Dr. Mary Kinkel, Associate Professor, Department of Biology
Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) Fund Recipient: Fall 2021
Project: “Gut Motility: Expression and Function of Intestinal Sensory Receptor Genes”
The College of Arts and Sciences Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) provided Dr. Kinkel with funding to purchase critical research supplies. Using these funds, Kinkel's lab was able to continue a long-running project on gut motility. The team was able to refine the first aim of a National Institutes of Health R15 application, titled "Gut Motility: Expression and Function of Intestinal Sensory Receptor Genes," with the objective of applying for external funding next semester.
During the award period, a graduate student successfully finished his gut motility project and defended his master’s thesis. A pre-med undergraduate student from the Appalachian State Honors College picked up the project where the graduate student left off. The undergraduate student was instrumental in developing a set of essential protocols for gene expression mapping. From pilot studies, the team determined that specific new reagents were needed, and those were purchased with SAFE money.
Kinkel explained, "Overall, the lab made progress towards understanding common gut diseases that impact human health. We are one step closer to identifying the genes that are required for normal, healthy gut movements."
###
About the Department of Biology
The Department of Biology is a community of teacher-scholars, with faculty representing the full breadth of biological specializations — from molecular genetics to landscape/ecosystem ecology. The department seeks to produce graduates with sound scientific knowledge, the skills to create new knowledge, and the excitement and appreciation of scientific discovery. Learn more at https://biology.appstate.edu.
About the SAFE Fund
Initially endowed by Hughlene and Bill Frank, the College of Arts and Sciences Student and Faculty Excellence (SAFE) Fund provides resources that can be used to support undergraduate, graduate and faculty experiences. The SAFE Fund provides funding for college priorities and opportunities that arise throughout the year. These unrestricted funds support student and faculty travel, publication support for faculty and student research opportunities. Learn more at: https://cas.appstate.edu/students/student-and-faculty-excellence-safe-fund.
SAFE Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Mary Kinkel
SAFE Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Mary Kinkel