Biology Student Advances Genetic Research 

Over the summer, senior Biology major Taylar Simmons was accepted into the competitive Biomedical Scholars Summer Undergraduate Research Program at the University of Iowa. 

During the 10-week program, Taylar worked alongside Dr. Mark Schultz in the Division of Medical Genetic and Genomics. Their research focuses on the rare Niemann Pick Type C1 Disease. This genetic condition impairs the body’s ability to transport cholesterol and other lipids in cells. 

“In just a short time, I was able to learn and test new techniques like cell culturing,” Taylar said. “Not only is that lab experience incredible now, but it’s given me new connections that will support my graduate school applications and work into the future.” 

Taylar presented her findings at the 17th annual Summer Undergraduate Research Conference on Wednesday, July 24 in Iowa City. 

Research Continues at Clarke

Thanks to her experiences at Clarke, Taylar is no stranger to biology research. She discovered her summer internship through a project in her Scientific Information course. Her professors then guided her through the application process.  

Additionally, Taylar has worked as a lab assistant for Associate Professors of Biology Laura Hecker and Shaun Bowman for the past year. She has even been able to design and conduct her own research.  

“I looked at the effects of food dye on Drosophila melanogaster, also known as the common fruit fly,” Taylar said. “While a component of the project did not work as expected, I was able to learn a lot. It will form the basis of my capstone. Plus, I’ve done a lot of work with larval dissections, our fluorescent microscope, and other tools. I came in a step ahead of others in my internship program. That will serve me in grad school as well.” 

As Taylar completes her final year at Clarke, she will also use her knowledge to benefit her community. Originally from nearby Belmont, Wisconsin, she is proud to serve as a role model to her younger brothers and friends. She has signed up to serve as a mentor with Mentor Dubuque. She also contributes to overall public health by working as a lab aide at MercyOne in Dubuque. It’s a passion she shares with her mother, Clarke Doctor of Nursing Practice Graduate Director and Associate Professor of Nursing Andrea Simmons, DNP.  

“To have the support of my family and my Clarke professors makes all the difference,” Taylar said. “I know that will continue even after my time as a student here.”