McNair Scholars
Tosha Laughlin
Tosha Laughlin
I am Tosha Laughlin and I am at junior standing attending Southern Oregon University working towards a Bachelor of Science degree in Biochemistry with an American Chemical Society certification. Within biochemistry I am most interested in genetics and proteins. I plan on graduating in June 2013.
I intend to pursue a doctoral degree in Biochemistry with an emphasis in proteins. After getting a doctorate, I want to go into research and development to try and find a cure for genetically based diseases using different types of gene therapy.
I am very passionate about gene therapy, including gene therapy methods in relation to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. During my freshman year, I made a presentation at the Southern Oregon Arts and Research Conference (SOAR) on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy as well as viral gene therapy. Since then I have tried to incorporate gene therapy in relevant papers in my classes. In May, at SOAR 2012, I will be making a poster presentation on gene therapy, including viral gene therapy and exon skipping, as well as presenting two podium lectures, one on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and the other on the characterization of snake venom.
With the help of my faculty advisor, who is also my McNair Mentor, I have had multiple opportunities to partake in additional, non-course specific research on gene therapy and different genetic diseases. The chemistry department at Southern Oregon University has been very supportive and helpful in developing my understanding of such complicated subjects.
Mentor:
Dr. Gregory Miller, Associate Professor of Chemistry
Curriculum Vitae
SOU McNair Scholars Journal Fall 2012 – Vol. 9
Article: The Genetics Behind Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy
2012 McNair Scholar Symposium
Slide Presentation: The Genetics Behind Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy