Eden Anderson

• SOAR Position: Member; Scholars Week Ambassador (2023-2024), President (Fall 2024)/URC Student Worker
• Major: Biochemistry
• Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Rebecca Seipelt- Thiemann

Current Focus: Detecting Estrogen Pollution in the Stones River Watershed using the Yeast Estrogen Screen (YES) test of 'Saccharomyces cerevisiae'

Project Description

Estrogen is a steroid hormone, most well-known as being associated with the female reproductive system. Estrogen is used in the dairy and livestock industry as a muscle enhancer and used to increase growth rates. Once in the environment, estrogen enters the estrogen transmission chain, and the effects have been connected with disruptions in waterway ecosystems. This study aims to identify the levels of estrogen pollution for each site at the Stones River Watershed. Using the Yeast Estrogen Screen (YES), Saccharomyces cerevisiae was scientifically engineered to carry one DNA (either ERα or ERβ) sequence and two estrogen-responsive sequences (ERE). The ERE controls the reporter gene, lac-Z, which encodes for the enzyme β-galactosidase, and in the presence of estrogens, is secreted. The lysis buffer contains chlorophenol red-β-D-galactopyranoside (CPRG). When cleaved by β-galactosidase, it produces a colorimetric product. This study distinguishes a practical way to identify said pollutions and promotes a better understanding of what estrogen pollution can do towards biodiversity. The study also confirms why testing our local Stones River Watershed is very important, as it improves our ability to protect against threats towards biodiversity and possible contamination.

Why does this topic interest you?

This topic is extremely interesting to me because I am very passionate about the unseen harm that lies in everyday views such as a lakes, parks, or creeks. I think analyzing and understanding why things occur and where they come from to be fascinating. Estrogen pollution can be linked to what a farmer decides to feed their animals, and can affect something as small as soil microbial communities. I am very passionate about making environmentally conscious choices and understanding how everyday choices can affect the biodiversity that surrounds us.

What are your professional aspirations?

My aspiring career is in the field of pharmaceutical development. After receiving my bachelor's degree in biochemistry from MTSU, I plan to go on and get my Ph. D in pharmacology or Biomedical Sciences. I want to use this knowledge to develop better treatments and medicine aimed at women's health. My main aspiration is to run my own lab with a goal in spreading support for women in STEM.

Do you have any advice for future researchers?

My advice to future researchers is to not be afraid of your professors! I know it seems intimidating to walk up to them, but truly they want to help you and are eager to talk about their research. If you enjoy taking a class with a specific professor, I encourage you to ask about what research they are conducting. If they do not have room for you, chances are they will recommend another lab to you. And finally, research is supposed to be fun, so don't worry if things don't go completely as planned!

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