REFLECTIONS & REPORTS

SUU Students Determine if a Compound Found In Dust is Hazardous

Introduction

In December of 2018, three Southern Utah University students and a biochemistry professor (Dr. Elizabeth Pierce) conducted a research study on a brominated flame retardant called TTB-TAZ. Previous research conducted by Dr. McKay Steffensen at SUU found that TTB-TAZ is found in household dust and has the ability to bind multiple molecules to its chemical structure.

The aim of the new study was to determine if TTB-TAZ could serve as a cross-linker among proteins and DNA molecules in our bodies. This could definitely have an effect on how we view dust if proven to be true. TTB-TAZ is often found in common plastic consumer products as well.

Body

The researchers began their study on December 17th and concluded their research January 3rd of 2018. The students of the project were premedical students of the Rural Health Scholars program and were aimed to gain laboratory experience to build their medical school applications and increase their chances of becoming future doctors.

After several trials under adjusted parameters, the researchers found that the brominated flame retardant only functions at high temperatures (over 200 degrees Fahrenheit). When TTB-TAZ was tested to link proteins, even at the elevated temperature, it did not react at a statistically significant amount. The researchers are considering to test the molecule with other proteins and in an environment that simulates our lung surfactant.

Boilerplate

Connor McIntyre was the lead student of the research study and trained the other two students under their mentor Dr. Pierce. McIntyre began organizing this research study for his EDGE Project at SUU, a program used to teach students how to design/conduct/reflect on a self-directed project. The EDGE Program is a requirement for graduating SUU and helps better prepare students to become lifelong learners in each of their respective fields.

The research study conducted determined that we can all sleep a little easier knowing our household dust is less of a threat to our health. ###

Contact Information: Connor McIntyre

-Phone: 435-670-9036 -Email: connormac_16@hotmail.com

Press Release

Reflection

During the course of my EDGE project I could see that I was becoming a better leader each day. For my project I conducted biochemistry research while leading two other premedical students throughout the research study. Initially it was difficult for me to lead others around the laboratory and a little overwhelming trying to remember all of the pertinent information to go over. Luckily I had a research mentor to help us go over any information I may have missed.

During the course of my project I recognized that I occasionally assume that everyone has the same knowledge as I do on certain topics. It was important for me to water things down so that everyone could understand the information, then I could build from there. Sometimes people are too scared to admit they do not fully understand something, so it is up to others to communicate with them and answer and questions they may have. I learned that a leader needs to be able to set the direction and guide their peers to the right destination. It was frustrating at times because the other students, as well as myself, made mistakes. But everyone has been a beginner at some point, and all one can do is to learn from that experience/mistake. When serving a leadership role it is important to be educated and experienced on the subject, but I learned that it is also important to be able to say you don’t know the answer at the moment. Then, as a leader, it is your duty to try and set out to find the answer. Being able to serve in this role was meaningful and I will be able to apply these skills to my path of being a future physician.