Alex Bott Email and Phone Number

NCI K00 Fellow

Student in the lab of Dr. Wei-Xing Zong.NCI F99/K00 Graduate FellowThesis title: "Glutamine synthetase in cancer cell metabolism and oncogenesis"

Conducted research for my Senior Thesis and assisted lab members in various capacities.The lab's protein of interest, Plasmodesmata-Localized Protein 5, was studied using two chimeric variants in which either green or yellow fluorescent proteins were fused to PDLP5. T-DNA was inserted randomly into the Arabidopsis genome (mediated by Agrobacteria) to alter the localization of PDLP5. Cotyledons of Arabidopsis seedlings were screened with fluorescent microscopy to check for changes in PDLP5 localization. Mutants were to be analyzed by TAIL-PCR to determine genes that function in the PDLP5 localization.

Developed molecular procedures for use in an introductory biology course. Responsibilities included running protocols to ensure simplicity and effectiveness, reducing cost for kits and reagents, and providing updates the course director.

Taught students techniques including microscopy, statistical analysis, and general laboratory equipment use. Led students in weekly discussions about the topics involved in the experiments and assisted in completing laboratory experiments. Collaborated with graduate teaching assistants and course professors on a weekly basis to standardize grading, discuss student progress, and troubleshoot laboratory problems. Instructed both regular and honors sections as well as proctored exams.