BioScience Alum Publishes Peer-Reviewed Article in Scientific Journal

Earlier in the fall, BioScience Center of Excellence graduate Khai Du ’16 published a peer-reviewed article called “Coupled protein synthesis and ribosome-guided piRNA processing on mRNAs” with a group of fellow researchers in a journal called Nature Communications.

Nature Communications describes itself as “an open access, multidisciplinary journal dedicated to publishing high-quality research in all areas of the biological, health, physical, chemical and Earth sciences.”

While a student in the BioScience program at SSM, Khai was able to explore the world of health sciences by participating in the Nobel Conference at Gustavus College, meeting with Dr. Arthur Edison ’78, a biophysicist, and of course, having a blast at the annual BioScience start-of-school retreat. Khai’s work with the BioScience program culminated with his Capstone Project at the 2016 BioScience Research Symposium, which detailed the science behind the effect of sleep on human memory retention; specifically, when students must decide between cramming all night for a test or getting a good night’s sleep!

After graduating from SSM, Khai went on to study neuroscience and clinical psychology at the University of Rochester, where he also worked as an Art Workshop Leader at a substance abuse recovery center and as Director of Communications for GlobeMed. Additionally, before graduating, Khai worked as a psychology research assistant, biology teaching assistant, and a laboratory technician, exploring multiple facets of the health science industry. After graduating in 2020, he is currently pursuing an MD from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.

Now, Khai can add publishing a scientific article to his long list of health science experiences! Publishing a research paper in a peer-reviewed journal is no small feat, and we’re excited to share Khai’s achievement with the SSM community.

Learn more about our alums’ recent achievements in BioScience, such as:

●      Michelle Nutescu ’21 presenting her Capstone project at the National Consortium of Secondary STEM Schools (NCSSS) Student Research Conference

●      Gwen Eichfeld ’21 being named the Southeast Minnesota Regeneron ISEF (International Science & Engineering Fair) Award Winner

●      Ao (Amber) Lu ’21 publishing her own research paper in the journal of the Conference of Artificial Intelligence and Healthcare