Congratulations to Johnston County Public Schools student Jose Perez-Hernandez, who attends Johnston County Early College Academy, for his research with NC American Chemical Society (ACS) Project SEED at Campbell University. Jose formally presented his research on August 11, 2023 to university professors, graduate students, chemistry teachers, family and friends at the NC Biotechnology Center in Research Triangle Park, NC.
Jose Perez-Hernandez’s research at Campbell University was titled “Expanding the Substrate Scope of the Thiamine-dependent Enzyme alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex (Suc A) Through Strategic Mutations.” The focus of Jose’s research was to examine the impact of the specific mutations on the activity of Suc A. Specifically, to investigate the Suc A enzyme as an efficient biocatalyst. For example, enzymes used to make Atorvastatin, a drug used to lower cholesterol, could become more efficient.
Jose Perez-Hernandez presents his research at the NC Biotechnology Center.
NC ACS Project SEED students receive sizable stipends for their internships. Due to the quality of the North Carolina program, the NC ACS Project SEED students received invitations to the National American Chemical Society Conference in San Francisco, CA, August 12-15. They attended workshops and networked with researchers, university professors, undergraduate, graduate, and high school students.
NC Project SEED is an elite summer research program that is funded by the National and NC American Chemical Society. Each NC Project SEED student is mentored by a university professor at either NC State University, North Carolina Central University, Duke University, UNC Chapel Hill or Campbell University. There are numerous NC Project SEED alumnus who have attained M.D., M.D./Ph.D and Ph.D degrees. Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, local celebrity scientist, who famously led the development of the Moderna COVID vaccine, is an NC ACS Project SEED alumna.
Students interested in applying for the 2024-25 NC ACS Project SEED program must meet the following criteria: 1) Be in 10th or 11th grade, 2) Currently enrolled in or completed Chemistry 3) Competitive GPA 4) Reside in Wake, Durham, Orange, Chatham or Johnston County. Interested students meeting the criteria may request a January 2024 application by sending an email to fmcneal3@gmail.com. Include your name, name of your high school, and cell phone number in your email.