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Among the 90 students participating in the summer science research program are Katherine Hankowski '05, Anna Arnold '04, and Karen Meagher '04.  The three students are working under the direction of Associate Professor of Biology Herman Lehman and Associate Professor of Chemistry Ian Rosenstein, studying two neurotransmitters found in the nerve cells of the Mandura Sexta caterpillar.  The group is attempting to prove that these neurotransmitters do, in fact, exist together, but have been approaching the problem from different angles.

Hankowski and Arnold have been using a method which enabled them to do their research using both chemical and biological methods. The two developed a chemical reaction between the neurotransmitters and discovered the two products that were formed. Arnold and Hankowski are currently working on actually dissecting the cell biologically, hoping to see that the same products exist. Arnold notes that the two are testing to see if the reaction they developed in the lab is what actually happens in nature.

Hankowski was approached by Lehman, her advisor, and decided to undertake the project. She said the research has been enjoyable, but also enables the student to determine whether or not research is something she would like to pursue. Arnold, a biochemistry major had participated in the summer science program last year and came back due to her previous good experience. She was excited that the research had been going so successfully and commented that it was important to take advantage of this opportunity. Arnold also added that doing research is beneficial because it enables the student to learn a lot before she actually is taking a class, so she has a base that her fellow classmates do not have.

Meagher, a biology major, conducted her research on the same two neurotransmitters. She also wanted to confirm that the two appeared together. Meagher stained the cells looking for the neurotransmitters, a process that has yielded her much success. Meagher wanted the experience of doing research, so she approached Lehman and worked for him during the year. One of the main reasons that Meagher conducted the research was to help determine her plans after college. Meagher plans on becoming a physician's assistant, but wanted to see if research was something that she would be interested in pursuing.

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