Home Department: African & African American Studies and Chemistry
Mentor: Kathleen M. Sakamoto (Pediatrics)

“Characterization of the Molecular and Hematopoietic Phenotype of a Novel Mouse Model of Diamond Blackfan Anemia”

Nico’s research project focuses on the study of Diamond Blackfan Anemia (DBA), a disease that limits the amount of oxygen babies have access to. One gene of interest is Rpl11, a novel gene that, when mutated, shows a strong correlation with the development of DBA. Nico will research a deeper understanding of how this gene mechanistically causes DBA, directly through mouse modeling of the gene and studying DNA and blood samples through specific assays. He hopes to demonstrate more quantitative results of how this mutated gene creates DBA, which will offer insight into possible treatment solutions.