Jerome Betz presents thesis research

Jerome Betz III successfully defended his master’s thesis "Functional and Structural Analysis of AvsYS1: A ferric iron-phytosiderophore Transport Protein.” Jerome’s project focused on the molecular mechanisms of iron uptake, a rate limiting nutrient in plant growth. This information can serve as a springboard to launch future efforts to modify plants to support growth in high pH soils where ferric iron oxyhydroxide polymers exist. Ultimately, this could help mitigate iron deficiency anemia, a serious condition in third world countries. Jerome’s thesis advisors were Drs. George Davis and Abby Hare-Harris. Drs. Kevin Williams and Toni Bell served on his thesis committee. Jerome has presented his work on AvsYS-1 at the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania University Biology meeting, the Tri-Beta Northeast District 2 Convention, and at College of Science and Technology Research Day. Jerome received a professional experience grant to fund his work. Jerome plays bass guitar for the artist Kulick, and for the band Another Day Dawns. In the future, Jerome plans to pursue a PhD in molecular biology with the goal of a teaching at a university.





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