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.