SHA Trio Joins St. Joseph's College Chemistry Lab for Summer/Fall 2022

Kayla Romano '23 will attempt to replicate electrochemical detection of single-stranded RNA molecules via colorimetric methods. Previous studies have demonstrated consistent binding of PNA molecules to RNA targets, but the desired colorimetric detection was not observed. This final step forms the basis of  her project. 

Kayla Palumbo '24 will work to develop more efficient fluorescent nanotags, supramolecular fluorescent  labels based on intercalating dye arrays assembled on nanostructured DNA templates. This could potentially allow for a ten- to twenty-fold increase in the labelling efficiency (speed and accuracy) of Streptavidin-coated synthetic microspheres and rodent T-cells. 

Katherine Lynch '24 will look for new ways to detect small molecules like bisphenol-A (BPA) in water samples. One promising approach involves developing a functionalized aptamer-based "shut-off" fluorescent biosensor; if successful, this would permit ultra sensitive detection. 

Note: Sacred Heart Academy Research Director Stephen Sullivan taught Dr. Andrea (Benvin) Stadler from 1995-97 at Lawrence High School. Dr. Stadler also mentored new SHA alumna Caroline Davis' award-winning research in 2021-22. 

Photo (left-right): Katherine Lynch '24, Kayla Palumbo '24, Kayla Romano '23

• Good Luck, Girls!