Senior Emily Aller is one of 60 selected from hundreds of applicants who will present research at the Council on Undergraduate Research’s Poster on the Hill 2021, which takes places virtually April 27 and 28. Emily will present at the Virtual Poster Presentation on April 28. The CUR organizers of the event says it “celebrates the impressive work of the accepted students and supports the messages of the importance of undergraduate research at the federal level.” CUR leaders say the prestigious event allows the selected students to showcase their research as well as advocate for undergraduate research at the federal level by engaging in discussions with their members of Congress.
Aller’s research title is “Investigating the Role of PA28γ in Regulating the Proteasome-Mediated Degradation of the Oncoprotein c-Myc.” That is part of a cancer research that she has been involved in through most of her Austin College career. Her work was in conjunction with the Austin College Biology Department and a National Science Foundation grant.
Lance Barton, professor of biology who worked with Aller in the lab, was pleased to see the recognition come to her. “I believe Emily is the first representative selected from Austin College at this national event,” he said.
Aller, from Fort Worth, is completing majors in biology and anthropology. Summaries about her work and an introductory video are available on her page at the event, which will be available April 28, 2 to 4 p.m. EST.
Aller says she has had many opportunities to grow as a scientist at Austin College, beginning with her second semester. She has had many hours of research and many presentations. In addition to this opportunity to share her work at the federal level, she has just completed her Austin College Honors Thesis.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, global awareness, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and an expert faculty of more than 100 educators allow a 12:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA), Austin College cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. The College, founded in 1849, is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.