2008-2009 University Scholar Profile
Jessica Greer
Mentor: Mark Atkinson
College of Medicine
"I had been conducting research in Dr. Atkinson’s lab for a few semesters and decided that I wanted to take my research to another level by conducting my own research project. I decided to apply to the University Scholars Program because it provides me the opportunity to get involved with cutting edge research at the University of Florida and allows me to complete a research project of my own. I am simply fascinated with the field of science because you never stop learning. I have decided to pursue a career in medicine where I can combine my passion for science with my interest in helping others. I am currently applying to medical school and hope to become an endocrinologist or surgeon."
Courses of Study
Major
Microbiology and Cell Science
Minor
Zoology
Awards
- Dean's List, every semester since the summer of 2005
Volunteer Service / Organizations
- College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Upper Division Honors Program
- Member vice president, Alpha Epsilon Delta (AED), a pre-health honor society
- Healing Animals Director for AED where she organized and coordinated over eighty hours of community service events for local organizations such as Alachua County Humane Society, Mill Creek Retired Horse Farm, Rooterville Pig Sanctuary, and Alachua County Animal Services
- Volunteer for Streetlight at Shands, a palliative care and support program for teens and young adults with chronic illnesses such as sickle cell anemia, cancer, and cystic fibrosis.
- Mentors middle school students at Westwood Middle School
- Arts and Medicine Committee in the UF Pre-Med American Medical Student Association
Hobbies/Activities
Exercising and traveling.
Research Description
Comparing Type One Diabetes Treatments in eNOS Knockout Mice with an NOD Background
The non-obese diabetic mouse (NOD) is a strain of mice that spontaneously develop type-one-diabetes (T1D) from twelve weeks of age. The NOD mouse has been extensively studied for the treatment and prevention of T1D. The endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) gene has several roles including regulatory functions in both the kidney and retinal tissues. The eNOS gene has been knocked out in NOD background mice, and preliminary studies indicate that as the eNOS knockout mice develop T1D, kidney and possibly retinal pathogenesis occurs. This eNOS knockout/ NOD mouse could potentially serve as a model for studying common complications of T1D.
The purpose of the study is to determine if usual prevention, treatment, and acceleration methods for T1D in NOD mice are effective in the eNOS knockout mice. Age matched female eNOS knockout mice and female NOD mice will be treated with preventative methods starting at 4 weeks of age and will be monitored for blood glucose levels (BGL) on a bi-weekly basis to determine if preventative methods are effective in eNOS knockout mice. If the mice reach a BGL of 240 or higher, treatment with insulin will begin. The BGLs of the mice will be monitored on a daily basis to determine if insulin is effective in controlling T1D in the eNOS knockout mice. Extensive histology studies of the pancreas will determine if preventative, treatment, and acceleration methods are effective in the eNOS knockout mice.
Determining if usual treatments for T1D are effective in eNOS knockout mice would be the first crucial step in establishing a mouse model for studying complications of T1D. This study would provide a better understanding of role of the eNOS gene in the pathogenesis of T1D and its effect on usual methods of prevention, treatment, and acceleration.
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