Research Projects from the Biology Department

Dr. Craig Younce, Associate Professor of Biology and Department Head at Hardin-Simmons University, is working on three research projects with students majoring in biology.

Dr. Craig Younce

The first research project aims to detect antibiotic-producing soil microbes in native Texas soils. This research seeks to identify microbes that produce antibiotics that can be used against E. coli, Staphylococci, and other harmful bacteria. The long-term goal of this project is to discover new antibiotics that could be used in treating bacterial infections, given that there is always a possibility of developing resistance to certain antibiotics over time.  

The second research project investigates the role of vitamins in preventing mutagenesis induced by chemical carcinogens.  

The third research project looks at the role of Regnase-1 in the pathogenesis of hemorrhagic stroke. This is a specific protein that could potentially provide protection against cells in individuals who have hemorrhagic stroke. Hemorrhagic strokes often result in a higher chance of fatality in comparison to other types of strokes, which is why the importance of finding interventions cannot be overemphasized. This project is the most interesting to Dr. Younce because, before this research, he was working on a protein, Regnase-1, that causes inflammation. “However, Regnase-1 seems to alleviate inflammation and can be very protective. I am trying to find out if this protein can have any beneficial effect after a hemorrhagic stroke,” he explained. This protein has been shown to have ties to diabetes, ischemic strokes, and heart problems, which are all inflammatory conditions. 

In an interview with Dr. Younce, he explained that these research endeavors provide opportunities for students in the biological field to gain hands-on experience. “There is a real desire from students to have these research opportunities. It makes them competent enough to get into medical schools, physical therapy programs, physician assistant programs, and more,” he shared. Dr. Younce, alongside other biology professors at HSU, offers research opportunities to students pursuing a medical career. 

Rachel Tonne, a current student at HSU who is involved with research regarding mutagenesis, shared,

The professors are very willing to help me, yet they let me work as independently as possible. This will give me valuable experience, especially for when I get into graduate school.

She is very grateful for the opportunity to be involved in this research. 

If you are interested in health professions, getting plugged into conducting research would be beneficial. To find out more about opportunities to conduct biological research, contact Dr. Craig Younce.