The Sci-Files on Impact 89FM

This week on The Sci-Files, Daniel and Chelsie interview Kathryn Wierenga. Kathryn is a doctoral student in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department at Michigan State University. Her research focuses on an autoimmune disease known as lupus erythematosus.

Autoimmune diseases affect over 25 million Americans. Her lab is studying how the development of lupus is affected by two environmental factors: silica, and the dietary omega-3 fatty acid (DHA). Kathryn’s laboratory uses a lupus-prone mutated mouse model. She observes how intranasal exposure to silica triggers early loss of self-tolerance and onset of autoimmunity.

If you’re interested in talking about your MSU research on the radio or nominating a student, please email Chelsie and Danny at [email protected]. Check The Sci-Files out on Twitter @SciFiles89FM and Facebook!

On this weeks episode of The Sci-Files, Daniel and Chelsie interview John Tran. John is a Plant Biology Ph.D. student at Michigan State University looking to improve bioenergy. He studies the plant cell wall which provides plants structural support and protection. The layer can be tough and rigid, which can make the production of plant biomass less amenable for bioenergy purposes. John’s goal is to tune the cell wall, so plants can grow healthy as well as be used more efficiently for producing biofuel.

If you’re interested in talking about your MSU research on the radio, or nominating a student please email Chelsie and Danny at [email protected]. Also, check out Sci-Files out on Twitter @SciFiles89FM and Facebook!

To kick off The Sci-Files, Daniel and Chelsie interview Jennifer Watts. Jennifer is a Doctoral Candidate with the Physiology Department at Michigan State University. She is also the President of the Physiology Graduate Student Council.

In this episode, Daniel and Chelsie interview Jennifer on her research with the Zika virus (ZIKV). ZIKV emerged in Brazil in 2015, causing detrimental effects on newborn babies. Aside from transmission via mosquito, ZIKV is to also sexually transmitted, which introduces the possibility that ZIKV infection could occur in early development. Jennifer’s lab wants to understand how the Zika virus affects early development using a mouse model. Her studies are significant to human health because they will further knowledge of ZIKV infection in early pregnancy and outcomes for newborn children.

Besides research, she is passionate about leveraging her achievements to promote inclusivity in science. She is a member of the Alliance for Graduate Education and the Professoriate (AGEP). AGEP represents and advocates for individuals underrepresented in the science field through meetings and community service.

Twitter: @jleticiawatts

If you’re interested in talking about your MSU research on the radio or nominating a student, please email Chelsie and Danny at [email protected]. Check The Sci-Files out on Twitter @SciFiles89FM and Facebook!