Krystal Marion LaBarge

Contact Information:

Email: kml77@pitt.edu

Education:

Worcester State College Worcester, Ma
B.S. in Chemistry Cum Lade, December 2007

Mount Wachusett Community CollegeGardner, Ma
A.S. in General Studies and Phlebotomy Certificate Highest Honors, May 2005

Honors:

Academic Achievement Award in Chemistry, May 2007 at Worcester State College

Gamma Sigma Epsilon Chemistry Honor Society, April 2007 at Worcester State College

Research Experience:

University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Ma. June 2007 � December 2007
Intern

Within the Biochemistry/Pharmacology Department under Dr. William Royer Jr. and Dr. Jeffry Nichols.

The project that was undertaken during my internship involved the mutation and characterization of the Scapharca inaequivalvis tetramer protein. The goal was to disrupt the connection between the interfaces of the homodimers and produce individual heterodimers while the physiological aspects of the protein would not be altered. The purpose of this mutation was undertaken in order to determine if specific amino acids of the protein played an integral role of the protein�s quaternary structure into a tetramer; along with helping to explore the allosteric properties of dimeric hemoglobin through alteration of each separate monomer in the heterodimer.

Teaching Experience:

Worcester State College, Worcester, Ma September 2007 � December 2007 Student Mentor

Provided assistance with supporting First Year Freshmen with assimilate to college life.

Took on leadership responsibilities through self-governing lectures and group activities, while encouraging the students to become well-round, thriving participants within the college community.

Research:
My interest in research lies within the interface of chemistry and biology on a molecular level in relation to biological systems; with the intention to better understand disease causing conditions that potentially leads to a cure.