Ever since I took AP chemistry my senior year of high school, I knew I wanted to study chemistry. After attending the RPI Medalist Day, I loved what this school had to offer. I am currently working in Freddy Colon’s lab in the biochemistry department. My project involves performing limited proteolysis experiments on the SAA amyloid. Serum Amyloid A (SAA) is one of the major acute phase reactant proteins expressed by the liver. In cases of prolonged inflammation, SAA may form amyloid fibrils, leading to the disease of Reactive Amyloidosis.

Lipid-free SAA2.2 exists in solution as a hexamer containing a putative central channel. When incubated at 37 degrees Celsius, SAA2.2 forms oligomers and eventually self assembles into amyloid fibrils. Because it does not require extreme solvent conditions, SAA 2.2 is an excellent model system for investigating the mechanism of the conversion of SAA into amyloid fibrils. My experiment involves partially digesting SAA 2.2 by adding an inhibitor, proteinase K. The proteolysis reaction is stopped at various times by adding 2.5% trifluoroacetic acid. The partial digestion products are then analyzed by SDS-page gels.

The Accelerated B.S./Ph.D. Program at RPI is a great opportunity. The Deans are extremely helpful and are always willing to give their support and guidance.

I grew up in Saratoga Springs, NY and attended Saratoga Springs High School. Outside of research, I am part of the RPI dance team, dance club, mentor program, and a sister of Pi Beta Phi.