Nate Derstine β10 biology graduate, conducted research during two and a half years of college with Dr. Roman Miller, professor of biology.
His goal was to determine the effects of Genestein β a phytoestrogen compound found in soy β on male reproductive development in mice.
Derstineβs studies confirmed the hypothesis that phytoestrogens have detrimental effects on sperm production and maturation. He discovered decreased numbers of mature spermatozoa, and increased numbers of immature sperm cells.
βFurther research needs to be conducted to determine the relevance of these findings for humans,β he notes.
Continuing work in research
Currently Nate continues to work for 91΄σΙρ associate professor of chemistry, Dr. Matthew Siderhurst.
Siderhurst received a grant for research related to fruit-piercing moths at The Pacific Basin Agricultural Research Center in Hawaii.
Learning βwhat it takes to make real science happenβ
βMy relationships with both Dr. Miller and Dr. Siderhurst have been beneficial,” reflects Derstine.
βThey trusted me so much and gave me autonomy to work on these projects. Iβve learned a lot about what it takes to make real science happen, while being given remarkable opportunities to apply the skills Iβve learned beyond college.β