Jarju conducts summer research at Monmouth College
Monmouth, IL (07/27/2018) — Modou Lamin Jarju, a junior biochemistry major from The Gambia, West Africa, recently spent eight weeks as a Kieft Summer Research Student at Monmouth College.
Jarju worked on a project titled "Analysis of a Myelin Sheath Model Membrane System."
"Myelin sheaths are anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant compounds found in plants that inhibit myelin phagocytosis," he said. "Loss of myelin is a major symptom of multiple sclerosis. Although this study doesn't go much in depth, it can serve as a foundation in helping gain a better understanding of remyelination and its benefits in dealing with MS."
Jarju enjoys the opportunities that being a Kieft Summer Research Student provides.
"The opportunity for me to be able to transcend beyond what's taught in the classroom and apply what I've been taught into what I am doing in the lab is a wonderful part of this experience," he said. "At the same time, I'm learning new things that don't just pertain to my discipline but exploring other disciplines as well, which provides me with a very much needed well-roundedness."
Jarju plans to pursue a career in pediatrics or surgery.
A 30-year chemistry professor who was beloved by Monmouth students, Richard "Doc" Kieft left his $2.3 million estate to the chemistry department. He also created the summer research program, which gives science students an opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research under close faculty supervision. The students work 40-hour weeks and receive free housing and a small stipend. Since its inception in 2010, the program has grown steadily in scope and complexity of research.
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