Jenna Gaska

Hometown: San Antonio, Texas

Age: 21

Majors: Biology, Classics

What are your plans post-Southwestern?

I am currently in the process of applying to graduate programs in molecular biology in the hopes of receiving a PhD and ultimately becoming a professor.

When do you feel most like a scientist/mathematician/computer scientist?

I feel most like a scientist whenever I am working to understand a challenging concept or troubleshooting a problem that arises in the lab.    

My honors thesis….

[…is] now wrapping up…in Dr. Cuevas’ lab, using cell culture, gel electrophoresis, and immunoblot analysis to assess the potential role of estradiol and progesterone in altering the expression and localization of the tight junction proteins claudin-3 and -4 in the breast epithelial MCF-7 and the endometrial HEC-1A cancer cell lines.  I have also exposed these two cell lines to the chemotherapeutic agent 4-hydroxy-tamoxifen and monitored claudin-3 and -4 expression following estradiol exposure at various time-points.

“Science as a Career”

My time in Dr. Cuevas’ lab has allowed me to learn more techniques and further hone my critical thinking skills.  This past summer I, along with Dr. Cuevas, attended the Endocrine Society’s 94th Annual Meeting, which included a special day-long forum on cancer and hormones.  Listening to renowned scientists discuss their research left me overflowing with new ideas, and I felt even more certain about my decision to pursue science as a career.

Kira McEntire

Hometown: Smithville, TX

Age: 21

Majors: Biology and Environmental Studies

Minor: Studio Art

What are your plans post-Southwestern?

I applied for several PhD programs, mostly in ecology.

When do you feel most like a scientist?

I feel most like a scientist when I am developing methods for a project and carefully reading a methods section of a paper.

For my Honors Thesis….

…I am working on an Environmental Studies Honors Thesis with a focus on conservation biology. The project uses GIS to categorize land use and developmental planning in the catchment areas of springs known to have salamanders. Next semester I will use this information to conduct a vulnerability analysis and consider different management options. This is a particularity timely project as the Georgetown Salamander is currently in the process of being listed under the Endangered Species Act… I work with Dr. Benjamin Pierce on questions regarding the ecology and study of the Georgetown Salamander….The next stage will be particularly challenging as management decisions are never straight forward; there are many things to take into consideration.

“Research as a Career”

When I decided to come to SU, I contacted Dr. Pierce about helping out with his research and was able to go out one day to assist with field work. …it was awesome. From that day I have wanted to do field research as a career.