SIMSCENES
STEM Scholars in the Passionate Leaders Program
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he Passionate Leaders Project (PLP) supports undergraduate students seeking to enrich their academic and professional interests by funding learning opportunities beyond the boundaries of the traditional classroom. Students may request up to $4,000 through the PLP to fund a variety of activities, including, but not limited to: global experiences, research, internships, service projects, and creative endeavors. For more information, visit simmons.edu/plp. Bethany Arabic, Biochemistry major and Biostatistics minor, Class of 2021
Bethany Arabic
What is your project? My PLP project focuses on the effects of three PFAS (per and polyfluoroalkyl substances) known as PFOA, PFOS, and GenX. These are persistent, organic pollutants, which have been used to manufacture a variety of products from Teflon and military equipment to dental floss and microwave popcorn bags. The most common sources of exposure are contaminated food and drinking water. These chemicals bioaccumulate in humans and remain in the body for about ten years. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated links between PFAS exposure and various pathologies, however, the molecular mechanisms between these correlative studies are poorly understood. Exposure
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to these pollutants has shown links to infertility, bodyweight reduction, hormone disruption, hepatic cancers, testicular cancers, and endometriosis. There is still much to be learned about the possible cellular mechanisms of action of PFAS. Overall, through scratch wound assays, a comprehensive literature review, and data analysis, my PLP project works to address the effects of PFOA, PFOS, and GenX on cell growth, movement, gene expression, and overall human health. We suspect PFOA, PFOS, and GenX increase the expression of genes involved in cell growth and movement, leading to the adverse effects seen, so I am working to identify these key changes in gene expression.
What made you want to apply to PLP? I started working with Dr. Cassandra Saitow on this research in May 2018. I felt the Passionate Leaders Program would be a natural extension of this project and would give me the opportunity to dive even deeper into this research. I was so thankful a program like this existed at Simmons, where students can pursue their own projects that excite them.
What did you get out of this experience? Dr. Saitow and I composed a scientific review article, which encompasses the results of this project and we are currently searching for journals to publish it in. The PLP allowed me to gain experience with
