Amanda Ruelas

My name is Amanda Ruelas and I am currently a senior here at the University of Arizona, where I am majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology, with a minor in Biochemistry. Through UBRP, I get to do research in Dr. Curtis Thorne’s lab, where we study the molecular mechanisms of colon cancer. My project centers around characterizing kinases that may be suppressing cellular proliferation. Kinases are proteins that add an accessory, or a phosphate group, to other proteins. This accessory acts as a signal, and this signal can either promote cell division, or suppress cell division. Cancer cells often divide way too much, which is why understanding kinase’s role in colon cancer is imperative. I am currently applying to grad schools to pursue my goal of receiving a PhD in cancer biology/molecular biology. I love listening to music, and I am extremely excited to hear Ariana Grande’s new album coming out very shortly!