Leondra Lawson
During the summer, I worked with Dr. Mark Mehn and focused on identifying by-products
of cysteine/cysteine-like compounds such as l-cysteine methyl ester hydrochloride.
This research is vital and relates to my research interests because cysteine levels
decrease in tumor environments. It has been shown that decreased levels of cysteine
reduces one's ability to defend against free-radicals. Because of this, we dissolved
different compounds in solution to identify the by-products that may form from the
introduction of oxygen molecules.
I really enjoyed my time in Wyoming. Upon arriving, Aisha and I were welcomed by very
down-to-earth people with great hearts. This continued throughout the entire summer.
While working in the chemistry department, I met great people who were more than willing
to provide me with different equipment in their labs and their expert advice on the
research project I was working on. Dr. Mehn is a wonderful and thorough advisor and
was a pleasure to work with. His graduate students Phil and Suman were also very helpful.
Although I had many great experiences at the University of Wyoming, the experience
that had the most effect on me was when Phil approached me in lab one day and talked
to me about being successful in graduate school and research. He really stressed how
hard work and the desire to know and learn all I can inside and outside the classroom
played a major role in the classroom and in the lab. His words encouraged me and remain
with me as I continue the pursuit of my masters degree. His wise words have been a
blessing and I am forever grateful to not only him, but Dr. Mehn and the University
of Wyoming family. Dr. Balaz and Dr. Varga were also an exceptional couple who ensured
that Aisha and I were able to experience various events while there and transported
us around frequently. Last but not least, I appreciate The Roths for their exceptional
hospitality from the beginning to the end of our stay in Wyoming. It was truly an
unforgettable summer that I would recommend to other students.
