Kierra Holloman, a junior in biochemistry from Kansas City, Kansas, was selected by the Johnson Cancer Research Center at Kansas State University for its undergraduate research mentoring and award program.
She was one of 22 undergraduates selected for the program. Her topic is, “Regulation of protease inhibitors by oxidation of cysteine residues.”
Holloman is mentored by Michael Kanost, university distinguished professor of biochemistry and molecular biophysics.
The Cancer Research Award program promotes undergraduate student participation in laboratory research. It encourages students to consider careers in cancer research and medicine early on while they are still deciding what academic and professional paths to take.
“This opportunity allows students to apply what they are learning in classes to real-life laboratory problems, and engages them in their education, a critical factor for success,” said Sherry Fleming, the center’s director and a professor of biology. “Many of these future cancer researchers and medical workers will undoubtedly go on to be some of the top professionals in their fields.”
The award program, which is open to undergraduate students interested in doing cancer-relevant research, provides $1,500 awards to students and $1,000 per student for research expenses. The funds allow them to spend more time working on research rather than a non-academic job.
Students apply for the awards by co-writing research proposals with faculty members who will serve as their mentors. The awardees conduct their research in the mentors’ laboratories throughout at least the spring semester.