“You mean we have the capability to do cancer research right here on campus?” The excitement in their voices was unmistakable. Soon four talented, enthusiastic students had convinced me to sponsor their research; sophomore Anna Laura Green and juniors Jiyar Hussein, Anthony Dikhtyar, and Briana Corzine. 

They began their project in May 2012. Using the new cell culture hood, added to the biology lab during the recent renovation of Greathouse Science Building, they learned how to feed cells, culture and count them, and monitor cell death. At the same time they began to read current articles in the field, and working together, they wrote up a detailed proposal of the research they wanted to conduct. With their newly acquired cell-handling skills and a passion to understand what they had been reading, they were ready to begin their research. They are now focusing on understanding how and why frankincense oil kills cancer cells. 

They want to present their ongoing work at Trevecca’s annual Undergraduate Research Symposium; additionally, they eventually plan to write an account of their research and submit it for publication in a biology journal. They hope that their research experience will lead to summer jobs at major research institutions, prepare them for careers in medicine and medicine-related professions, and inspire other students to follow in their footsteps by conducting research while at Trevecca. 

Alisha Russell 

Assistant Professor of Biology