Exploring Aging
Ohio Wesleyan Student Completes Research Experience at University at Albany's RNA Institute
Name: Sophia Rohr '27
Hometown: Akron, Ohio
High school: Copley High School
Majors: Genetics, Neuroscience, and Sociology & Anthropology
Minors: Chemistry
OWU Connection Experience: Participating in the National Science Foundation-Research Experience for Undergraduates (NSF-REU) program
Rohr was selected to work in the laboratory of Dr. ChangHwan Lee at the University at Albany's RNA Institute between June 2 and July 29, 2026.
New Knowledge on Aging
"In general, the lab studies development and aging in the nematode C. elegans (a transparent roundworm) by looking at the Notch signaling pathway. This pathway is conserved across animals, and faulty Notch signaling in humans can lead to neurological diseases, cancers, and cardiovascular disease.
"My project looked at how Notch signaling and the aging process differ in C. elegans missing FHOD-1, a protein involved in muscle development."
My ultimate goal is to go to graduate school, and I knew this experience would give me a taste of what grad school could potentially be like for me.
Why This Opportunity?
"I have had some amazing research experiences at Ohio Wesleyan, including participating in the SSRP (Summer Scholarship and Research Program) last summer. However, I wanted a chance to do research off campus this summer for multiple reasons.
"Mainly, I wanted the opportunity to expand my network beyond OWU, to attend career development programs (often offered during REUs), and to work in a graduate-level lab under the mentorship of graduate students.
"Also, I thought it would be fun to get to live and explore a new area for a few months! My ultimate goal is to go to graduate school, and I knew this experience would give me a taste of what grad school could potentially be like for me."
My Favorite Moment
"My favorite moment in the lab was probably the first time I did a full experiment from start to finish, mostly unassisted. The main experiment I did in the lab this summer is called single-molecule fluorescence in situ hybridization (or smFISH).
"The whole experiment takes about a week (including aging the worms to the right day to do the experiment), and there are so many individual steps that can potentially go wrong, but you won't necessarily know until you are viewing the worms under a microscope at the very end. So, when I saw that the worms looked how they were supposed to, that was a really cool moment!
"Outside of the lab, I had so many opportunities to explore the surrounding areas with other undergraduates in my cohort or the occasional visitor from back home. Some really cool places I got to see include Ticonderoga, Howe's Caverns, Thacher State Park, and NYC!"
Lessons Learned
"I learned so much from this experience! In terms of the science, I got to work with a new model organism, learn new techniques, and experience how a graduate-level lab works. I also got to tie in bits and pieces from my previous research experiences and classes at OWU. For instance, I did a lot of image analysis on the computer using a program called ImageJ. While the type of analysis was new, I was pretty proficient in using ImageJ from my SSRP experience with Dr. Suria! [Andrea Suria, Ph.D., is an OWU assistant professor of Biological Sciences.]
"In addition, I learned a lot of valuable things about graduate school. Being able to talk to my PI (principal investigator), the program director, and multiple graduate students gave me a much clearer idea of what graduate school and the application process entail. They also gave me great advice on what to look for in a potential lab.
"I've always thought of grad school as a pretty cutthroat process and, to be honest, I wasn't entirely sure I wanted to commit to the possible 5+ years a Ph.D. can require. But this experience taught me that there are really positive, supportive lab environments out there and proved that this is something I really want to do in the future! That is why experiences like NSF-REUs are so important. They really give us undergraduates the chance to explore post-graduate life for a few months, so you can test things out without committing a bunch of time and money (in fact, you get paid to do this)!"
My Program Mentor
"My PI at UAlbany was Dr. ChangHwan Lee, and I worked under the mentorship of Reagan Costello, a third-year Ph.D. student in the lab. ChangHwan was really supportive and a great resource for me in terms of talking about graduate school and career development. And Reagan really mentored me in every way. She helped me learn so many new lab techniques and really gave me great advice for how and what to look for in a graduate program."
My OWU Involvements
"I am on the executive board of Neurds (the neuroscience club), WinS (Women in STEM club), and Circle K (a service organization). In addition, this will be my third year living in SEAL. (The Service, Engagement, and Leadership House is one of Ohio Wesleyan's themed small-living units, each of which houses up to a dozen students interested in the same issues.)
Why Ohio Wesleyan?
"A big part of my decision to attend Ohio Wesleyan was the opportunity to do research while also attending a small school where I could have close relationships with my faculty. In addition, I really liked the liberal arts curriculum and the ability to explore multiple of my academic interests.
"I came in knowing I wanted to really dive deep into Genetics and Neuroscience, but along the way this freedom to explore other interests manifested in a Sociology & Anthropology major as well!
"In addition, there are so many opportunities I have had that I didn't necessarily anticipate, including the chance to travel. This summer I participated in the Island Biology TLC (travel-learning course) trip and, in August, I will be attending a conference in Auckland, New Zealand, thanks to an OWU Connection Grant!"
My Plans After Graduation
"My goal for immediately after graduation is to get into a biological or biomedical sciences Ph.D. program or possibly get a lab tech position for a year and then go to grad school. Long term, I would love to become a professor at a small, liberal arts school like Ohio Wesleyan. OWU is preparing me to reach these goals by giving me the opportunity to explore and hone so many skills necessary for both grad school and my future career.
"In addition to research, I have had the opportunity to engage on campus in leadership positions for science-based student organizations. I have also been able to engage with the larger OWU and Delaware community through service, something I think is important for anyone who has the desire to teach in any capacity.
"OWU has also given me the chance to 'teach' through opportunities like the Bishop Scholars program and being a TA (teaching assistant) for general chemistry labs. Finally, and most importantly, OWU has provided me with such a supportive community of peers and faculty that have really pushed me to take risks and to take advantage of the plethora of opportunities I have had here at OWU (and now, outside of OWU)!"