Socrates Fellows Who We Are 2009-2010 Christine Shulse
Christine Shulse is a graduate student in the Division of Biology interested in the fatty acid adaptations of extremophiles. Bacterial production of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), such as EPA (20:5) and DHA (22:6), is constrained to a narrow subset of marine gamma-proteobacteria. About Socrates"Socrates has given me confidence to work with a diverse group of professionals to accomplish a larger goal."The majority of these bacteria are characterized as psychrophilic, halophilic, and piezophilic or piezotolerant. The function of PUFAs in the microbial membrane remains unclear, as does the exact molecular mechanism by which they are produced. Christine’s project focuses on elucidating this function through investigations into the distribution of PUFA production and its genetic regulation.
In addition to her scientific interests, she volunteers with the National Ocean Sciences Bowl, a program which prepares the next generation of marine scientists. Through the Socrates program she is hoping to gain the skills to communicate her science effectively, and in the process demonstrate that science is a tangible and exciting career to area high-schoolers. In her free time, Christine enjoys the beautiful San Diego beaches and cheering on the Georgetown Hoyas.
