Biology undergrad researches cancer drug at Notre Dame through National Science Foundation REU

By Ian Wesselhoff

F or over two months this summer, junior biology major Rebecca DeRoth worked full-time hours in the lab at the University of Notre Dame researching the effectiveness of a cancer drug.

DeRoth was accepted into two U.S. National Science Foundation Research Experiences for Undergraduates (NSF REU) programs, and chose the offer from Notre Dame to pursue her interest area of biomedical research for the summer.

These highly competitive NSF REU programs give undergraduate students an average of 10 weeks of full-time mentored research experience, in a field of their choosing, at large research-intensive universities. Students are provided with a stipend to support them during the REU period.

DeRoth says that having so much dedicated time to research helped her gain confidence in the lab setting and build new research skills.

"It's very immersive, so once you're there, you really feel like you're doing graduate-level work," DeRoth said. "I was working on my project all day, every day, and I was just really fascinated by the work. I was always asking my mentors questions because I genuinely wanted to learn more and get results."

Her project investigated whether a drug called CDDO-Me, or bardoxolone methyl, could serve as a potential treatment for androgen-resistant prostate cancer by helping to break down the glucocorticoid receptor, which has been linked to therapy resistance.

"I've really enjoyed experiencing a new research environment and learning more about cancer biology," DeRoth said. "It has been exciting to contribute to a project with potential clinical relevance."

Throughout the program, she learned a variety of new techniques, and she developed her scientific communication and writing skills in putting together a poster presentation and orally presenting her research. She also got to visit Chicago and tour Northwestern University's graduate school.

DeRoth was already doing hands-on laboratory research during her freshman year at GCSU, working in the lab of Dr. Ellen France, professor of biology. DeRoth says France mentored her through every step of the way, including help with her REU applications.

"I didn't even know what REUs were until I joined her lab, so she's telling me about different opportunities that there are, and then also helping me in the lab and learning certain techniques," DeRoth said. "It's just been a ton of support. I would not have been able to do it without joining her lab, I don't think."

Over her years teaching at Georgia College, France has helped 17 students from her lab earn REU opportunities at prestigious universities across the country. France says that if the students prove themselves during their REUs, the networks that they have built at their selected research institutions can make them stand out even more for future career opportunities.

"Having a mentor is really important," DeRoth said. "Especially for someone like me, because I do not have family members working in scientific or medical research. I am really grateful to have received so much support and guidance."

Header Images: Junior Rebecca DeRoth spent her summer completing an NSF Research Experience for Undergraduates program at The University of Notre Dame. (Photos: Rebecca DeRoth)