Investigation of Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy via Study of Differential Gene Expression in induced-Pluripotent Stem Cell Sensory Neurons
Zoe is a fourth-year Choose Ohio First (COF) Advancing an Inclusive Biotech Economy in Ohio (IBEO) scholar majoring in Molecular Genetics with a minor in Bioethics. Her future goals include pursuing graduate studies in biosciences, along with conducting research and development in the biotechnology field. As a COF scholar, Zoe has worked to spark an interest in the STEM field for students through her time leading biology problem-solving workshops as a Head Peer Leader for the Center of Life Sciences Education. Additionally, during her three years of research in the laboratory of Deanna Kroetz at the College of Pharmacy, Zoe conducted experimental studies investigating Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (CIPN) mechanisms in induced-Pluripotent Stem Cell Sensory Neurons (iPSC-SN). Since the spring of 2023, under the mentorship of Dr. Kulkarni, Zoe has been responsible for characterizing and analyzing gene expression patterns in iPSC-SN in response to chemotherapeutic (paclitaxel) treatment. In order to characterize and validate iPSC-SN for study of chemotherapeutics, she employed immunostaining, viability analysis, and qPCR. Additionally, in her study of gene expression, she spearheaded the application of Cut&Tag to study differential chromatin accessibility in paclitaxel-treated iPSC-SNs. This pursuit manifested in a year-long effort to troubleshoot and optimize the Cut&Tag procedure to be valid in the notoriously delicate iPSC-SN model, ultimately resulting in a successful generation of Cut&Tag DNA libraries. Zoe has presented both of these projects at the SURF (Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship) symposium for the College of Pharmacy, receiving the 2nd place prize for her presentation on “Characterization of an iPSC-derived Sensory Neuron Model for study of Paclitaxel-induced Neurodegeneration.” Her time in Kroetz lab has given her a deep appreciation for the process of research and a passion for cell culture and the study of gene expression, especially in the context of stem cell model systems. This passion and appreciation will stay with her as she continues her career in research and her pursuit of higher education.
Impact of the Choose Ohio First Scholarship Program
"The COF scholarship has provided me with numerous opportunities in the STEM field. COF encouraged me to pursue research early and gave me the opportunity to commit my time to a volunteer position in a field I'm interested in. Additionally, COF taught me the value of engaging in the STEM community, resulting in my position as a Peer Leader for biology students."
Professional Website
