Soar Test

Alexis Katz

• SOAR Position: Research Assistant Ambassador (2025-2026); Member
• Major: Biology- Genetics and Biotechnology
• Faculty Mentor(s): April Weissmiller

Current Focus: Investigating the Effect of Novel Colchicine-Binding Site Inhibitors on Cancer

Additional Interests: Cancer Biology, Herpetology, Reading, Cats

Project Description

Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the entire world. Cancer is characterized by the excessive growth of abnormal or damaged cells that spread locally, or metastasize to other parts of the body, affecting the proper function of other tissues. This disease especially difficult to treat due to there being over 100 types and it can differ from patient to patient. The current treatments are often toxic towards patients, often in the form of chemotherapeutic cocktails which aim to halt the cancerous cells from growing and dividing. Because of the harmful impact these treatments can have, it is vital to actively search for less harmful and more effective treatments. This more effective treatment may come in the form of colchicine binding site inhibitors. These are a form of tubulin inhibitors that prevent the cells from dividing by depolymerizing tubulin which is essential for mitosis. Currently, I am investigating a new tubulin inhibitor created by Dr. Banerjee’s lab in comparison to known effective and ineffective treatments. I am using a Melanoma cell line to test this new treatment. In order to analyze if this new compound is effective, I will analyze its mitotic and apoptotic properties using Western Blot’s and cell cycle analysis and its ability to form colonies using colony forming assays.

Why does this topic interest you?

Cancer has had an impact on almost every single person, whether it be a personal battle or the loss of a loved one. Cancer has taken too many good people, and it is my hope that I can help prevent it from taking more. I aim to do so by continuing to investigate potential treatments and mechanisms of cancer.

What are your professional aspirations?

In the future, I would like to pursue an MD/Ph.D. in order to become an Oncologist focused on Cancer Research.

Do you have any advice for future researchers?

Don’t be afraid to reach out to research mentors, the worst they can do is say no. In addition, reach out early because even if the mentor’s lab is full now you may be able to join in the future. Most importantly, don’t dwell on your mistakes- as there may be many- learn and grow from them.

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