Published on July 24, 2024
The Cherng Summer Scholars program allows Honors College students at the University of Missouri to explore their passions through research projects aimed at questions they are interested in analyzing. Students who are accepted into the nine-week program participate in projects that are individually designed, with the support and mentorship of a Mizzou faculty member.
This year, there are 12 Cherng Summer Scholars. Meet Kameron Hahn, a senior biology major.
Question: Which faculty member are you working with on your research?
Answer: I am working in the Schulz Lab led by Laura Schulz, an associate professor of obstetrics, gynecology and women’s health, and director of the Institute for Women’s Health Research.
Question: What is the focus of your research?
Answer: My research is focused on understanding how extravillous trophoblasts, a specialized cell type in the placenta, create and use energy. This has important implications for understanding the causes and consequences of pregnancy complications such as early-onset preeclampsia in which metabolic dysfunction in the placenta is a contributing factor.
Question: What interested you in this specific project?
Answer: Since I joined the Schulz lab freshman year and throughout sophomore year, I worked alongside a graduate student mentor. After she graduated, I had a unique opportunity to lead my own research project as a continuation of our previous work. I am proud to have such an opportunity while developing in in-depth understanding of placental biology and making contributions to bolster women’s health.
Question: How nice has it been to be part of the Cherng Summer Scholars program?
Answer: The Cherng Summer Scholars program has been a wonderful opportunity for personal and intellectual growth filled with many mistakes, setbacks and challenges accompanied by curiosity, discoveries and triumphs. Thanks to Peggy and Andrew Cherng and the Panda Charitable Foundation, we are able to realize the gift of experiential learning for an entire summer. I am also appreciative of our weekly colloquium with other Cherng scholars. Dr. Susan Lever fosters a learning environment where we can reflect on our progress and goals as researchers. It is also interesting to learn about the interdisciplinary research being conducted by my peers around campus. I am incredibly honored to be a Cherng Summer Scholar.