Sparkman grad makes preparation for biomedical future with protein research
Palazzo began working this past summer with a protein found in a particular parasite that may have a curing effect on a disease called Chagas with Dr. William Setzer, professor and chair of the UAH Chemistry Department,
This disease, primarily found in Central and South America, can affect the heart and intestines. There is currently no cure, but the oil of certain tropical plants may have some effect on the disease’s growth.
The parasite they carry is the Trypanosoma Cruzi.
“My specific assignment from Dr. Setzer was to test three different plants from Costa Rica,” Palazzo said. “I took the plants’ essential oil and used a GCMS (Gas Chromatography-mass Spectrometry) machine (use to determine chemical composition) to see what the oils were composed of. Then I tested the plants to see if they inhibited the activity of a protein, Cruzain, which is essential for the survival of the parasite, Trypanosoma Cruzi.”
She said two of the plants showed decent inhibition of that protein. “So, now we are testing the plant oils with different types of bacteria to see if they kill the bacteria. This could mean possible use as an antimicrobial agent.”
These are the types of biomedical issues Palazzo will face in her career, something she says she wants to do in order to help people.
“I started out as a biology major (she is now working on a biology minor), with the intention of applying for medical school,” Palazzo said. She later discovered her passion was in the research aspect of medical care, an area where she can still help people.
Palazzo’s early mentors were Sparkman High School teachers Ms. Dalton (chemistry) and Dr. Whitworth (anatomy and physiology).
“They did a lot of hands-on things in their classes, and talked about their experiences. It sounded like what I wanted to do.”
Palazzo’s opportunity to work with Dr. Setzer came through UAH’s Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program. This nine-week program allows undergraduates to develop research skills, including the ability conducted unsupervised research.
While a student at UA, Palazzo has also been active promoting the College of Science. This year, she is a Science Ambassador, and a laboratory teaching assistant in organic chemistry.
Last year, she served as a leader for P.A.S.S. (Peer Assisted Study Session) and a teaching assistant for the chemistry introductory course.
Palazzo hoped to graduate from UAHuntsville in 2010, and then continue her education for the biomedical research field.
In September, Palazzo won second place in the poster presentation session for her research at the Partnership for Biotechnology Research Bio-retreat at the Hudson Alpha Institute.
Palazzo is a 2006 graduate of Sparkman High School. She has two sisters, Rachel, a junior at Sparkman, and Amanda, a sixth grader at Monrovia Middle School. The sisters’ parents are Joe and Cindy Palazzo of Huntsville.
