Caroline McSwain
Chemistry Major (Concentration in Biology)
Pronouns: she/her
Current Research Project: I’m interested in biochemistry and disease development. Currently, I’m involved in the Derbyshire lab, where I’m investigating malaria development. I’m specifically studying the role of the long noncoding RNA NEAT1 in the early growth of the malaria-causing parasite. Through this research, we can discover new antimalarial targets that will disrupt parasite function and kill it before clinical malaria begins.
How she got involved with research: I came to Duke knowing I wanted to be involved in research. One of my FOCUS professors, Dr Lutzoni, emphasized the importance of gaining research experience and encouraged me to apply to SURF. I was fortunate enough to be accepted into the program and spent the summer learning about academic research and working in the Derbyshire lab. I’m continuing this research in the upcoming school year.