Award recipients Ashley Thelen, Valerie Eckrich, Qianli Wang, and Jessica Chekal.
Ashley Thelen
Thelen, a junior, is majoring in biochemistry and microbiology with a minor in chemistry in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources. Thelen began researching with Melanie Simpson and Joe Barycki, associate professor of biochemistry, her freshman year.
Her research focuses on the enzyme UDP-glucose dehydrogenase, or UGDH, which is essential in heart valve formation and steroid detoxification pathways. Under Simpson and Barycki’s guidance, Thelen is examining the effects of altered UGDH activity, specifically, the role of UGDH in the process of tumor metastasis in prostate cancer.
“I am incredibly grateful for the research opportunities I have received as an undergraduate at UNL,” Thelen said. “Being selected as a Beckman Scholar will influence my future by providing opportunities and resources that will help build a strong foundation for my career in science.”
Jessica Chekal
Chekal is a sophomore biochemistry major who has been researching with DiRusso how different fatty acid concentrations in the diet influence lipotoxic disease.
“Obesity is a major problem in our society today because it can lead to other health issues such as cardiovascular disease, and type 2 diabetes,” Chekal said. “This will allow me to play an investigative role in a field about which I am passionate.”
Valerie Eckrich
Eckrich, a junior, is majoring in biochemistry. She has been working on two research projects in Paul Blum’s laboratory focusing on applications of Metallosphaera sedula, an important bio-mining organism.
The first piece focuses on getting M. sedula to oxidize uranium so that it can be mined without ruining the environment. The second project focuses on acidic properties of M. sedula, which can be manipulated.
Eckrich said being selected as a Beckman Scholar is a great honor and will open up more opportunities for her, including pursuing graduate school at a Research-1 level institution and explore airborne pathogens, tuberculosis, Bacillus anthraci or sarcoma cancers.
Qianli Wang
Wang was born in Tangshan, China. He is a junior majoring in biological sciences. Wang works with Luwen Zhang in the Nebraska Center for Virology, studying the Epstein-Barr virus. EBV is commonly known as the cause of mononucleosis, but it has also been shown to be associated with multiple lymphomas and carcinomas.
Wang’s research will explore the relationships among the host’s DNA damage response system and if EBV-infected cells’ responses to DNA damage may potentially induce cancer formation.
Wang said being selected as a Beckman Scholar will allow him to conclude his research and continue his studies in graduate school.