About This Project
The purpose of this project was to study the protein Phospholipase A2 (PLA2) in snake venom. Specifically, the DNA sequence for PLA2s in Crotalus basiliscus and Crotalus simus tzabcan were found, and analyzed by comparing them to the sequences of PLA2s whose properties were already known. This project was performed in the Mackessy Snake Venom Research Lab as part of the Frontiers of Science Institute Program at the University of Northern Colorado.
About Frontiers of Science
Frontiers of Science Institute (FSI) is a six week long summer course hosted by the University of Northern Colorado (UNC) in Greeley, CO. It's purpose is to give high school students the opportunity to learn more about science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects professions in these areas. FSI also encourages students to step outside of their comfort zones and build their self confidence. Each summer, 25-30 high school juniors and seniors are selected to attend FSI, and during their time at UNC they take college level courses and participate in a research project with the staff at UNC. For their research project each FSI student must write a research paper and create a website to discuss their methods and findings.