Focused Effort
Ohio Wesleyan Student Researches Medications to Combat Jet Lag
Name: Callie Kampe '26
Hometown: Mansfield, Ohio
High School: Lexington High School
Majors: Neuroscience and Pre-Medicine
OWU Connection Experience: Participating in Ohio Wesleyan's 10-week Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Kampe studied potential medications to treat jet lag under the dual mentorship of Chelsea Vadnie, Ph.D., an assistant professor in OWU's Department of Psychology and Neuroscience Program, and Colleen McClung, Ph.D., a professor in the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Psychiatry and Translational Neuroscience Program. Kampe earned an OWU Connection Theory-To-Practice Grant to support her out-of-state work.
Why It Matters?
In her research abstract, Kampe shares: "Jet lag, a circadian rhythm disorder caused by travel across time zones, results in misalignment between the body's clocks and the environment. Acute jet lag causes symptoms such as sleep/wake disruption, irritability, and cognitive impairment. Chronic jet lag or circadian misalignment is associated with various diseases and disorders. Currently, there are limited treatments available for jet lag."
Why This Project?
"I chose this experience because Dr. Vadnie is actually my academic advisor, and I had been in one of her previous classes. ... I thought this would be perfect for me considering I am very interested in both neuroscience and the medical field, and this really combines both."
Lessons Learned
"First and foremost, I learned that when it comes to drug development research, it is a very lengthy process. Trying to find ways to successfully and safely get a drug into the body is already challenging enough and then wanting the drug to work efficiently is a whole other story! …
"Dr. Vadnie and I conducted two research experiments over the summer. Both of these projects are still going to be continued as I mentioned drug development can take a long time! Graduate students in Pittsburgh are continuing our projects."
Essential Experience
"Having experiences like these, especially in research, is essential for other STEM majors. Getting research experience under your belt will help you greatly when it comes to applying for graduate school and making connections in different fields. Additionally, these experiences can help you determine if what you are studying is something you want to pursue as a career."
Outside the Classroom
"I am a member of the neuroscience club, Neurds, on campus, and I am also a member of Kappa Alpha Theta."
Why I Chose OWU
"I fell in love with the campus atmosphere. It truly felt like home as soon as I stepped foot on campus. I also really liked the idea of having a close relationship with my professors and those in my major due to the small school size."
"I knew I wanted to pursue some form of science, and I was especially interested in neuroscience and medicine when I first became a Bishop. After taking more upper-level neuroscience classes, I knew I had picked the right major for me!"
"I could see myself working in a similar lab in the future either as a graduate student or as a senior researcher.
My Plans After Graduation
"This experience showed me the many different positions and roles that go into a professional lab setting. I met tons of individuals ranging from graduate students to medical doctors. I could see myself working in a similar lab in the future either as a graduate student or as a senior researcher.
"I am hoping to attend graduate school after I graduate. So far, OWU Career Connection has helped me greatly in applying for research opportunities and allowing me to connect with OWU alumni to broaden my horizons and make those crucial connections I will need for applications."