KL
Kristine LeClair
  • Class of 2015
  • Westminster, MA

Kristine LeClair Conducts Valuable Summer Research at Assumption College

2014 Sep 3

This summer, Kristine LeClair, a member of the class of 2015, was one of 11 Assumption College students who collaborated with faculty on innovative scientific research over the summer break. Through this experience, the students discovered how they can apply their scientific skills to make a difference in society--and take their place as the next generation of scholars and scientists.

Kristine, a biotechnology and molecular biology major, worked with Biology Professor McCready to determine if the thyroid hormone increases the amount of the protein fatty acid synthase in cells isolated from the mouse mammary gland. She treated cells with thyroid hormone and measured the amount of fatty acid synthase protein in the cells. LeClair’s data indicate that thyroid hormone decreases fatty acid synthase in the cells. Her discovery may link crabp1 (the protein of interest studied in the lab) to fatty acid synthase in breast cancers diagnosed after pregnancy. LeClair will continue her research project with Professor McCready during this academic year.