KU awarded K-INBRE award for in-classroom research

Eileen Hotze was awarded a Kansas IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (K-INBRE) for a CURE award.  One mission of the NIH-funded K-INBRE grant is to increase research activities using the classroom. These activities are referred to as Curriculum-based Undergraduate Research Experiences (CURE) and should increase student participation in research and enhance faculty efforts in conducting NIH-related biomedical research.  Dr. Hotze $15,000 award was for a project tilted “ vCURE: Expanding Access to Virology Research Through a Herpesvirus-Focused CURE.”

 The virology CURE (vCURE) explores how Feline Herpesvirus‑1 (FHV‑1) replicates in cat kidney cells. They will collaborate to design and run experiments to screen chemical compounds for the ability to reduce virus replication. Because FHV‑1 is not well studied, any findings will help fill important gaps in our understanding of this virus and herpesviruses in general. The project is engaging for students, many with personal connections to cats, while using FHV‑1 as a safe and accessible model virus for undergraduate research.