This year’s Townsend Scholar is Ms. Priya Tomerlin. Ms. Tomerlin is interested in regeneration biology and is working towards her Bachelor of Science degree in microbiology and cell science at the University of Florida. Priya’s project in the Seaver lab focuses on a molecular signaling pathway, called the ERK signaling pathway, and its potential role in promoting regeneration in the marine worm Capitella teleta. Like many marine animals, C. teleta exhibits an impressive ability to replace lost body parts. It can regenerate a tail from an amputated head fragment but cannot regenerate a head from an amputated tail fragment. In a way, the successful case of C. teleta regeneration closely follows the abilities of a “master regenerator” species, and the “fail” case/inability to regenerate a head fragment more so aligns with human limitations to regenerate. The inspiration for studying the MAPK pathway comes from its documented regenerative-focused role in various animals with excellent regeneration abilities. It is not currently known whether this signaling pathway plays a role in C. teleta regeneration and if so, what exact role it has in promoting regeneration.
Says Tomerlin “I am incredibly grateful to be this year’s Townsend Scholar and am thrilled to be able to explore this area of research under the guidance of the Seaver lab!”
The Townsend Scholarship is in honor of Cliff Townsend, curator and then general manager of the original porpoise attraction in Marineland. The scholarship, provided by the Townsend family, supports a local student to work and gain greater exposure to science during the summer and encourages students to consider a career in scientific research.