Biology - Program News
Program News
Biology and Biomedical Sciences
Juwaan Douglas-Jenkins '22 conducting biomedical research
Following his graduation, Juwaan Douglas-Jenkins joined the Gisela Storz Lab as part of the National Institute of Health's Postbaccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award program. Award recipients work side-by-side with some of the leading scientists in the world in an environment devoted exclusively to biomedical research. Douglas-Jenkins is working to identify and characterize small regulatory proteins.
Alumni fight food inequality through science, local initiatives
The UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change recently observed that climate change is affecting food security through increasing temperatures, changing precipitation patterns and greater frequency of extreme events. Salve Regina alumni are stepping up to offer solutions with the hope of combating these rising challenges in a variety of different ways – from researching plant science for healthier crops to helping maintain sustainable local food sources.
Rhiannon Morrissey '16 fights breast cancer through doctoral research
The opportunity to conduct research at the undergraduate level inspired Rhiannon Morrissey to develop a career as a breast cancer geneticist. She works full-time while pursuing a Ph.D. at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center in the biomedical sciences, genetics and epigenetics program. "I loved research so much that I couldn't give it up, so it changed my whole career path," she said. "I probably wouldn't be in this career path if it wasn't for Salve."
Stephen Natola '21 learned invaluable research skills at Salve Regina
The opportunity to participate in faculty-led research was a highlight of Stephen Natola's education at Salve Regina, and he believes the experiences will benefit him during his graduate studies at Boston University. "This research ultimately became the basis of my senior thesis, and I learned valuable skills that I will carry with me into graduate school," he said. "Choosing to take chances, and to take advantage of unexpected opportunities, can be incredibly rewarding."
Noe Mercado '14 fights to find a vaccine for the coronavirus
Noe Mercado '14 is a true story of triumph and determination despite the odds, and his tenacity came in handy as he tackled the biggest challenge of 2020: helping to create a vaccine for the coronavirus. As a research associate at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Mercado's team collaborated on the Johnson & Johnson vaccine, placing him at the center of the global fight against the pandemic.
Gabrielle Corradino '11 showcases marine research
Gabrielle Corradino '11 has a passion for research, which has led to an impressive string of achievements for the young scientist. She has been a National Geographic Society explorer, a National Geographic early career fellow and a Department of the Interior global change fellow. Corradino recently earned her Ph.D. from North Carolina State University, and through it all, she's built an active social media presence, contributing to several ocean-based podcasts and hosting a professional Instagram account that aims to bring her research to the public.