Mia Peifer

Mia Peifer

I am a fourth-year Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major with a minor in Chemistry. I am studying at the Eberly College of Science at University Park. In the Hanna-Rose Lab, I study inborn errors of purine metabolism, a group of rare and poorly understood disorders. My independent research project focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying the severe neurological and muscular symptoms associated with them using C. elegans as a model organism.

I can provide assistance in locating research opportunities and contacting potential mentors. I also have experience in proposal writing and the development and presentation of oral and poster presentations on scientific research. Additionally, I can share resources for finding outreach opportunities.

Project Title: 
Inborn Errors of Purine Metabolism
Project Description: 
My lab researches inborn errors of purine metabolism, a group of rare and poorly understood disorders. My project focuses on understanding the mechanisms underlying the severe neurological and muscular symptoms associated with them. Using C. elegans as a model organism, I quantify movement and study behavioral changes when the activity of enzymes in purine metabolism is perturbed. This approach allows me to gather valuable information crucial to our understanding of how these symptoms arise and the development of future therapeutics to treat them.
Mentor(s): 
Wendy Hanna-Rose
Major(s): 
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Minor(s): 
Chemistry
Email: 
mmp6158@psu.edu
Starfish Profile
Campus: 
University Park