Therapeutic Target
Ohio Wesleyan Students Explore Protein's Structure, Function, Potential
Name: Evan Lucas '26
Hometown: Loveland, Ohio
High School: Loveland High School
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Exercise Science
Name: Haleigh Stover '25
Hometown: Marion, Ohio
High School: Marion Harding High School
Majors: Genetics and Music
Minor: Chemistry
OWU Connection Experience: Summer Science Research Program (SSRP)
Lucas and Stover are spending 10 weeks researching "Interactions Between a Phosphatidylcholine Model Membrane and Poly-Arginine." They are being mentored by Bethany Rudd, Ph.D., and Kayce Tomcho, Ph.D., assistant professors of Chemistry.
What We're Researching?
Lucas and Stover: "The relationship between structure and function is integral to the study of biochemistry, meaning that if the structure of a protein is understood, then its function can be modulated, and more targeted therapeutics can be developed.
"Our protein of interest is the glycine receptor (GlyR), which is found in the cell membrane and a complete picture of its structure is unknown. We believe a particular piece of this protein can penetrate the cell membrane.
"In this work, we used simple model systems of GlyR and the cell membrane to better understand the interactions between them, which will provide a more complete structural picture of the receptor."
Lessons Learned
Lucas and Stover: "This experience gave us insight into what it would be like in research. … We've learned how to work efficiently."
Why This Experience?
Lucas: "It was convenient for what interests me, and I love working with the teachers I know well."
Stover: "Building relations with professors I didn't know well in my department."
Favorite Moments
Lucas: Getting to know our teachers better."
Stover: "Our weekly lunches to find out what other research labs are doing this summer."
Campus Involvements
Lucas: "Varsity swim team, member of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity, member of the Chamber Orchestra."
Stover: "Symphonic Wind Ensemble, Marching Bishops, Choral Art Society, Theatre."
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
Lucas: "Good study abroad programs."
Stover: "OWU offers a Genetics major."
I plan to attend grad school. OWU offered opportunities to gain more experience and connections in the field.
Plans After Graduation
Lucas: "I plan to attend pharmacy school. SSRP helped me toward that goal."
Stover: "I plan to attend grad school. OWU offered opportunities to gain more experience and connections in the field."