This semester, Dr. Craig Story is leading undergraduate students on how to use immunofluorescence microscopy to investigate the complexities of cancer.
In their lab, students work with tumor samples from lab mice, staining them to study specific proteins. Their research focuses on Ki-67, a nuclear protein linked to cell proliferation, which helps scientists understand cancer growth and immune responses.
The research process is slow and requires patience. The students spend long hours sectioning tumor samples, staining them, and counting cells that test positive for Ki-67. Although it is repetitive, the work is valuable preparation for future careers in medicine and research.
For Dr. Story, the connection between faith and science is essential. Medicine addressing human suffering inherently glorifies God therefore proving that science is related to Christian values.
The research is supported by grants from the Mass Life Science Center and additional college funding, helping maintain the expensive and rapidly evolving equipment. While counting cells is their primary task, Dr. Story is also exploring new research areas, particularly in pancreatic cancer. He finds it deeply meaningful that their small lab can make even a modest contribution to advancing cancer research.
While Dr. Story’s team is currently focused on counting cells, their research could contribute to a broader understanding of cancer and immune response. Dr. Story believes that even a small step works towards an extraordinary contribution.
Dr. Story also did his bee experiment, which examined the effect of two variables (mite & diet) on mortality and virus infection in bees. The design is to have six cages with each diet, three cages with high mites, three cages with low mites, and then seven kinds of different diets.
Then they change the food regularly, weigh and measure, and then every three days they take out the dead bees and record the numbers. Then analyze the bees’ DNA. And see if their genes have been damaged by the virus. Finally, the connection between diet and mite and bee mortality or virus was established.
While the experiment may seem simple, the information gleaned can provide a valuable contribution to understanding bee behavior and health. Understanding what is good for bees and what is bad for bees may also provide best practices for beekeepers and conservationists.
Although the outcome is uncertain, the process is as important as the result. Much like his cancer research, Dr. Story’s bee experiments reflect his deep commitment to academic rigor.
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