Saint Vincent College senior biology major Rachel Dwyer completed research titled, “Loxosceles reclusa envenomation: An Examination of Cytoskeletal Restructuring and the Potential of Chemical Treatments in the Reversal of the Effects of Venom” and presented her research at a meeting of the Eastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America in Syracuse, New York. Ms. Dwyer, a Dillsburg native, received an A.J. Palumbo Student Research grant to aid in completing her senior research project.

Ms. Dwyer explained, “I examined whether or not spider venom changed cellular structure, and found that, the cellular shape is changed due to the venom. I also tested three different chemicals – tetracycline, EDTA, and Dapsone – to determine which of them was the most effective in increasing cell viability after the venom had already been introduced to the cells.” She found that Dapsone was ineffective and that certain concentrations of tetracycline and EDTA were effective in increasing cell viability after envenomation.

While at the Eastern Branch of the Entomological Society of America meeting, Ms. Dwyer gave a 10-minute oral presentation about her research. She was the only undergraduate who presented at this graduate-level forum. “This experience allowed me to actively participate in the scientific community, and it allowed me to learn new information that graduate students are currently working on,” Ms. Dwyer said.

Upon graduating, Ms. Dwyer hopes to attend the Pittsburgh Institute of Mortuary Science with the goal of one day becoming a funeral director. “I gained laboratory experience and enhanced my knowledge of cell and tissue structure during my research. I also learned the limitations that occurred while working with cells. It is extremely important that I am knowledgeable in these areas because of the emphasis placed on them during the embalming process,” Ms. Dwyer commented.

The daughter of Denny and Darlene Dwyer, she is a 2004 graduate of Northern York High School. She is also a member of New Creation Church in Dillsburg.

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