In my CURE-based research project, student teams investigate how small RNA pathway genes/proteins in Tetrahymena thermophila respond to DNA damage induced by MMS and hydroxyurea, testing the hypothesis that genes important for the sRNA pathway will show damage-responsive changes in expression. Conducted in collaboration with Dr. Suzanne Lee through the NW Tetrahymena CURE Consortium, the project lets students generate novel, non–pre-determined results that contribute to a broader multi-institution research effort. Over the semester, students experience an authentic research workflow through structured updates and group work, including journal club/lab meeting presentations, iterative troubleshooting supported by lab manuals, peer review and revision, and culminating in a full research-style manuscript and presentation of findings.
