Brian Soong

MCB Program Start: 

2020

Undergrad School: 

Azusa Pacific University

Undergrad Degree: 

B.S. Biochemistry

Undergrad Graduation Year: 

2019

Research Advisor and Department: 

Thomas Tomasiak, Chemistry and Biochemistry

Research Topic: 

My research focuses on understanding the substrate binding and transport mechanism in the human L-cystine/L-glutamate antiporter, xCT. xCT plays an essential role in regulating cellular redox homeostasis and is upregulated in cancer to combat oxidative stress build-up. Therefore, my project goal is to elucidate the functional mechanism of xCT using biochemical and structural techniques so that we may design chemotherapeutics for cancer treatments.

Honors and Awards:

T-32 Ruth L. Kirschstein Institutional National Research Service Award (2021)
University of Arizona Galileo Circle Scholarship (2021)
T-32 Ruth L. Kirschstein Institutional National Research Service Award (2020)
Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society John C. Johnson Award (2018)
Gencarella scholar (2018)
Tri-Beta Biological Honor Society Research Grant (2017)

Hobbies and Interests: 

I am a fairly outdoors person, so I enjoy doing things like hiking and kayaking a lot. I also play sand volleyball every week.

Guiding Principle:

Do what excites.