Austin College junior Jessica Hoffman received the Third Place Undergraduate Research Award at the 2021 Texas Academy of Science Virtual Meeting February 28. She received a grant of $1,000 for her work for next year on her senior thesis, based on her submitted proposal.
In an attempt to simplify the description of her research for those outside that world, Jessica said she works in the field of cancer biology. “More specifically, I want to answer the broader question, ‘Is PA28 gamma required for continued cancer growth?’” she said. She began asking that question in summer 2019 when she first worked in the summer lab of Professor of Biology Lance Barton. She and fellow lab workers were able to attend the December 2019 American Society for Cell Biology Conference and see other professional work in progress.
COVID-19 has slowed some of the momentum on the project but Barton said Jessica has worked diligently to bring the project to “next step” stages, working through processes and designing her senior thesis. Barton recommended Jessica to the Texas Academy of Science for the research award because of her “unique set of intellectual talents, creativity, and work ethic that will allow her to excel in the research lab.”
Completing majors in public health and biology, Jessica has also been involved in many campus activities in addition to her research. She serves as a public health peer-wellness educator and as a CREATE ambassador, promoting undergraduate research among her fellow students. She also is a weekly volunteer at the Children’s Advocacy Center in Sherman and is active in her sorority, Omega Zeta, and the Austin College ACtivators youth ministry team.
Jessica is the daughter of Heather and Brian Hoffman of Argyle, Texas.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, 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 more than 100 expert faculty members 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.