Scientific research society honors biology grad student

Jennifer Remington, from Hop Bottom, Pa., a third-year graduate student in biological sciences, has been awarded a research grant by Sigma Xi scientific research society.

Sigma Xi's Grants-in-Aid of Research Program is meant to encourage young scientists who are doing original research in all areas of science and engineering.

Remington's application was one of 1,000 from all 50 states and 18 countries, and fewer than 35 percent were funded.

"Sometimes research is frustrating, especially when things don't work out, when I hit roadblocks and can't seem to go around them," Remington said. "But, when I heard about the Sigma Xi award, I was very excited and definitely encouraged."?

Her research involves investigation of the way a normal eye lens forms in order to understand better how abnormalities in this process allow congenital cataracts to develop.

Melinda Duncan, biological sciences, heads the laboratory where Remington does her research, and she said Remington's award is well deserved. "Jen's research has the potential to answer a number of fundamental biological questions including the mechanisms underlying congenital cataracts," she said.

Remington is examining how crystallin genes control the synthesis of crystallin proteins, which are essential to the transparency of the lens and to its ability to focus. She works specifically with the beta B1-crystallin gene that produces up to 8 percent of the water-soluble proteins of the lens. She is trying to pinpoint the molecular mechanism that allows this gene to create the appropriate amount of beta B1-crystallin protein and how problems with this process can cause congenital cataracts.

Duncan, who nominated Remington for the award, said she was not surprised that Remington won.

"Jen is a true laboratory scientist with great lab hands. This well-deserved award has both provided funding for her research and encouragement to continue in her investigations," Duncan said.

Recently, she was awarded a travel grant by the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology to attend its annual meeting in Ft. Lauderdale, April 29-May 4. She is exhibiting a poster of her research at the meeting.

Remington received her undergraduate degree at Moravian College in Bethlehem, Pa.

–Barbara Garrison

Photo by KATHY FLICKINGER