Hartsville, S.C. — Coker College’s biology program has been awarded a grant to conduct gene research using microarray analysis technology at the Medical University of South Carolina ProteoGenomics Facility in Charleston. Microarray analysis allows researchers to investigate a large number of genes in a single experiment.

“Microarray analysis of gene expression requires innovative uses of the latest technology,” said biology professor Joseph Flaherty. “Coker College’s students participating in this project will be part of the handful of students in the nation who have the opportunity to incorporate this technology into their undergraduate research.”

Directed by Flaherty, the gene research will focus on fungal pathogens in crops using RNA samples isolated from experiments conducted at Coker College. Senior biology and chemistry major Ashley Zearfoss of Chesterfield, S.C., and junior biology major Shelly Catlett of Cope, S.C., will be working with Flaherty.

Funding for this project came from the South Carolina Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research and Institutional Development Awards, a merit-based federal, state and institutional partnership that promotes research programs in the state.

Throughout 2008, Coker College is celebrating 100 years of excellence in science education.

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