Parreno Lab

The Effect of Stiffness on Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition

In the spring of 2021, I had the pleasure of joining Parreno Lab when it opened at the University of Delaware. 

After a semester of popping in to learn about the lab and research, I started working on my project over the summer through the Summer Scholars program. My research focuses on how stiffness plays a role in epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) when it comes to the development of cataracts. I was able to spend every day of my summer conducting research in the lab with an amazing group of people. At the end of the summer, I collected my data into a poster which is linked below along with a recording of my poster presentation. I then continued my research through the fall semester as part of an independent study course. A final report of my studies throughout the semester are linked below. Going from working all day everyday in the lab to only being there for a few hours each day made me realize how much I loved it. Getting to make my own schedule and plans for search allowed me to have a lot of independence and gave me the opportunity to struggle and learn through hands-on experience. Dr. Parreno is also an excellent teacher and has increased my understanding of biology, my ability to read and write scientific papers, and my presentation skills greatly. The environment that Dr. Parreno and Mandy, a biology PhD student, created in the lab allowed for each day to be fun and enjoyable. I left that summer with some great relationships and a ton of memories. Going into my final semester, I am continuing my research in Parreno lab as a job and will be writing a paper for submission to an article collection on Molecular Mechanisms in Ocular Development and Disease. 

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As I mentioned, I was able to create some amazing friendships through this lab. From our lab beach trip, to ice cream adventures, to competing on a lab intramural volleyball team, joining this lab was one of the best choices I made.