Marian’s Three Minute Thesis
Muffin Mysteries & Cancer Histories: Using yeast as a model to uncover the origins of critical melanoma mutations
Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer worldwide; here in the United States, an estimated one fifth of the population will develop it in their lifetime. This high incidence is due to our regular exposure to the sun, which emits ultraviolet (UV) radiation that damages our DNA. This damage can lead to mutations, which can in turn lead to cancer. While the most common types of skin cancer are less likely to metastasize, others such as malignant melanoma are deadly if not treated in a timely manner. Interestingly, while melanoma incidence has been correlated with UV exposure, many key DNA mutations associated with melanoma development are not the typical UV-associated mutations. This has led to confusion about the leading causative factor for this disease. By using a systematic method of eliminating specific types of well-known DNA damage following UV exposure, my research seeks to clarify the origins of these enigmatic melanoma driver mutations and has revealed surprising results that will be discussed within my presentation.
About her experience in this year’s 3MT
“After meeting other competitors and listening to them describe their research, I was encouraged that our WSU community fosters not simply amazing minds but also kind-hearted individuals. I was also touched by the warmth and support of those who took their time to host, facilitate, sponsor, and judge this year’s competition, and am grateful to each of them. My thesis work has only been made possible by the support of my outstanding mentor, Dr. John Wyrick, whom I deeply admire as both a brilliant scientist and a person of true integrity. As we continue to work together, I hope that my research, which seeks to understand the processes that lead to mutations observed in skin cancers, provides insights that will benefit not only the scientific community, but also that it will also one day extend to help those suffering from skin cancer.”
Marian is a WSU alumnus and Ph.D. candidate in the School of Molecular Biosciences, where she investigates the origins of ultraviolet radiation induced mutations in order to gain better understanding of the development of skin cancers such as malignant melanoma. She is grateful that her graduate experience has allowed her to be able to pursue her dual interests in both research and science education. Some of her favorite academic activities have included working with undergraduate students in both settings, where she strives to convey that molecular biology is fun, accessible, and applicable to our daily lives.