Colin is majoring in Molecular Biology, and has an interest in cancer research. His research involved communication between cells. Communication between cells is critical for development, growth regulation, and cell differentiation. This communication occurs by the movement of small molecules between cells through structures called gap junctions. These gap junctions are composed of proteins called connexins.
Different cells have different connexins in their gap junctions.
The research being done by Colin is to identify specific connexinsin rat airway epithelial cells. Steven, a Biology and Spanish major, also received the Dr. R. Jenkins Research Award. Steven spent the fall semester studying at the University of Puerto Rico, Humacao. His research involves communication between cells. Living eukaryote cells are connected through a network of communication as varied as the cells themselves.