Graduate students receive Sigma Xi research grants

First-year graduate students Gabriella "Brie" Perell and Andrew Urick received Grants-in-Aid of Research Program awards from Sigma Xi, a scientific research society. Both are advised by Professor Will Pomerantz.

Brie is working on a general protein-protein interaction strategy using alpha-helical mimetics. Her first target is the CREB: KIX protein-protein interaction, a known transcription factor protein interaction associated with acute myeloid leukemia. She received $400 for expenses associated with her research.

Andrew is working on developing a ¹⁹F NMR screening assay as a hypersensitive technique for uncovering protein-ligand binding interactions. Currently, he is focusing on Brd4, a bromodomain containing protein that is overexpressed in several cancers. He received $942 toward expenses associated with this research.

The Sigma Xi Grant-in-Aid of Research Program has a highly competitive application process and only approximately 20 percent of applicants receive any level of funding.