Westminster College senior molecular biology major Jasmine Grady received an undergraduate research grant from Westminster's Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning.

Grady's research, "The Role of the N-Terminal End of Centrin2 in Interactions with Crm1," is conducted under the supervision of Dr. Karen Resendes, Westminster assistant professor of biology.

The project focuses on two proteins involved in nuclear export by creating a construct that consists of only the N-terminal end of centrin2 using a ligation independent cloning technique.

"Independent research is a love/hate relationship," Grady said.  "I love research because I am investigating an aspect of a protein, centrin2, which does not have any documented research.  However, lab results are not always favorable and it can be very frustrating at times.  At the end of the day, the research experience is worth the time."

Grady is a daughter of Walter and Donna Grady of Dayton, Ohio, and a graduate of Dayton Christian High School.

The Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning was created to enrich undergraduate education at Westminster through advancing world-class teaching as well as by participating in collaborations that address community and regional needs including strengthening K-12 education.  The Undergraduate Research Initiative provides funding for students to conduct research and to present their research at regional and national conferences.  Visit www.westminster.edu/drinko for more information about the Drinko Center and its programs. 

Contact Resendes at (724) 946-7211 or email resendkk@westminster.edu for additional information.