The Eggler Research Group
Department of Chemistry
Villanova University
About Us
We are a lab of undergraduate and masters students, committed to furthering understanding of the effects of small molecules on the Nrf2/ARE pathway and on cytoprotection of cellular integrity. Our research interests include the effects of electrophiles and redox-active small molecules, in particular quinones and hydroquinones, better understanding of effects which widen or narrow the therapeutic window of Nrf2 activators, and how combinations of small molecules can act synergistically or antagonistically on the pathway. This work provides a model system for understanding the effects of small molecule co-treatment on this pathway, which ultimately could lead to better prevention of chronic diseases.
Current Lab Members
Amanda Allender
Class of 2022
Amanda is a junior from Springfield, Oregon studying towards her Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Humanities. Her current research project is to learn more about the mechanism of Nrf2 regulation through analysis of how different combinations of small molecules affect the activation of the ARE pathway. Amanda is interested in pursuing her Master’s in Chemistry, after which she will pursue a career in research-driven medicine. Outside of the lab, she can be found volunteering as an EMT, hiking with friends, or skiing. She loves road trips and traveling to new places (while not in a pandemic), and loves any excuse to go on an adventure or try something new.
Laura Biesterveld
Class of 2022
Laura is from Appleton, WI, and is working towards her bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry with a concentration in Ethics and Healthcare. Laura’s research includes assessing the effectiveness of killer T-cells through cytotoxicity assays and investigating the effects of cryopreservation on T-cell viability and oxidative stress with the broader goal of improving CAR-T cell therapy. After graduation, she plans to take a gap year dedicated to service before pursuing her M.D. Laura enjoys playing with the Villanova Band and volunteering weekly with Community Outreach of Villanova, tutoring and playing games virtually with the students at Northlight Community Center.
Joey LaMorte
Class of 2022
Joey is from Yardley, PA and is working toward his bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. He worked this past summer on discerning the molecular mechanism of a novel antioxidant molecule, and his current research project is focused on discovering how small molecule treatments upregulate cytoprotective genes. In his free time, Joey likes to play hockey and practice alto saxophone, which he plays in Villanova’s band.
Kaitlin Pensabene
Class of 2021
Kaitlin is a senior from Manalapan, NJ working towards her bachelors degree in biochemistry with an Irish studies minor. Her research project focuses on how small molecule Nrf2 activators combined with antioxidants affects protein synthesis and the ARE pathway. Following graduation, she will be working for Turn Biotechnologies developing mRNA-based technology for age-related diseases. She is also an outdoor enthusiast and enjoys cooking, running, and snowboarding.
Sandra Tamarin
Class of 2021
Sandra is from New Rochelle, NY, and is currently working towards her master’s degree in chemistry. She received her bachelor’s degree in biology right down the road at Haverford College, and then spent five years working for a local biotech company, doing protein expression and purification. At Villanova, she is studying the effect of cooling rate on apoptosis, necrosis, and oxidative stress in cryopreserved Jurkat cells, with the goal of using this information to improve post-thaw outcomes, particularly for CAR T-Cell therapy. In her free time, she cuddles her cat and watches all the sci fi shows she can get her hands on.