CU-Mansfield junior earns NASA-funded research scholarship and second summer internship

MANSFIELD, Pa. – Junior Lauren Griffith, a Mansfield University cell & molecular biology major, received a $4,000 research scholarship from the NASA Pennsylvania State Grant Consortium.

Griffith’s funded proposal focuses on the link between the gut microbiome and cancer development and spread. Griffith, a native of Upper Marlboro, Md., was also awarded a Summer 2022 internship through the National Institute of Health’s National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases Short-Term Research Experience Program to Unlock Potential (STEP-UP) program.

Prior to these awards, Griffith earned a Summer 2021 internship through Cornell University’s Microbial Friends and Foes Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). Through this 10-week hybrid virtual/in-person internship, Griffith developed a research project evaluating a specific type of large gastrointestinal bacterium, in which she analyzed the genome and differential gene expression across different morphotypes. The internship concluded with a poster and oral presentation on her work. 

Prior to these awards, Griffith earned a Summer 2021 internship through Cornell University’s Microbial Friends and Foes Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU). Through this 10-week hybrid virtual/in-person internship, Griffith developed a research project evaluating a specific type of large gastrointestinal bacterium, in which she analyzed the genome and differential gene expression across different morphotypes. The internship concluded with a poster and oral presentation on her work.   

In addition to learning about genomics and bioinformatics, part of this internship experience included career exploration. Griffith explains, “During the last week of my internship, we met with different career-related panels. PhD candidates talked with us about their upcoming career choices, and from those discussions I decided I wanted to pursue a PhD in a Biology-related field.”  

Griffith joined the research laboratory of Dr. Kristen Long, associate professor of biology, in Fall 2021 and developed a research proposal investigating the link between the gut microbiome and tumor development and spread, using pancreatic cancer as a model of disease. The proposal was used when applying for the NASA Pennsylvania State Grant Consortium Scholarship. Griffith’s awarded funding will support her research during the 2022-23 academic year. Part of the scholarship requirement involves community outreach, where Griffith will continue her role as an American Cancer Society’s ResearcHERs ambassador.    

This summer, Griffith will complete her STEP-UP internship at the University of Maryland and will work in a cell and microenvironment engineering laboratory focused on advancing scientific knowledge on how to approach therapeutic strategies for diseases.  

“This summer I look to gain more insight into the biomedical side of science,” said Griffith. “In addition, I hope to bring the skills and knowledge I acquire through this experience and apply them to my NASA-funded research project on pancreatic cancer. I’m super excited about these upcoming opportunities!” 

Griffith looks to tie together information from all three of her experiences to address the question: How does diet influence the gut microbiome, and in turn, influence disease development and/or resistance therapy? “These experiences will not only help researchers understand this link at a scientific level, but they will allow me to continue to explore my creative and problem-solving side while also preparing me for graduate school,” Griffith continued. “Every aspect of these unique opportunities encompasses what I want to accomplish through a career as scientist.”    

NASA Pennsylvania State Grant Consortium Scholarships are awarded to rising juniors and seniors attending an accredited Pennsylvania college or university and are enrolled in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics program. Scholarship recipients agree to participate in multiple education outreach and mentoring activities throughout the award cycle.  

Dr. Long’s research laboratory at Mansfield University focuses on the physical and immunological aspects of pancreatic cancer and how both contribute to tumor development and resistance to standard cancer therapies.  

Shaelyn Marx ’22, Brittney Atkins ‘21, Caitlin Beauduy ’21, Catherine Troutman ’20, and Adrianna Vaskas ’19 each received a NASA research scholarship under Long’s advisement and are currently pursing advanced degrees in graduate programs or working in the biomedical sciences industry.  

For more information about the biology program at Mansfield University or to learn more on this and other active research projects in Dr. Long’s laboratory.