Sylvia Kennerly
Sylvia Kennerly is an aspiring researcher majoring in Biochemistry at Eastern Washington University. Growing up in Seward, Alaska, Sylvia developed a fascination with science at an early age that has evolved to her interest in the intricacies of cellular pathways and the role of biochemistry in human health. Driven by her curiosity, Sylvia engaged in a research project with Dr. Burgis in winter quarter of 2023 exploring the expression of variant ITPase on human neuron cells. For her 2023 summer research internship, she worked with mentor Dr. Jason Ashley investigating specific pathways affecting osteoclasts.
As a student with strong interest in pursuing a career in biochemistry, Sylvia has set her sights on earning a PhD in biochemistry. Through further research and laboratory experience, she hopes to make a positive impact towards human health and disease research. Sylvia’s unwavering commitment to scientific inquiry and their determination to grow and learn new fields makes her a promising scholar. In addition to her academic pursuits, Sylvia enjoys spending her free time outside exploring the Spokane area in the summer with her family and taking road trips to National parks. Her favorite travel destination was the cloud rainforests of Costa Rica.
2023 EWU Faculty Research Mentor: Dr. Jason Ashley
Research Title: Overexpression of Fringe syltransferase in osteoclastogenesis
Abstract: Osteoclasts, the multinucleated cells crucial for bone resorption, are a critical component in both physiological and pathological skeletal remodeling. Osteoclastogenesis, the process of differentiation of the monocyte/macrophage originating precursors to osteoclasts, relies heavily on RANK signaling. However, the size, activity, and lifespan can be influenced by other pathways,such as Notch signaling. Notably, Notch signaling is regulated by selective glycosylation through the Fringe family of O-fucose-specific ß1,3-N-acetylglucosaminyltransferases (O ß1,3 GnTs). To investigate the impact of individual Fringe glycosyltransferases on osteoclastogenesis, we conducted experiments exploring the overexpression of the individual Fringe glycosyltransferases [Lunatic (LFNG), Manic (MFNG), and Radical (RFNG)] found to influence mammal Notch pathways. These full-length coding sequences were obtained from a mouse bone marrow cDNA library and inserted into the pMXs-Puro vector, the Moloney Murine Leukemia Virus (MMLV)-derived gammaretroviral system. Retroviral particles were generated through transient co-transfection with VSV-G envelope plasmids into Platinum-E packaging cells. Following infection of RAW264.7 cells, immortalized macrophage/osteoclast precursors, and primary cells collected from male C57BL/6 mice we confirmed overexpression via RT-PCR, and subjected variable seeding methods to RANKL and MCSF in primaries to stimulate osteoclastogenesis. At the conclusions of differentiation, we stained cells with acridine orange (AO) stain as well as for tartrate-Resistant Acid Phosphatase (TRAP) activity to assess resulting morphological variations. We found that LFNG-overexpressing (OE) cell lines in primary cultures did[…]
McNair Scholars Present at EWU’s 2024 Student Research & Creative Works Symposium
McNair Scholar Sylvia Kennerly Accepted to Washington State University PhD in Molecular Biosciences
McNair Scholar Sylvia Kennerly Accepted to University of Kansas Medical Center Interdisciplinary Graduate Program PhD in Biomedical Sciences
EWU McNair Scholar Sylvia Kennerly Accepted to University of Oregon PhD
McNair Scholar Sylvia Kennerly Attends Society for Glycobiology (SFG) 2023 Annual Meeting
EWU McNair Scholar Sylvia Kennerly Completes McNair Summer Research Internship
McNair Scholars Present Research to EWU Board of Trustees
17 McNair Scholars Present at EWU’s 2023 Student Research & Creative Works Symposium
