Alani Perkin

Alani is a recent graduate of Harris-Stowe State University where she received her Bachelor of Science in Biology Pre-Med. During undergrad she completed research in the areas of Genetics and Developmental Biology investigating gene communication in Drosophila. She has interest Genetics and Genomics and how they play a role in predisposition to diseases especially cancers. Also, she has a passion for increasing STEM opportunities for underrepresented students at Honorary Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). In the future, she hopes to receive a PhD in Biomedical Sciences and later pursue medical school to practice medicine and continue research.

Research Area

Under the mentorship of Dr. Jessica Silva-Fisher, my project is focused on investigating long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that may promote poor response to the standard treatment in Multiple Myeloma. My goal is to assess the importance of using the targeted lncRNA as a novel therapeutic. Using myeloma cancer cell lines, I am investigating RNA therapeutics called antisense oligos, by treating cells and assessing viability, cell toxicity and apoptosis in combination with the alkylating agent Melphalan.