Meet Dr. Duaa Quedan, a UNT grad who recently received her PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. She conducted her research in the laboratory of Dr. Douglas Root, where they worked to develop synthetic peptides designed to bind to molecules in cardiac muscles. Their hope is that the eventual applications of this research can be used to help treat certain heart disorders.
"These peptides underwent thorough testing at the molecular level using various spectroscopic and microscopic experiments," said Dr. Quedan. "Currently, our research is progressing to the next stage, where we will be evaluating the effects of these peptides in tissues and live animals through collaborative efforts with other research groups."
Dr. Quedan realized she was interested in pursuing this research for its relevance in the dental field after receiving her DDS (Doctor of Dental surgery) degree from the University of Jordan in 2009. "One of the most rewarding aspects of this research is obtaining positive results and knowing that my work has the potential to make a meaningful impact in the field and possibly benefit many cardiomyopathies patients," she said.
As a recipient of the Dean's Summer Doctoral Stipend this year, she was able to accelerate her research in a way that would not have been possible without the extra support.
"I was really grateful to receive this stipend," she said. "I was able to afford a babysitter for my kids so I could focus on research and completing my dissertation over the summer months."
She said that her mentor, researcher and Associate Professor Dr. Root, was an invaluable source of knowledge and support for her research.
"His availability and willingness to assist has been instrumental in addressing all my queries," she said. "Moreover, his guidance has enabled me to participate in international conferences, facilitating the sharing of our work and fostering opportunities to learn from other researchers' contributions."
One of Dr. Quedan's passions is helping others learn, which is why she plans to apply for a teaching position at a dental facility now that her PhD is complete. Her advice to students who are just starting out on their research journey is to read, read, read.
"Read published papers regularly to stay updated on the latest scientific advancements and techniques," she said. "This will not only save you time during your research but also help in problem-solving. Furthermore, consider publishing your own research in journals to share your findings for the benefit of the broader scientific community."
The Dean's Doctoral Summer Research Stipend provides COS graduate students with time to concentrate on their research over the summer and accelerate their dissertation completion. Help us further support world-changing graduate research at the UNT College of Science by making a donation to this fund today: https://cos.unt.edu/help-support-graduate-research-unt