ANN ARBOR—A University of Michigan student researcher studies how the aerobic capacity of rats affected their mortality and susceptibility for disease.

Another student tracks the actions of Gemcitabine, a chemotherapeutic drug used in pancreatic, non-small cell lung and breast cancer patients. And yet another student says she felt excited (new findings) and disappointed (unforeseen errors in procedures) during her analysis of the mechanisms of breast and prostate cancer metastasis.

These students are among 10 U-M undergraduates who will present their research to state legislators and committee members in Lansing on March 22. For the third straight year, a group of students participating in U-M’s Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program will give poster presentations about the research they?ve done with faculty. Students from U-M campuses in Ann Arbor, Flint and Dearborn, Wayne State University and Michigan State University will also present their work.

UROP creates research partnerships between first- and second-year students and U-M faculty. Since all U-M schools and colleges are active in the program, a wealth of research topics can be chosen by students.

U-M faculty nominated students to present their research in Lansing, and the honorees were selected based on several factors, including the relevance of their research to the state.

“This is really our only UROP on the road event except for some fund-raising alumni events,” said Sandra Gregerman, UROP director.

While this event can help with state funding, this experience allows students to see the relevance of research to the state of Michigan, to converse with state legislators and to learn about the legislative process, and to understand the role research could play in policy development, Gregerman said.” I think it is important for those outside of the scientific realm to understand exactly what is going on in cancer research,” said Christina Krokosky, whose research looked at Gemcitabine.

The UROP experience has taught Krokosky to persevere when the research doesn?t produce the anticipated results-a lesson that goes beyond the laboratory.

“These experiences have also positively enhanced my academic success as well, for I’ve learned to always move forward and not dwell on the mishaps that have caused minor setbacks in my progress,” she said.

UROP started in 1989 with 14 student/faculty partnerships. Today, approximately 900 students and more than 600 faculty researchers are engaged in research partnerships.

“I now know that research is something that I enjoy and feel satisfied and productive doing,” said Alyse DeHaan, whose project looks at the epithelial growth factor receptor in prostate cancer and the progression to bone metastasis.” When I make my career goals, all of this will surely be factored in.”

Student Matt Armington agreed, stating the UROP project will help him in his career path in the medical field.

“It also put me in a position to draw on the incredible amount of knowledge and professionalism that the doctors in my lab are able to provide,” said Armington, whose research involved rats.

The program will hold its spring research symposium, starting at 11 a.m. April 19, in the Michigan League. The students, along with their hometowns and projects, who will give presentations in Lansing are:

? Alyse DeHaan of Ada: Mechanisms of breast and prostate cancer metastasis.

? Matthew Armington of Ann Arbor: Development of rat models for adaptational response to exercise by selective breeding.

? Alyssa Delke of Flint: Spin Physics Center.

? Erin Schlemmer of Kentwood: Prevention Research Center community health survey.

? Carley Kratz of Manchester: Effects of air pollution on old growth forest trees and soil microbes.

? Julio Dominquez of Rochester Hills: Detroit-area study on financial services: non-bank financial institution research project.

? Matthew Tapping of Saline: Corporate social responsibility and the Super Bowl.

? Ashley Hajski of Temperance: Treating children as adults in the justice system.

? Kevin Farron of Traverse City: Traverse City waterfront design project.

? Christina Krokosky of Troy: A study of the mechanism of Gemcitabine.

More information about UROP