Student Scholars & Faculty Mentors
Projects funded by our internal grants program. Search the table to find students or faculty mentors that share in your interests, and could help you achieve your goals in research, creative activity, or service.
Gene expression in canine mast cell tumors and relationship to kidney disease
Name: Edwards,
Advisor: Jessica Fellmeth
Department: BIOL
Award: Student Research Grant
Abstract: This study aims to determine the relationship between canine mast cell tumor (MCT) degranulation and cooccurrence of kidney disease (KD) by quantifying the expression of KD genes in MCTs. The expression of these genes will be determined through qPCR, a biological assay for detection and quantification of genetic material. We hypothesize that pro-inflammatory signals such as cytokines are expressed in the MCTs and travel through the bloodstream to the kidneys where they cause inflammation and reduced kidney function. Our research may provide the basis for veterinarians to provide kidney protective measures to patients experiencing MCTs. Through this process, we will be practicing skills critical for a future career in scientific research including but not limited to molecular biology techniques, ethical data collection and analysis, statistical measures, and scientific communication (both verbal and written). This experience will be invaluable as we will be Millersville University graduates next year, seeking jobs in biological research.