Margaret Wright

Email Address: mewright@uic.edu
College: Medicine Department: Pathology
Secondary Department: Public Health
Title: Assistant Professor
Office: COMRB 6131 Phone: 312-996-9684
Webpage: http://pathology.uic.edu/about/directory_detail.asp?DIRECTORY_ID=42
Participating in the Chancellor’s Undergraduate Research Awards program: Yes

Research Interest:
I have developed a program of research in molecular epidemiology and chemoprevention. Specifically, I utilize population-based and molecular approaches to investigate dietary factors and genetic variants that influence cancer risk. Most of my research focuses on elucidating the roles of phytanic acid – a largely unstudied saturated fatty acid that is obtained exclusively through our diets and whose metabolism generates significant amounts of reactive oxygen species – and genetic variation in the phytanic acid metabolism pathway in prostate carcinogenesis. I am also interested in the roles of telomere length and mitochondrial DNA copy number in cancer, and dietary and genetic influences on these risk factors.

Minimum time commitment in hours per week: 10

Qualifications of a Student:
Junior or senior, biology or other scientific major, and honors college required. Prefer student on work study. Some knowledge of statistics a plus.

Brief Summary of what is expected from the student:
Lab work with human biological samples (blood, urine, tissue) and statistical analysis of clinical data.

NOTE: This researcher is currently not accepting applications for the Undergraduate Research Experience program.

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