Peter Ronning

Where did you transfer from?

Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Why did you want to come to the University of Minnesota?

I had a deep interest in science and research that I thought I could explore at the University.

What are you researching?

It is hypothesized that PVT1 is a regulator of the c-MYC gene and leads to poor prognoses of breast cancer in patients with this genetic mutation. PVT1 stabilizes the c-MYC protein, which increases the level of oncogene addiction. Therefore, the PVT1 gene can prevent phosphorylation of the c-MYC protein at serine 62 (S62) and threonine 58 (T58) residues, which increases the c-MYC protein half-life. Our long-term goal is to test whether cancer cells are addicted to the low-level copy number gain of Hu8q24, and if so, whether this could be exploited therapeutically to better manage breast cancer and prolong the survival of breast-cancer patients.

What have you gotten out of this experience?

I have benefitted from this research experience a lot. It has showed me what the life is like for researchers and graduate students and taught me different lab processes and techniques. I have absorbed a lot of valuable information that must be experienced, not read about. It has given me more perspective for deciding the direction I want to go after this.

What are your interests outside of school?

I like to stay fit and workout. I played hockey at Saint Mary's and club hockey here at the University, and I also find try to time to play lacrosse, tennis, and golf.

Do you participate in any extracurricular activities?

I volunteer at the Children’s Hospital, Fairview Hospital, and Saint Anne of Winona - Benedictine Healthcare System.

What are your plans for the future?

My goal right now is to find a career in healthcare, where I can continue to learn new things every day. Graduate school is a goal of mine for the future.

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