Lee University’s cell and molecular biology lab students, led by Drs. Jonathan Cornett and Lori West, will present their SEA-GENES (science education alliance – gene-function exploration by a network of emerging scientists) research as part of the spring session of the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library’s “Sassy Science Series.” The program will take place on Tuesday, April 14, at noon and will include a 40-minute presentation followed by a 20-minute Q&A session.
“We’re excited to welcome the cell and molecular biology lab students to continue the spring Sassy Science Series,” said Kathy Davini, adult programming coordinator at the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library. “This series is designed to make science engaging and accessible, and our partnership with Lee University allows us to offer high-quality programs to the community. Having student presenters for this installment is a unique opportunity, and we look forward to the research and insight they have to share.”
The class participates in the SEA-GENES project administered by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, a multi-semester endeavor. The project’s goal is to clone all 100 genes from the bacteriophage TChen and perform various tests to see how they behave when exposed to a specific drug or chemical.
“Participation in the SEA-GENES program offers our students a valuable opportunity to engage directly in meaningful research,” said West, distinguished professor of biology and assistant chairperson for Lee’s Department of Natural Sciences. “Not only do students deepen their understanding of virus biology, but they also contribute to the broader scientific community, an aspect that makes this experience especially exciting.”
This semester, the students were tasked with cloning four of the TChen genes and putting them through the testing process. They will present a poster of their results. Presenters include student groups Anneliese Estes and Jonah Pope, Sam Crowell and Lucas Quezada, and Lily Hartenburg and Ashtyn Stock.
“The ability to do research closely alongside our faculty has taught me invaluable technical and professional skills that have cultivated a passion for the work we are doing,” said Stock, a junior biology major with a pre-physician assistant emphasis. “Throughout this semester, our cell and molecular biology lab has tested genes to determine if they can kill host bacteria or prevent reinfection by a virus. In the end, we hope to add our knowledge to a database that could one day be used to develop phage therapy for antibiotic-resistant bacteria.”
The event is free and open to the public and will be held in the Flex Room of the Cleveland Bradley County Public Library, located at the corner of Church Street and 8th Street.
For more information, visit clevelandlibrary.org.
For more information about TChen or this project, visit phagesdb.org/phages/TChen/ or contact West at lwest@leeuniversity.edu.