Gene Genie

Rising senior Kathryn Anne Mooneyham was one of eight 2008 summer interns at the Greenwood Genetics Center. She began in May, continuing research that she began this past January.

Mooneyham became especially interested in a certain gene after taking a medical genetics course taught by Dr. Leta Tribble, who also works at the center. Mooneyham's advisor, Daniel Hanks, and biology professor Dr. John Inman suggested that she pursue an internship. Mooneyham took their advice.

"I am using skills I learned at PC, especially in Dr. Hudson's genetics class, while also learning many other research techniques," she said. "I am getting to meet and interact with many brilliantly minded people. They are all very helpful and are willing to share their immense knowledge with me."

Mooneyham screens and sequences a specific gene that regulates glutamate receptors in the hippocampus region of the brain in individuals with non-syndromic intellectual disability. She compares the individuals who have intellectual disability with control individuals who have no disability.

The biology and Spanish double major spent her first several weeks at the GGC learning different procedures and helping other researchers with their work. Mooneyham then began her own project.

"It's really nice because I was so nervous when I started working here," she said. "Now, I feel like I'm part of the lab."

Mooneyham's internship at the GGC is her second. This past spring she completed an internship in Honduras, traveling with a team of doctors on a medical missions trip.

"I really feel like PC has offered me so many great opportunities," she said. "Because my professors know me and care about my success, I have gotten this great internship at the genetics center and also got to go use my Spanish in Honduras."

At PC Mooneyham is the Alpha Delta Pi scholarship chair, a Thornwell Big Sister, Student Wellness Advisory Team president, and a Blue Hose cheerleader.

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