Name: Sarah Jung
Undergraduate Institution: University of Maryland, BS Biology
Degree: MS Biology
Advisor: Dr. Decicco
Research Project: In the photo I am loading a protein gel in preparation for a Western Blot. I use this technique to study the inflammatory proteins that may be involved in signaling pathways associated with skin cancer. We use the knock-out mice, TPL2, as a model because they develop a high incidence of skin cancer.

Name: Ariel Aspiras
Undergraduate Institution: American University, BS Biochemistry
Degree: MS Biology
Advisor: Dr. Angelini
Research Project: Studying how developmental genes function using the milkweed insects. The HOX genes and Leg Patterning Genes are well conserved across all species so the milkweed insects are a good model for this research. I am using RNA interference and quantitative real time PCR to better understand how these genes function. I am also studying eye degeneration in cave amphipods to learn more about the development of the eye in terms of evolution.