Ethan Schuff

• Home institution: Murray State University

• Year: Senior

• Major:  Pre-Medical Biology 

• Research Site: University of Louisville

• What will I be researching this summer: The undergraduate project in my lab centers around alcohol metabolism in embryonic zebrafish. In humans, alcohol consumption during gestation manifests as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS), although the mode of action is unclear. Researchers are still testing if ethanol or toxic metabolite acetaldehyde is the basis of FAS. By developing zebrafish in different small-chain alcohols, we are hoping to elucidate and give insight into mechanisms of alcohol-induced developmental defects. The hope is that this research will clue us into key mechanisms involved in FAS.

• Future goals: I am taking a gap year from medical school, and I will be applying in the spring.

• Outside of the lab/classroom: I enjoy being active, spending time with friends and family, playing my guitar(s), and I’m currently trying to pick up golf. During the winter months, I watch lots of Murray State and Kentucky basketball. I am an Honors Student and Ambassador at Murray, part of Medlife, part of Pre-Health Professionals, and I enjoy serving at First Baptist Church of Murray. I am very grateful for the opportunity KY INBRE has given me this summer!