UMSS20 Student Profile: Miranda Jacques

Miranda Jacques, Biomedical Engineering
An Array of Synthetically Produced Fluorescent Biomarkers for Monitoring Neutrophil Behavior in the Non-Specific Immune Response
Mentored by Matthew Brichacek

Miranda Jacques is working to change the way neutrophils are studied. In the past, organisms would need to be genetically modified to express fluorescent genes – a time consuming method. Jacques is developing a fluorescent molecule that will selectively attach to neutrophils, replacing the old method. This research will help scientists study immune diseases more efficiently.

“I wanted to be a part of a project that would help propel the world towards more efficient disease research. This is the perfect project to take part in because there are numerous immune diseases that could benefit from a new rapid testing method,” says Jacques.