Karmina Ghobrial

• SOAR Position: Member; Alumni
• Major: Biology
• Faculty Mentor(s): Dr. Rebecca Seipelt-Thiemann

Current Focus: Exploring Coffee Silverskin Extract’s Effects on Age-Related Gene DVE-1/SATB1 During UV-Induced Oxidative Stress

Additional Interests: I have minors in chemistry, psychology, and university honors!

Project Description

Using nematodes as a human model, we decided to test whether coffee silverskin extract would cause anti-aging effects on the age-related gene DVE-1, which corresponds with the SATB1 gene in humans. Coffee silverskin's high antioxidant capacity allows it to combat the oxidative stress that we induced through UV treatment. Whether or not functional protein was produced allowed us to determine if the coffee silverskin extract had an effect.

Why does this topic interest you?

My research focuses on the negative effects of aging and the gradual decline in bodily function over time, while offering a way to promote health and longevity throughout life. I find this really interesting because of the fact that growth and old-age is inevitable, and our bodies will not always be able to keep up. Finding ways to increase health, especially when testing something like UV that humans are constantly exposed to, is important across various fields.

What are your professional aspirations?

I hope to one day be a dentist and possibly specialize.

Do you have any advice for future researchers?

I would advise future researchers to really enjoy their time doing their research, building their relationship with their mentor, and benefiting in any manner they may get the chance. Even if someone is doing lab research, but doesn't need it in their future career, they can learn a lot more than just lab techniques. It can teach independence and confidence, among many other things, so really using it as a learning opportunity can be very beneficial down the line.

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