My name is Karina and I am currently a senior Biology major at UMass Amherst. Me and my lab partner Ezrina Seo, and two new RichCo recipients Autumn Whelan and Firdaus Muhammud, are currently recipients of the RichCo Undergraduate Zebrafish Research Award. Together as a team, the four of us work collaboratively on a research project in the Karlstrom lab and the Timme-Laragy lab at UMass Amherst investigating the impacts of Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), an environmental toxicant family, on the embryonic development on larval zebrafish tissues. 
Building on past work in the Timme-Laragy Lab, our team is investigating how co-exposure to Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) influences pancreatic cell proliferation, using zebrafish as a model. Together we study the effects of PFOS and PFHxS, which are two chemicals in the PFAS family. PFAS chemicals or “forever chemicals” are known for their water- and oil-resistant properties, but over time have been found in human blood samples. These chemicals are linked to health outcomes like type 2 diabetes, liver damage, and metabolic disruptions.
Building on past work in the Timme-Laragy Lab, our team is investigating how co-exposure to Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS) influences pancreatic cell proliferation, using zebrafish as a model. Together we study the effects of PFOS and PFHxS, which are two chemicals in the PFAS family. PFAS chemicals or “forever chemicals” are known for their water- and oil-resistant properties, but over time have been found in human blood samples. These chemicals are linked to health outcomes like type 2 diabetes, liver damage, and metabolic disruptions.
Currently, we are refining our cell proliferation assays to better understand how co-exposure to PFOS and PFHxS affects pancreatic development. This includes larval zebrafish pancreas dissections and methods of cell counting and quantification. To improve accuracy and reduce variability in cell counting, we are now integrating computer algorithms and AI for more standardized analysis. From here, our next step might look into how these toxicants play a role in the cell differentiation or cell death of the pancreas.
The RichCo Undergraduate Zebrafish Research Award has provided me the opportunity to explore research and understand everything that goes into the planning and execution of experiments. I will forever be grateful for this program for cultivating my scientific curiosity and for allowing me to form long lasting connections as I discover my love of research. I want to thank Dr. Steve Richter and Tommy Goodrow for providing this amazing opportunity to learn the world of developmental biology and environmental toxicology research and for fostering an environment that encourages my growth as a scientist.