

Research: This summer I explored the dissociation pattern when molecules impact a surface at high speed (5km/s or higher). I helped assemble and calibrate the vacuum chamber for the project and collected data for analysis. Knowing the disintegration pattern helps scientists better analyze the data collected from space.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Professor Van Ry

Research: This summer in the Van Ry Lab, I learned how to staining skeletal muscle tissue from mouse models that had either been treated with a protein therapy or with a placebo. The muscle tissue of mice was prepared on slides and analyzed using various staining methods to determine the relative fat content and overall quality of the muscle fibers. The obtained images were then processed with software for quantification, allowing us to assess the response of treated mice to a novel treatment compared to the non-treated group.

Undergraduate Institution: North Park University


Faculty Advisor: Professor JL Price

Research: This summer I worked in the JL Price lab on price on protein synthesis. I have used the one pot solid phase technic through the deprotection and activation of amino acid and coupling. I have been able to purify my protein sequences through lyophilization and I have been able to confirm the success of my synthesis through mass spectroscopy.

Undergraduate Institution: Northwest Missouri State University

Faculty Advisor: Professor Andersen

Research: This summer I worked in Dr. Andersen's lab studying a protein called TNK1 which was linked to inflammatory signaling pathways and cancer development. My project consisted of discovering the interaction between TNK1 and a protein related to inflammation through the activation of inflammatory transcriptional pathways. I was also in charge of identifying the specific sequence within TNK1 that is required important protein-protein interactions.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Hawaii

Faculty Advisor: Professor JC Price

Research: For my summer research I am working with mice liver tissues that express different versions of the human ApoE protein to measure changes in protein concentration and turnover. Our hypothesis is that ApoE genotype increases the risk for disease by making an individual more susceptible to insults. Hence, we are going to generate data to investigate how ApoE isoforms modulate liver proteostasis.

Undergraduate Institution: Utah Tech University


Faculty Advisor: Professor Kelly

Research: This past summer I worked in the Kelly lab converting a liquid handling robot to work on the nL scale. I tested its precision and accuracy on that level and did a series of experiments to demonstrate its affordable use in single cell proteomics.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Professor Christensen

Research: This summer I contributed to the research in the Christensen Lab where we investigated protein-protein interactions involving CMG2, a type of cellular receptor. We used proteomics and western blot techniques to gain insight into how CMG2 inhibitors alleviate pain associated with endometriosis. Our findings could validate the use of CMG2 as a therapeutic target for managing endometriosis-related pain, potentially improving the lives of numerous women affected by this condition.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Professor Christensen

Research: This summer I contributed to the research in the Christensen Lab where we investigated protein-protein interactions involving CMG2, a type of cellular receptor. We used proteomics and western blot techniques to gain insight into how CMG2 inhibitors alleviate pain associated with endometriosis. Our findings could validate the use of CMG2 as a therapeutic target for managing endometriosis-related pain, potentially improving the lives of numerous women affected by this condition.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Professor Christensen

Research: This summer I contributed to the research in the Christensen Lab where we investigated protein-protein interactions involving CMG2, a type of cellular receptor. We used proteomics and western blot techniques to gain insight into how CMG2 inhibitors alleviate pain associated with endometriosis. Our findings could validate the use of CMG2 as a therapeutic target for managing endometriosis-related pain, potentially improving the lives of numerous women affected by this condition.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Professor Andrus

Research: This summer, I worked on synthesizing a new asymmetric micellar catalyst in the Andrus lab. This catalyst was modified with a MacMillan catalyst attached to its tail. I optimized the steps for producing the modified MacMillan catalyst as well as all purification and characterization of the new material.

Undergraduate Institution: Utah Valley University

Faculty Advisor: Professor Van Ry


Research: This summer, I worked with the tissue engineering team in the Van Ry lab for organotypic tissue formation in a lung alveolar model in soluble extracellular matrix (ECM). I worked on testing available ECM substitute, Culture X and Decellularized lung tissue, for Matrigel, the pure basement membranes. For the 3D culture method of creating lung organoids, I grew triculture cell aggregates in soluble ECM.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Hawaii

Faculty Advisor: Professor Andersen

Research:

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Professor Harrison

Research: This summer I worked on improving water treatment development in the Harrison lab. Wastewater produces toxic hydrogen sulfide gas, so I used zeolite and metal to absorb hydrogen sulfide as much as possible via analyzing the production of sulfur from a well combination of nickel (metal) and zeolites.

