Assaying Individually Cloned SINES for DNA Activity in Tissue Culture

Baileigh Laipply is a third year senior at BGSU. She is originally from Centerburg, Ohio and am currently a pre med student majoring in biology and minoring in chemistry. Baileigh was a former university cheerleader and is involved in the honors college.  For the 2020 CURS symposium she completed a research project titled “Assaying Individually Cloned SINES for DNA Activity in Tissue Culture” and is currently researching a continuation of this project for the spring 2021 semester.

9 Questions with Baileigh

1 | Let’s talk a little bit about your CURS project! What was your research question?

Can linking the secondary structure of tRNA derived SINEs to their mobilization provide insight on their mechanism to associate with the ribosome and hijack LINEs enzymatic machinery? I am also investigating the genetic polymorphism of SINE_Cf insertions across 13 different canine populations. 

2 | What did you do for your project?

I study mobile elements in the genome, which insert themselves into different chromosomal locations. I am specifically studying SINE mobile insertions in canine and mouse DNA. I am completing a genotyping experiment by conducting PCR, mini-preps, and gel electrophoresis. 

3 | How did you come to be interested in this topic?

I discovered the topic of my research in Dr. Halo’s genetics class and was immediately drawn to her research. However, I have always been interested in genetics and find the topic extremely intriguing. 

4 | Did you have any interesting results or discoveries while working on your project?

My research project is still underway, however there have been extremely promising results thus far in the divergence of mobilization of the SINE insertions. 

5 | What was the biggest challenge you encountered while working on your CURS project? How did you overcome it?

Many challenges I have faced this semester have dealt with primers and PCR. Since my research deals with a non reference genome, every aspect of this project must be analyzed and made from scratch. I have over come these obstacles with the help of Madison Alteri, Abigail Jarosz , and Dr. Julia Halo. They are always so helpful and provide insightful guidance for me to find ways to fix my problems. 

6 | What did you learn from your CURS project? Did you gain any experience or realizations you feel are relevant to your life or career in the process?

I have learned so much from my CURS experience. Not only have I expanded my scientific knowledge, but I have gained professional lab experience which will equally benefit my future. I have also had the privileged  experience of being in an amazing professional work environment that I can hopefully help implement in any future environment. 

7 | How has the Center for Undergraduate Research and Scholarship impacted your life as a student/faculty mentor?

The CURS grant was a great way to get my foot in the door and develop a passion for my research. I was given many tools to help me succeed such as guidance, resources and the ability to stray away from my generalized science studies to focus on something more specific that interested me. It was very encouraging to know I had to support of the CURS faculty when researching. 

8 | What advice do you have for students pursuing research projects through CURS in the future?

Even if you’re unsure of your exact research plans, apply! Plans can change or be adapted and CURS will work with you to help you have a great experience and truly learn throughout the process (not just about your passions but also about yourself). 

9 | What’s a fun fact about yourself that no one else might know about you?

I have an extra vertebrae in my spine!

Baileigh-Laipply

"Plans can change or be adapted and CURS will work with you to help you have a great experience and truly learn throughout the process."

Updated: 03/07/2021 05:07PM