Caitlin Ritchey Participates in Summer Research at Lebanon Valley College

2017 Jul 17

Caitlin Ritchey of Landisville, Pa., is one of nearly 50 science students participating in summer research projects with faculty at Lebanon Valley College. Ritchey, a graduate of Hempfield High School, is pursuing a bachelor of science in biology.

Caitlin Ritchey is beginning research into the effect of iron deficiency and lead co-exposure on the dopamine neurotransmitter system. Both iron deficiency and lead exposure often occur disproportionately in disadvantaged populations, leaving many children with the opportunity to be co-exposed to iron deficiency and environmental lead during key developmental periods. The scientific literature indicates that neurodevelopmental disabilities are observed in children as a result of both iron deficiency and exposure to environmental toxicants (e.g., lead). Given that previous studies on the interactive effects of iron deficiency and lead co-exposure are limited, CaitlinOs study involving the development of a cell culture model will provide important information to better understand the biological outcomes of this co-exposure.

A hallmark of the College's science programs, students pursue their research interests under the guidance of faculty mentors. Student and faculty research projects are typically presented at scientific conferences and often lead to publications in peer-reviewed journals.

The Valley continues to be recognized as a national leader in undergraduate science education. This esteemed reputation has led to the College receiving numerous federal and corporate grants to expand student-faculty research and enable LVC to provide students with state-of-the-art scientific equipment.

Learn more about our programs at www.lvc.edu.