Kennesaw State senior molecular and cellular biology major Hope Didier has propelled her career and educational experience with her undergraduate research on cervical cancer cell death, presenting at the Posters at the Georgia State Capitol on Wednesday, Feb. 25, according to KSU News.
Didier presented her research titled “Induction of Cervical Cancer Cell Death via Reintroduction of Viral Protein E2.”
She explained that she and others discovered E2 oncoproteins are vital in cell maintenance and death, stating that an absence of naturally-occurring E2 allows cancer to prevail. She said there is still much work to be done, but she has been able to successfully deliver E2 to living cervical cancer cells, which are cancerous cells lining the cervix.
“Our lab focuses on utilizing cell-penetrating peptides — or CPPs — to [deliver] either small molecular cargos or large fragments of DNA into cells in a very controlled and often targeted manner,” Didier said. “My work utilizes CPPs to deliver a viral oncoprotein called E2 into cervical cancer cells.”
Didier also presented her research to the University System of Georgia Board of Regents earlier in February. She said the BOR was receptive to her work and that she is grateful for the opportunity. Didier thought it was valuable for the board to see their investment in higher education manifest as undergraduate research.
“I believe it was impactful for the Board of Regents to see the research of a student at KSU,” Didier said. “I have found that many don’t realize the priority that is placed on research at our institution, let alone the quality of undergraduate research that exists on our campus.”
The senior is also double-majoring in dance.
Didier said her current path was inspired by research she participated in as a freshman in the Honors College, specifically in the President’s Emerging Global Scholars program. This program encouraged Didier to introduce herself to Dr. Johnathan McCurry, a KSU professor of biochemistry and Didier’s mentor.
“As a freshman, I was unaware of what undergraduate research entailed,” Didier said. “I thought it was over my head and that it required me to have taken certain upper-level courses. Eventually, I realized that working in research actually informed what I was to learn in my classes and prepared me for the courses I would take later as an undergraduate.”
During her keynote speec at the annual President’s Emerging Global Scholars Banquet on Monday, Feb. 17, Didier said she encouraged students to reflect on how to apply the program’s core values to their lives and careers. She stressed the responsibility that comes with the honor of being a PEGS student.
“It’s important to note that the work that undergraduates do at [KSU] is rare when compared to other universities,” Didier said. “[KSU] puts a significant emphasis on supporting their students in research endeavors, and that is something I will forever be grateful for.”
Didier admitted she may never see the final product of her research, yet is confident that her work will advance other research. Didier said she looks forward to a career providing innovative, clinical care and educating aspiring researchers.