Undergraduate Institution: Missouri State

Faculty Advisor: Professor J Hansen

Research: This summer, I modeled the use of broadband cavity-enhanced absorption spectroscopy in the Hansen lab to determine whether it is possible to detect HO2 radicals. The first kinetic simulation I built in Python showed the implausibility of HO2 detection from the conversion of HO2 to ClO. We are now building a second simulation to test the plausibility of converting HO2 to NO2 for HO2 detection. I have learned to calibrate inexpensive particle sizers against well-established instruments such as a TEOM and an optical particle sizer.

Undergraduate Institution: Dominican University

Faculty Advisor: Professor Christensen


Research: This Summer, I worked with the parasite attributed to African Sleeping Sickness, Trypanosoma Brucei. The parasite exists in two forms, one while living in the fly that transmits it's stomach and one while in the bloodstream of its host. My project focused on understanding the bloodstream form's ability to regulate the pH level of its glycolytic organelle, the glycosome.

Undergraduate Institution: Utah State University

Faculty Advisor: Professor Savage


Research: I built glycan antigens for vaccines of S. pneumoniae. I synthesized and purified various sugar intermediates for glycan antigens in a certain S. pneumoniae serotype. Glycan antigen synthesis allows for more prevention of infectious disease.

Undergraduate Institution: BYU - Hawaii

Faculty Advisor: Professor Michaelis


Research:

Undergraduate Institution: BYU-Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Professor Woolley


Research: This summer I worked with a team developing a device that can run a test capable of determining to which antibiotics a specific bacterium is or isn’t resistant too. We used microfluidics to incubate bacteria in droplets inside micro channels in a PDMS chip. This method does not require an amplification step which makes it a lot faster than current methods. This test could aid physicians in getting a more efficient treatment quickly for patients with sepsis.

Undergraduate Institution: BYU-Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Professor Woolley


Research: My time was spent developing a diagnostic tool capable of identifying nine biomarkers in maternal serum in order to identify levels of preterm birth risk. The microfluidic chips were 3D printed and electrophoresis was used to separate and identify the biomarkers.

Undergraduate Institution: BYU-Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Professor Kelly


Research: During the summer, I worked in Dr. Kelly’s lab doing nanoscale proteomics on human skin tissues. I processed the samples and analyzed the data from the MS to know the main proteome implications of aging. The results will be used to develop skincare products.

Undergraduate Institution: BYU-Hawaii

Faculty Advisor: Professor Andruss


Research: We worked on synthesizing chiral auxiliaries from L-phenylalanine for Intramolecular Styryl Diels Alder (ISDA) reactions.

Undergrad: UVU

Faculty Advisor: Professor Sevy


Research Summary:

Undergraduate Institution: Southern Virginia University

Faculty Advisor: Professor Price (JC)

Research: This past summer I worked in the JC Price lab on method development of muscle proteomics. I worked on creating and updating protocols for sample pulverization and preparation for the mass spectrometer. I then analyzed the data collected for protein turnover rates and concentrations of the muscles.

Undergraduate Institution: Dixie State University


Faculty Advisor: Professor Hansen

Research: My summer research centered on improving the conversion of biomass into biofuels by method of anaerobic digestion.

Undergraduate Institution: BYU-Idaho


Faculty Advisor: Professor Kelly

Research: Research novel fluorescent staining techniques of HeLa cells to be integrated into a workflow for tandem mass spectrometry analysis.

Institution: University of Utah


Advisor: Adam Woolley

Research: My summer research focused on using analytical techniques in biochemistry to create a calibration curve for detecting low concentrations of DNA. The big picture application is to create a microfluidic device that is able to help detect 7 common antibiotic-resistant bacterial genes to allow for early sepsis detection.

