East Ventura News

Student scientists at California Lutheran University are making significant strides in the field of biosciences. Alina Tong, a senior biology major, along with her fellow student Alexis Jones and their professors, recently published a research paper in the journal Biochemistry. The paper, titled “Characterization of a FourU RNA Thermometer in the 5’ Untranslated Region of Autolysin Gene blyA in the Bacillus subtilis 168 Prophage SPβ,” explores the regulation of gene expression at the RNA level.

In the study, Tong and Jones focused on RNA thermometers (RNATs) and their role in controlling gene expression based on temperature changes in the environment. Jones explained, “Through our work, we confirmed that this gene is regulated by an RNAT.” Their findings are crucial as they shed light on how organisms respond to heat stress and the regulation of genes at the RNA level.

Professor Michael Abdelsayed commended Tong for her dedication to the research, stating, “Alina has actually already put the amount of work in to get a PhD thesis.” Tong, who is also minoring in chemistry and public health, aspires to pursue a PhD in cellular and molecular biology or biomedical sciences and become an independent researcher. She credits the supportive environment at California Lutheran University for nurturing her passion for research and helping her overcome challenges in the lab.

Jones, on the other hand, plans to take a gap year after graduation to work at the Free Clinic of Simi Valley before applying to medical schools. She highlighted the valuable lessons learned through research, stating, “I’ve learned to push through challenges, which allows for opportunities of growth.”

The collaborative efforts of these student scientists and their professors exemplify the innovative research being conducted at California Lutheran University. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to aspiring young scientists and underscore the importance of hands-on research experiences in shaping future careers in STEM fields.