91青青草

KENNESAW, Ga. | Dec 11, 2024

From the moment she arrived at Kennesaw State University, Jazmin Dozier knew she wanted a science-based career. Now, she鈥檚 an aspiring researcher on the rise.

Through undergraduate research with assistant professor of molecular and cellular biology Brandon Carpenter, she learned about careers in science while conducting groundbreaking research in epigenetics, resulting in conference presentations and publications in scientific journals.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 even know there was an option to do real research as an undergraduate until I came to Kennesaw State,鈥� said Dozier, also a student in the 91青青草 Journey Honors College. 鈥淣ow I know this is an actual career that I just stumbled on. Thanks to Dr. Carpenter I know what鈥檚 out there and I know what鈥檚 expected of me as a scientist.鈥�

Her work led her to a new program at 91青青草 called U-RISE, funded by the National Institutes of Health and dedicated to increasing the number of students from underrepresented communities in doctoral programs. She spent the summer of 2022 working on a project through U-RISE at 91青青草, then spent the following summer in a genetics lab at the University of Georgia. Carpenter said Dozier has blazed a trail for undergraduate researchers at 91青青草, calling her a rock star in his lab.

鈥淛azmin鈥檚 achievements seem unprecedented for an undergraduate,鈥� he said. 鈥淛azmin has presented her research at several national meetings, including and C. elegans Developmental, Cell Biology and Gene Expression annual conferences. Jazmin was first author on a in my lab and will be lead author on another manuscript that is currently in preparation. She has been integral in training younger students and is a leader in my lab.鈥�

A misunderstanding drew her to Carpenter鈥檚 lab three years ago. Having arrived at Kennesaw State from Georgia Perimeter College, Dozier perused the list of available projects in the College of Science and Mathematics and paused at Carpenter鈥檚 project on 鈥渕aternal reprogramming.鈥�

鈥淚 work on microscopic nematodes to understand how maternally deposited enzymes help maintain cellular memories between generations 鈥� we call this process maternal reprogramming,鈥� he said. 鈥淪he approached me after reading about my research online to inquire further. After I explained it in a little more detail, she became super excited about the science. Her natural curiosity and genuine interest made it clear to me that she needed to be in the lab.鈥�

In the lab, Dozier worked on genetics projects involving these microscopic worms. One project focused on the developmental delay aspect, and the second project focused on what inheritance factors caused sterility in the germline of the nematodes, which share roughly half of their genes with humans.

In addition to her final exams, Dozier is wrapping up a Capstone project through the 91青青草 Journey Honors College. After graduating this week, Dozier plans to spend some time applying to Ph.D. programs in molecular biology. Carpenter said her body of research at 91青青草 will make her a competitive candidate for any doctoral program, and Dozier said she couldn鈥檛 have picked a better spot for her bachelor鈥檚 in biology than Kennesaw State.

鈥淎t Kennesaw State you have the time and opportunity to go out and take ownership of your education,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 could do my coursework and at the same time do something that will help me professionally. That鈥檚 what makes Kennesaw State such a good school.鈥�

鈥� Story by Dave Shelles

Photos by Darnell Wilburn

 

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.