Ms. Megan Neal, a Marshall University undergraduate Biology student won the Best Undergraduate Researcher Award at the STAR (Science, Technology and Research) Symposium held in Morgantown, WV on Sept. 17-18. Ms. Neal, a native of Shreve, Ohio, came to Marshall University a John Marshall Scholar and a legacy- the daughter of a business school graduate. Currently a senior, Neal gave a poster presentation of her research on cardiovascular disease and aging at the symposium. Along with her partner, Jacqueline Decker, a PhD student in the BMS program, Neal studies the effects the two have on microRNA (protein regulators). Using a novel scientific approach, this research examines the changes in the levels of microRNA’s, which may trigger the expression of proteins thought to be involved in regulating the initiation and progression of cardiovascular disease. This research is of interest not only to Megan and her colleagues, but of potential value to West Virginia. Cardiovascular disease the number one cause of death in the US but the incidence of this disorder is particularly high in Appalachia and among the highest in the country here in West Virginia. After a suggestion by a friend, Neal met with Dr. Eric Blough to seek out a potential research project. On a volunteer basis, she began working in the Blough lab in January 2007. She quickly assimilated to the research environment and began to flourish as a scientist. In May 2007, she was selected as one of the 11 student recipients of the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE). It was through the SURE grant that Neal was provided the opportunity to work in collaboration with the McNeil Foundation to study the effect Tylenol has on cardiovascular disease – the findings of which she presented at the symposium. Neal made it quite clear that her success should be attributed to her faculty mentor. She said Blough was a constant source of support, willing to drop everything to ensure she understands the research and the techniques needed to conduct that research. She said through Blough’s management, everyone in the lab knows what they are to be doing and how to do it. The respect and appreciation is reciprocated by Blough, who stated: “I think Megan truly embodies the type of person and student that we at Marshall should invest in and be proud of.” Not only does Neal spend time in the classroom and in the lab, but she finds time to be the President of Revolution Ministries, the Chief Justice of the Student Government Association Supreme Court, a youth leader at her church and a member of the Association of Young Scientists (AYS) at Marshall. What lies ahead? Neal has always had an interest in medical sciences. However, her options are varied and the doors research have opened for her are numerous, perhaps leading to a physical therapy school, medical school or even the MD/PhD program in Biomedical Sciences at Marshall. Regardless of the path Neal chooses, one thing is for certain, her future is bright.
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