Joseph Laster Iii Email & Phone Number

Durham, Nc, Us

Norwell, Ma, Us

The Meyer Lab at Duke, under the supervision of Dr. Joel Meyer, focuses on studying the effects of environmental stressors using the C. elegans model organism. In my role as an undergraduate research assistant, I wrote and performed two full experiments (progenetic and behavioral assays) to further analyze the effects cadmium may have on organisms. Data and results of these assays were presented in lab meetings and written reports. In addition, I performed regular lab maintenance tasks to ensure the full functionality of the lab.

Duke University's Superfund Research Center, in coordination with the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, focuses on the influences of early-life exposures on neurodevelopmental health. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and metals are studied through five different labs where interns are assigned to perform various experiments. I specifically worked with C. elegans to begin researching neurodevelopmental effects cadmium may have on organisms. I worked full time over the course of the summer allowing me to collect a full experience of what it's like to have a career in a lab environment. Additionally, the program allowed me to attend various meetings and panels with current PhD students, principal investigators, and other instructors to further our skills in academic research, report writing, and presentations.

Organic chemistry is often viewed as the "weed out" class for pre-medical students across the United States, Dr. Charlie Cox looks to address that issue. The Cox Group focuses on chemical education, primarily general and organic chemistry, by addressing underlying chemical principles that students do not use often during their thought processes. In my experience, we looked to use kinetics and thermodynamics to help students conceptualize many reaction mechanisms in both semesters of organic chemistry. By doing so, we created a ten question survey of commonly taught reactions and used reaction coordinate diagrams to help students visualize kinetic and thermodynamic controls. The survey was administered to more than 250 students. ten of which were interviewed to further analyze their thought processes. The manuscript for this research has been submitted for possible publication.

Bachelor Of Science - Bs, Medicinal And Pharmaceutical Chemistry

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, History