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Under the microscope: student research

December 07, 2006

Growing up in the Dominican Republic, Zumara De La Cruz '07 says she was fascinated with science, in part because of "the role of doctors in actually effecting change."

In her community, doctors were perceived as having an extraordinary ability to help people and have an affect on their lives.

Her interest in science never faded. After applying to Connecticut College, the Dominican-born, Bronx, N.Y., resident was identified as a candidate for the Connecticut College Summer Science Program (CCSSP), made possible by a grant from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.

During the summer before her freshman year, De La Cruz was invited to campus with 12 other underrepresented students to meet with professors and take summer science courses to prepare them for the next four years of scientific study. The program also provided each student with a $3,000 stipend each summer for research assistantships.

De La Cruz, a biology major with a concentration in cell and molecular biology, took full advantage of the stipends, which helped her discover her passion for research. This past summer, De La Cruz was able to conduct research with Martha Grossel, associate professor of biology, whose research involves understanding what causes the unchecked cellular division that is associated with cancer.

"I had done research before, outside of campus, and I wanted to have experience in a lab on campus, working closely with a professor,"De La Cruz said. I am interested in cancer, so I really wanted to do research in that area, and many people told me about Professor Grossel's work."

Grossel's latest study involves Cdk6, a protein believed to have a part in controlling the cell cycle and cell proliferation.

"Basically, we are trying to localize Cdk-6 within the cell,"De La Cruz says of her research with Grossel. "I use a microscope that allows us to see where it is in the cell. This may have implications in the treatment of cancer, because this protein has been linked to many cancers."

On Dec. 8, De La Cruz will travel to San Diego to present her research to other undergraduates at the annual meeting of the American Society for Cell Biology. De La Cruz was the recipient of a highly competitive Minorities Affairs Committee (MAC) Travel Award that will cover her expenses for the conference, which she will be attending with Grossel.

"I am very excited, because it is a great opportunity to meet other scientists that are doing similar research. It is also a great chance to get to present my research, which I never thought I'd do."

De La Cruz says that while she is still considering becoming a doctor, she really enjoys research. She will continue working with Grossel next semester, as part of an independent study.

"Zumara is a pretty amazing student,"Grossel said. "She is a highly successful student that I hope goes on in science."

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The recently-concluded CCSSP,Connecticut College Summer Science Program, was designed to attract and assist potential science students from underrepresented groups such as first-generation college students, women and minorities.

For media inquiries contact: Amy Martin (860) 439-2526; a.martin@conncoll.edu