Lincoln University of Missouri Biology Students Present Research at Missouri Academy of Science Conference

Two Lincoln University of Missouri students presented their research at the Missouri Academy of Science Conference, hosted at Missouri Western State University on April 12-13. The Missouri Academy of Science fosters public interest in scientific matters and promotes cooperation between the scientific interests of Missouri. Graduating senior Samuel Ingoli and junior Travis Barrett presented their research at the science conference.

Biology major Samuel Ingoli, along with coauthor Dr. Manish Singh, assistant professor of chemistry, presented their research titled, “Late-Stage Diversification of Bioactive Molecules Using a Simple Hydrazine Reagents.” Ingoli’s research was completed under Dr. Singh’s supervision.

Travis Barrett presented his research titled, “The Risk of a New Henrietta Lacks? Increasing Awareness About the Impacts on the Consumer Because of Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing in a U.S.-Centric Setting.”

Biology major Travis Barrett presented his research titled, “The Risk of a New Henrietta Lacks? Increasing Awareness About the Impacts on the Consumer Because of Direct-To-Consumer Genetic Testing in a U.S.-Centric Setting.” Barrett’s research was completed under the supervision of Dr. Christine E. Boston, associate professor of anthropology and sociology. Boston is also the incoming president of the Missouri Academy of Science, a position she will begin in June 2024.

“The Missouri Academy of Science Conference is a great place for students to present their research in a friendly and collegial setting,” Dr. Boston says. “Students, including Ingoli and Barrett, had the opportunity to network with peers, faculty and professionals at other universities and institutions across the state, providing them the opportunity to expand their networks and engage with others for future research of professional opportunities.”

Samuel Ingoli presented his research titled, "Late-Stage Diversification of Bioactive Molecules Using a Simple Hydrazine Reagents."

Read Ingoli and Barrett’s research abstracts below:

Ingoli and M. Singh, Department of Science, Technology and Mathematics, Lincoln University of Missouri. LATE-STAGE DIVERSIFICATION OF BIOACTIVE MOLECULES USING A SIMPLE HYDRAZINE REAGENTS.
Late-stage diversification involves modifying, introducing, or transforming a functional group in the final synthetic step to efficiently produce various analogs for studying structure-function relationships. This technique holds significant importance, particularly in the fields of drug discovery and chemical biology. We have developed a simple method for diversifying and modifying carbonyl and hydroxyl groups using commercially available hydrazine reagents. Our methodology has consistently yielded desired products ranging from good to excellent yields. The reaction conditions have been optimized using simple alcohol, 4-phenyl-1-butanol, and a carbonyl compound, benzyl acetone. Subsequently, we applied this method to synthesize analogs of two important medications: atenolol, a beta blocker primarily used to treat high blood pressure and heart-related chest pain, and azidothymidine (AZT), which is used in the prevention and treatment of HIV/AIDS.

Barrett, Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Lincoln University of Missouri. 
THE RISK OF A NEW HENRIETTA LACKS? INCREASING AWARENESS ABOUT THE IMPACTS ON THE CONSUMER BECAUSE OF DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER GENETIC TESTING IN A U.S.-CENTRIC SETTING.
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) genetic testing allows consumers to learn about their genomes from the privacy of their homes. This paper explores the potential effects on one’s life after taking and submitting one of these tests. Many consumers submit to these tests as they allow for identity seeking or the consumer’s attempt to establish one’s identity based on the results of these tests. The reported findings from the consumer’s respective company could be either positive or detrimental to one’s psyche. This most often ties into a person’s ability to and confidence in reading their own tests and their trust in medical professionals. These tests further demonstrate ethical concerns that continue despite a decade of protests from consumers and healthcare professionals. Privacy concerns are seen, with new techniques from law enforcement raising questions on when privacy should be repealed to protect the community. Legislation has been attempted to protect consumers, with varying protections enacted by different countries. Despite all the above, the demand for DTC genetic tests continues to grow, necessitating further study into the macro-level effects of DTC genetic testing on larger populations, as well as the intersectional effects of these tests on smaller, subgroup populations.