Undergraduate Institution: Utah State University


Faculty Advisor: Professor Paxton

Research: This summer I worked on making hybrid polymer vesicles for use as micro-sized drug delivery vehicles. Once vesicles were created, worked to make them pH responsive to ensure they deliver their cargo under desired pH environments. This allows for greater specificity when delivering therapeutics such as chemo therapies.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Professor Christensen

Research: This summer I contributed to the research in the Christensen Lab where we investigated protein-protein interactions involving CMG2, a type of cellular receptor. We used proteomics and western blot techniques to gain insight into how CMG2 inhibitors alleviate pain associated with endometriosis. Our findings could validate the use of CMG2 as a therapeutic target for managing endometriosis-related pain, potentially improving the lives of numerous women affected by this condition.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Professor Austin

Research: This summer I explored the dissociation pattern when molecules impact a surface at high speed (5km/s or higher). I helped assemble and calibrate the vacuum chamber for the project and collected data for analysis. Knowing the disintegration pattern helps scientists better analyze the data collected from space.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Professor Van Ry

Research: This summer in the Van Ry Lab, I learned how to staining skeletal muscle tissue from mouse models that had either been treated with a protein therapy or with a placebo. The muscle tissue of mice was prepared on slides and analyzed using various staining methods to determine the relative fat content and overall quality of the muscle fibers. The obtained images were then processed with software for quantification, allowing us to assess the response of treated mice to a novel treatment compared to the non-treated group.

Undergraduate Institution: North Park University


Faculty Advisor: Professor JL Price

Research: This summer I worked in the JL Price lab on price on protein synthesis. I have used the one pot solid phase technic through the deprotection and activation of amino acid and coupling. I have been able to purify my protein sequences through lyophilization and I have been able to confirm the success of my synthesis through mass spectroscopy.

Undergraduate Institution: Northwest Missouri State University

Faculty Advisor: Professor Andersen

Research: This summer I worked in Dr. Andersen's lab studying a protein called TNK1 which was linked to inflammatory signaling pathways and cancer development. My project consisted of discovering the interaction between TNK1 and a protein related to inflammation through the activation of inflammatory transcriptional pathways. I was also in charge of identifying the specific sequence within TNK1 that is required important protein-protein interactions.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Hawaii

Faculty Advisor: Professor JC Price

Research: For my summer research I am working with mice liver tissues that express different versions of the human ApoE protein to measure changes in protein concentration and turnover. Our hypothesis is that ApoE genotype increases the risk for disease by making an individual more susceptible to insults. Hence, we are going to generate data to investigate how ApoE isoforms modulate liver proteostasis.

Undergraduate Institution: Utah Tech University


Faculty Advisor: Professor Kelly

Research: This past summer I worked in the Kelly lab converting a liquid handling robot to work on the nL scale. I tested its precision and accuracy on that level and did a series of experiments to demonstrate its affordable use in single cell proteomics.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Professor Christensen

Research: This summer I contributed to the research in the Christensen Lab where we investigated protein-protein interactions involving CMG2, a type of cellular receptor. We used proteomics and western blot techniques to gain insight into how CMG2 inhibitors alleviate pain associated with endometriosis. Our findings could validate the use of CMG2 as a therapeutic target for managing endometriosis-related pain, potentially improving the lives of numerous women affected by this condition.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Professor Christensen

Research: This summer I contributed to the research in the Christensen Lab where we investigated protein-protein interactions involving CMG2, a type of cellular receptor. We used proteomics and western blot techniques to gain insight into how CMG2 inhibitors alleviate pain associated with endometriosis. Our findings could validate the use of CMG2 as a therapeutic target for managing endometriosis-related pain, potentially improving the lives of numerous women affected by this condition.

Undergraduate Institution: Brigham Young University - Idaho

Faculty Advisor: Professor Christensen

Research: This summer I contributed to the research in the Christensen Lab where we investigated protein-protein interactions involving CMG2, a type of cellular receptor. We used proteomics and western blot techniques to gain insight into how CMG2 inhibitors alleviate pain associated with endometriosis. Our findings could validate the use of CMG2 as a therapeutic target for managing endometriosis-related pain, potentially improving the lives of numerous women affected by this condition.