Individualized Learning Stories
Lawrence Student Goes to Washington to Present Asthma Research
Associate Professor David Hall
and Michael Schreiber '10
Michael Schreiber '10 presented his research on the mechanisms of common cold-induced asthma exacerbations in April 2010 at the 14th annual Posters on the Hill event at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C.
The biochemistry and English major from West Allis, Wis., worked closely with David Hall, associate professor of chemistry, on research that was generously funded by grants from the National Institute of Health and other prestigious foundations. Schreiber was one of only 80 undergraduate students from colleges and universities around the country chosen to share his research on Capitol Hill.
“Discussing my research at the Posters on the Hill event with senators, representatives, and program administrators gave me insight into just how valuable my individualized learning experience at Lawrence has been,” Schreiber said. “I have worked with Dr. Hall on an individual basis since the spring term of my freshman year, and my ability to practice good scientific technique and explain science to others has grown exponentially since then. I will certainly be taking a valuable skill set with me to graduate school at Columbia University when I begin pursuing my Ph.D. in Microbiology, Immunology, and Infection there in the fall.”
Schreiber’s research, in the chemistry division, examined the function of compounds called G-proteins, which function as molecular switches in certain cells of the immune system. They play a role in turning on the inflammatory response to cold virus in the lungs. Schreiber based the poster upon an article that was submitted to the journal Innate Immunity, co-authored by Schreiber, Bryce Schuler '09 and Hall.
“This is a great opportunity to highlight the excellent research we do at Lawrence and the wonderful sponsors of that research, including the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the McNair Foundation and of course Lawrence itself,” said Hall. “Michael’s research is built upon insights garnered by previous Lawrence student researchers over the past eight years. Continued funding at all levels will ensure many more undergraduates will have top quality research experiences.”
