Biomedical Sciences Student Completes Summer Research on Respiratory Health
Posted on September 5, 2024 by CAHP
Since 2018, Dr. Thomas Rich, professor of pharmacology at the University of South Alabama Frederick P. Whiddon College of Medicine, has led an undergraduate summer research program funded by an award from the American Heart Association.
This summer, Jack Spedale, a biomedical sciences junior from Dothan, Alabama, participated in the program working closely with Dr. Terry Ravine, associate professor of biomedical sciences, Dr. Ronald Balczon, professor of biochemistry and molecular biology, and Claire Kolb, a USA Ph.D. student in the basic medical sciences graduate program.
During the program, Spedale completed research at USA’s Whiddon College of Medicine and Center for Lung Biology focusing on the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa, the number one cause of ventilator-associated pneumonia.
Using immunofluorescence microscopy, the research team observed expression of ubiquitin protein levels in pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVEC), both with and without the microtubule regulatory protein Tau, after intoxication with Pseudomonas aeruginosa exoenzyme Y (ExoY). The project is titled, “Pseudomonas aeruginosa Exoenzyme Y Does Not Promote Increased Ubiquitin Expression in Pulmonary Microvascular Endothelial Cells.”
Spedale became deeply interested in lung biology after a friend’s mother passed away from COVID-19 in 2021. He felt led to investigate further into respiratory health.
“This opportunity allowed me to do purposeful research, knowing my contributions could further medical science, and potentially make a difference in the treatment and prevention of similar conditions in the future,” Spedale said.
Spedale values his experiences in USA’s Department of Biomedical Sciences and how two specific courses, Lab Skills Bootcamp and Microbiology in Healthcare, have helped him learn basic laboratory techniques and provided a solid foundation for understanding microbiology.
“Having taken these courses, I was able to successfully conduct experiments, interpret data, and understand the processes that occurred during infections at the microscopic level,” Spedale shared.
Collaborating with Ravine, Balczon and Kolb enhanced Spedale’s research experience. He learned that setbacks and mistakes in research are inevitable and allow for a chance to improve. Now, he is looking forward to future research opportunities.
“Through their support, I expanded my knowledge and learned many new skills that I am sure to use in the future,” Spedale said. “I would also like to thank Dr. Thomas Rich for securing funding through the American Heart Association.”