Parlee Center for Science and the Common Good

Yoon Mi Oh headshot
Yoon Mi Oh headshot

Yoon Mi Oh

2015 FUTURE Student

During the four weeks of FUTURE program, I researched the effects of oxidative stress on dopaminergic neuron degeneration in C. elegans under the guidance of Dr. Kohn and Bryan Carter. Even as a rising sophomore, I got to form new and close relationships with Dr. Kohn, Bryan, and other co-lab students during this special program. Also I was able to feel and experience the life of a researcher which widened my career path for the future.    

My Major / My Minor / Campus Organization

Major in Biology / UC Wind Ensemble, UC EMS (observer), MAPS 

My Research

During FUTURE program, Bryan Carter and I studied how oxidative stress can affect dopaminergic neuron degeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) in Dr. Rebecca Kohn’s lab. As a start, we crossed two strains of C. elegans, GFP-tagged ones with dat-1 mutant. Then the crossed strain was exposed to hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress to observe its damaging effect on dopaminergic neurons and how dat-1 mutation can slow down the damages. We also plan on conducting “Recovery Assay” to see if damaged neurons of C. elegans can actually recover when a recovery period is given. 

Life After Ursinus

As a rising sophomore of FUTURE, I researched the effects of oxidative stress on dopaminergic neuron degeneration in C. elegans under the guidance of Dr. Kohn and Bryan Carter. During the program, I was able to feel and experience the life of a researcher which helped me widen my future career path.