Chemistry Professor Named a 2016 Cottrell Scholar
March 28, 2016 (Notre Dame, Ind.) — Saint Mary’s College is proud to announce that the Research Corporation for Science Advancement (RCSA) named Kathryn Haas, assistant professor of chemistry, a 2016 Cottrell Scholar. She is among just 24 outstanding teacher-scholars to be recognized as 2016 Cottrell Scholars for their research, academic leadership, and contributions to their scientific communities. Other recipients include professors from Duke University, Grinnell College, Cornell University and the University of California, Berkeley.
RCSA President and CEO Robert N. Shelton said, “The Cottrell Scholar (CS) program champions the very best early career teacher-scholars in chemistry, physics, and astronomy by providing these significant discretionary awards.”
Her award includes a $100,000 research and education stipend to further her research into the subtle ways the body maintains the proper balance of copper. Students will assist Haas in her research. The funds will also allow her to develop, with students, what she calls a video web—an educational video series linked to one another by topic. Haas explained the grant “will provide research and travel funds for undergraduate women at Saint Mary’s College and fund classroom technologies.”
Our bodies are continually undergoing vital chemical and electrical activities, none of which could occur without the trace minerals in our food. One of those is the metal copper, which plays a versatile role in maintaining human health. The research in which Haas specializes in explores the ways in which the human body uses and balances copper. Cells in the body acquire copper by using Ctr1, a protein-based transporter molecule. A part of Ctr1, called a peptide, also helps in adding or subtracting electrons in an oxidation-reduction reaction. Another peptide, Histatin 5 (Hist5), uses copper oxidation-reduction chemistry to fight disease-causing fungi.
“Ctr1 and Hist5 serve different biological roles, but have interesting parallels in their use of similar histidine-rich coordination motifs in controlling copper reactivity,” said Haas. “Fundamental understanding of the chemical principles by which Ctr1 and Hist5 control copper reactivity has broader application in the design of new peptide antibiotics and therapeutics for treatment of copper-related disorders.” These include Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and prion diseases. Her students will investigate histidine-rich regions of Ctr1 and Hist5. With discovery in mind, the team expects to learn more about how Ctr1 manipulates copper and the ways Hist5 modifies copper to kill fungi.
The video web she and students will create will aid in understanding material for chemistry courses. “The video web will empower students to take control of their education and integrate discipline-science concept into their open-ended, interdisciplinary laboratory projects,” said Haas. The videos will be uploaded to YouTube for public use.
This opportunity will not only allow Haas to advance her research, but will also encourage Saint Mary’s students to become academic leaders and help to unite the larger scientific community.
“Cottrell Scholars are provided with unique opportunities to launch and establish truly outstanding careers,” added Shelton. “In addition to receiving financial support for research, Scholars belong to a community whose members help each other to develop the skills and relationships necessary to become academic leaders.”
About Saint Mary's College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a Catholic, residential, women’s liberal arts college offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study, such as business, nursing, art, chemistry, and social work. Saint Mary’s College also offers two graduate degrees: a Master of Science and a Doctorate. All programs that fall under these degrees are co-educational and include a Master of Science in Data Science, a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Founded in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Saint Mary’s College seeks, according to its mission statement, to educate students, develop their talents, and prepare them to make a difference in the world. Saint Mary’s College ranks among the top 100 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges for 2016 published by U.S. News & World Report. Follow Saint Mary's College on Twitter @saintmarys and @saintmarysnews.
Contact for News Media: Gwen O’Brien, director of media relations, Saint Mary’s College, gobrien@saintmarys.edu (574) 284-4579
~Press release written by Kate FitzMaurice ’17, media relations intern.