08/28/2026
Some of the biggest medical breakthroughs begin by answering a simple question: Why does this molecule behave the way it does?
This summer, Dr. Sarah Mitchell and her STEM Scholars research team, Laura D. ’28, Sade I. ’28, Wynona J. ’28, Elycia C. '29 and Rayanna H. ’29, investigated an enzyme called inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (IMPDH), a protein that plays a critical role in producing the nucleotides our cells need to build DNA and RNA and generate energy. While scientists have known for years that IMPDH binds to RNA, one important question has remained unanswered: Why? The team is working to better understand how the enzyme interacts with messenger RNA and whether those interactions influence protein production, research that could deepen our understanding of diseases including certain inherited forms of blindness and cancers.
Throughout the summer, the scholars learned techniques ranging from molecular biology and genetics to data analysis, while discovering that research rarely goes exactly as planned. Instead, progress comes through asking questions, testing ideas, learning from mistakes and trying again. Several students reflected that the supportive lab environment gave them the confidence to tackle concepts they had never encountered in the classroom and reminded them that growth often begins outside their comfort zone.
Whether they're studying enzymes, ecosystems or equations, Agnes Scott students are building the curiosity and confidence to tackle tomorrow's scientific challenges.
