Richmond students often contribute to research that can transform the future — and we love learning about their projects. Chemistry professor Michelle Hamm’s latest opportunity introduces DNA and genome mutation research to 10 hardworking students with the help of a $270,000 three-year National Science Foundation grant.

Hamm’s work with colleagues from MIT and the University of Arkansas will investigate the link between OdG lesions — aka DNA damage — and several diseases, including cancer. 

“My group synthesizes analogs of the OdG lesion and incorporates them into short strands of DNA,” Hamm said. “These analogs have great potential as biochemical tools, and these studies will help reveal not only how these lesions lead to DNA mutations, but also how the mutations are prevented or removed by DNA repair enzymes.”

We’re proud to be a place where our students are on the forefront of new discoveries!