Name: Ashley Lefebvre
Home Institution: Saint Michael’s College
Year in Fall 2026: Junior
Research Institution: Dr. Jason Stumpff’s Lab at UVM
What I am researching: I studied a triple-negative breast cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) and induced resistance to the chemotherapeutic drug, Paclitaxel, modeling the drug resistance that often develops in cancer patients during treatment. The resistant cells were then treated with Sovilnesib to evaluate its effectiveness and potential as a therapeutic strategy for overcoming Taxol resistance in triple-negative breast cancer.
Future Goals: Complete a PhD/MD program
DYK (Did You Know?)I have 8 dogs at home!
Name: Helen Coughlin
Home Institution: Middlebury College
Year in Fall 2026: Junior
Research Institution/company: Wargo Lab at UVM
What I am researching: Bruno’s lab studies Toxoplasma gondii, the parasite that causes Toxoplasmosis and infects approximately a third of the human population. The project I’ve been working on so far is focused on exploring the potential role of T. gondii’s dense granule protein GRA14 in parasitic purine salvage from host cells.
Future goals: I’m torn between the medical and research worlds right now — this summer research internship will hopefully help me figure out which path is right for me!
DYK (Did You Know?): I have hiked all 48 4000-footers in the New Hampshire White Mountains, and plan to hit my last of the Vermont 4000-footers this summer!
Name: Jordan Kwarteng
Home institution: Middlebury College
Year in Fall 2026: Senior
Research institution/company: University of Vermont/Shieber Lab
What I am researching: Lung cancer is recognized as one of the most lethal forms of cancer. Non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), which encompass adenocarcinoma (ADC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and large-cell carcinoma, account for more than 85% of all lung cancer diagnoses. Among these subtypes, adenocarcinoma is the most commonly diagnosed. Adenocarcinoma can be characterized by its initiation in glandular epithelial cells of the lung, its higher rate of mutation compared to other NSCLCs, and the specific genes whose mutations contribute to its occurrence, including KRAS, EGFR, and BRAF. Moreover, at the onset of adenocarcinoma, the tumor suppressor gene STK11 is known to co-mutate with KRAS, an oncogene involved in the proliferation of adenocarcinoma. Previous work has shown that in vascular diseases such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, and aneurysm formation, STK11 can indirectly increase the expression of the protein pyruvate kinase muscle isoform 2 (PKM2) to reduce pyruvate kinase activity and stimulate the progression of these vascular diseases (Cai et al., 2024). The Sheiber lab has found that STK11 also modulates CD44 expression in a KRAS-mutated adenocarcinoma human cell line (H2009). CD44 being a known membrane-bound glycoprotein involved in the spread and survival of adenocarcinoma cells, the modulation of its expression through STK11 introduces a captivating area of study on the broader topic of adenocarcinoma proliferation. The lab now aims to determine whether STK11 continues to modulate CD44 expression in alternative cell lines and whether this modulation is involved in the diversification of CD44 variant forms that are known to have a role in the promotion of some forms of adenocarcinoma.
Future goals: I am an aspiring physician. I hope to take the MCAT within the next couple of years as I make preparations to take it now. Along with that, I hope to further narrow down my interests in medicine and patient care as I am exposed to broader fields in clinical and hospital work.
DYK (Did You Know?): I play seven instruments!: I am currently caught up with 1165 episodes of the Japanese anime One Piece.
Name: Kingsford Frimpong
Home institution: Norwich University
Year in Fall 2026: Senior
Research institution/company: UVM/VBRN Proteomics Lab
Research Topic: At the UVM/VBRN Proteomics Lab, I worked with advanced mass spectrometry technologies used to study proteins and biological systems. My research involved learning about the operation and maintenance of multiple mass spectrometers, evaluating new software and technologies, and supporting the development of proteomics methods that help address emerging research needs in health and biological sciences.
Future goals: I hope to pursue a career in a health-related field where I can contribute to improving healthcare and patient outcomes through science, technology, and research.
DYK (Did You Know?): I play college soccer.
Name: Maya C. Suarez
Home institution: Vermont State University (VTSU) – Johnson – Landesman Lab
Year in Fall 2026: 5th Year
Research institution/company: University of Vermont (UVM) – Lauterbur Lab
What I am researching: Bioinformatics strategies for annotating reptile genomes in search of adaptive immune genes. This is especially difficult because existing tools were built with model species in mind, not reptiles. No risk, no reward!
Future goals: Academic research as a career, focusing on how structural/chemical components interact with each other to cause disease (human or otherwise).
DYK (Did You Know?): I play seven instruments!): I dropped out in middle school and enrolled in college at 16! I also enjoy 80s videogames, roller-skating, and taking my dog on adventures.
Name: Cree Pacher
Home institution: Castleton University Vermont State Colleges
Year in Fall 2026: 10th Semester
Research institution/company: RAMP Lab
What I researched:I researched the effects of binge drinking and the western diet on liver health with a focus on MetALD associated markers of oxidative stress.
Future goals: I intend to go to medical school to become a family physician.
DYK (Did You Know?): I love to paint, sew, cook, and hike!
Name: Dani Bronk
Home Institution: Middlebury College
Year in Fall 2026: Junior
Research Institution: UVM Larner College of Medicine Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics; Dr. Markus Thali Lab
What I am researching: The Thali lab looks at how HIV-1-induced small T cell syncytia contribute to virus spread in infected individuals, and how these syncytial entities form upon cell-cell fusion. My final project relates to syncytiotrophoblasts, the multinucleated outer layer of a placenta. I’m currently interested in the intersection between syncytiotrophoblasts and antiretroviral HIV therapies, and their role in mother-to-fetus transmission.
Future Goals: Med school!
DYK (Did You Know?): I speak three languages! I grew up speaking Spanish and English, and have been taking French for 9 years!
Name: Hunter Daily
Home institution: Saint Michael’s College
Year in Fall 2026: Senior
Research institution/company: ARA
What I am researching: I researched Microbot fabrication with ARA. The goal is to develop a working robot that will collect the increasing levels of microplastics in our river. This project is expanded for medical purposes by coding them to breakdown blood clots and other cardiovascular health issues.
Future goals: To attend a Graduate school to continue my academics in the field of chemistry or biotechnology.
DYK (Did You Know?): I am the record holder of the 200 Breaststroke on the SMC swim and dive team
Name: Sarah Gormley
Home institution: Saint Michael’s College
Year in Fall 2026: Junior
Research institution/company: Celli Lab at UVM
What I am researching: I will be using epifluorescence to determine whether there is colocalization of Brucella effector proteins BspF, BspI and BspH with host cell GTPase Rab10 in HeLa cells.
Future goals: Medical School
DYK (Did You Know?): I play division 2 soccer.