Lam Minh Koi Nguyen: Heme and Ferritin as Initiators of Ferroptosis in Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells in Friedreich's Ataxia
Study parts of the blood brain barrier and better understand how to regulate HRG1, a heme transporter in brain endothelial cells.
Final Project Outcome
Click the badge below to view this student's final project outcome.
A digital badge is a new type of credential that allows you to show the specific skills you've gained through learning experiences. It's a clickable icon that can digitally display your work and accomplishments to key audiences, like future employers or graduate schools, when embedded on your digital resume, UB Portfolio or LinkedIn.
Learn more about micro-credentials and digital badges from UB's Office of Micro-Credentials.
SUNY-Funded Undergraduate Research & Creative Activities Project
This project was made possible through the financial support of the SUNY Research and Creative Activities for Undergraduates Program.
To learn more, check out the SUNY Research and Creative Activities for Undergraduates Program webpage.
Project Description
In this project, Lam Minh Koi researched HRG1, which is critical for many processes in the body, but can be toxic in excess. Here is what Lam Minh Koi had to say about the experience:
What I Did:
"My project focuses on characterizing the heme transporter HRG1 in brain endothelial cells that make up the blood brain barrier. Heme is a vital iron derivative but is toxic in excess, making its regulation essential. Through my work, I've identified and characterized how HRG1 influences heme-induced toxicity in these cells. This experience has fundamentally changed how I approach learning and problem solving. In school, we're often given problems with clear solutions. Research and work outside academia don't work that way. Facing open-ended challenges has helped me grow intellectually and personally, and it's why I believe more students should get involved in research early on."
What I Learned:
"Working on this project has been a transformative experience, both professionally and personally. By working in science, I've been able to develop my scientific knowledge and critical thinking, a highly transferable skill. The practical aspect of my project, such as designing, troubleshooting and executing the experiments, have taught me the value of resilience and adaptability but also the importance of communication with peers. One aspect of the project that I think I handled well was maintaining resilience in the face of unexpected results. This skill which I developed may not only help me grow as a researcher but will help me with any future professional experiences."
Inspired by this student's project? Find your own today on ELN's Project Portal.