Student Profile in Drug discovery in Malaria
Arturo Casas, Jr.
Biological Chemistry Graduate Program
Mentor: Margaret Phillips, Ph.D.
Undergraduate Degree: Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Undergraduate Institution: University of California, San Diego
Hometown: Bloomington, CA
Awards/Fellowships: NIH Supplement to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research
How did you become interested in science and/or research?
My decision to become a scientist resulted from a combination of personal and research experiences that had their beginning in an unincorporated Spanish-speaking low-income town in southern California where many individuals have nagging diseases. The thought of truly becoming a scientist however was cultivated in my undergraduate years, where I became aware of how basic science research could answer remarkable medical challenges poised in everyday society. My experiences to date have made me more prepared to confront and overcome adversity by staying committed to implementing change in my community through research.
Please describe your research.
Malaria is a mosquito-transmitted disease caused by protozoan parasites of the Plasmodium species. Despite modern medicine and insect control programs it remains endemic in 97 countries, with an exposed population of 3.2 billion. My ongoing predoctoral research at UT Southwestern Medical Center in the Margaret A. Phillips, Ph.D. laboratory is focused on elucidating the targets of a novel chemical series with antimalarial activity. These studies have the potential to identify new targets for malaria drug discovery, and to uncover unexplored parasite biology.
Why did you choose UT Southwestern?
Upon being recruited to UTSW, I was captivated by the state-of-the-art research facilities, incredible faculty, and built-in collaborative environment. When applying to graduate school, I wanted a place where I could attain outstanding mentorship, which is showcased daily at UTSW, with PIs taking an abundance of time to meet with students individually and discuss science. Outside of any student’s lab, there is a fantastic amount of support at the UTSW graduate school level regarding involvement around the DFW metroplex and professional development, which is invaluable after graduation. Ideally, I choose this program because it makes you feel needed and wanted, making you feel like a prized contributor to the biomedical goals UTSW sets for itself.
What makes your specific program one of the top in the country?
The Biological Chemistry Program at UTSW is one of the best in the country because excellent faculty and students set high enough goals to conduct novel research. Along with these goals, faculty and students' diversity in scientific thought processes and the program's open and collaborative environment, mixed with cutting-edge research at UTSW, fosters excitement when it comes to answering complex biochemical questions.
What do you love about the Biological Chemistry Program?
The Biological Chemistry Program at UTSW is a close enough group of students and faculty where everyone knows everyone. Therefore, events in the department are more meaningful, allowing for scientific thought to be discussed in a manner that might make a difference when seeking guidance or advice in an area that might not be your specific expertise. This collaborative environment is promoted from the top, meaning our director Benjamin Tu, Ph.D., to the bottom, being my fellow students, which makes everyone proud to be part of this fantastic program.
– Arturo Casas, Jr.
