Degree: Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Specialization in Biochemistry 
Research Professor: Professor Ken Hsu

Biography

Sadeechya Gurung is from Falls Church, Virginia, graduating from Justice High School in 2016. She is graduating from U.Va with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry with Specialization in Biochemistry and a Minor in Religious Studies.

Since January 2019, Sadeechya has worked with Dr. Ken Hsu of the Hsu Lab in the Department of Chemistry. Her research has contributed to efforts in crystallizing the first full-length mammalian Diacylglycerol Kinase α (DGKα) by expression and purification from a bacterial system. This enzyme plays a crucial role in modulating diacylglycerol and phosphatidic acid levels in cells, two lipid second messengers implicated in the growth of many types of cancer cells. Thus, structural analysis of DGKα will greatly aid efforts in developing novel immunotherapies through drug discovery. She has also worked to express and purify Serine/Arginine Splicing Factor 1 RNA Recognition Motif 1 (SRSF1-RRM1) for Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies of its binding capacities. SRSF1 is a protein with oncogenic potential as it plays an important role in alternative splicing which could contribute to tumorigenesis.

Aside from research, Sadeechya worked as a teaching assistant for CHEM 2411/2421 (Organic Chemistry Lab for Chem Majors) for two years and CHEM 2311/2321. She volunteered as a mentor at Computers 4 Kids and in Madison House programs such as Pet Pals at the CASPCA and Adopt-a-Grandparent at The Heritage Inn. She also served as an officer for Nepali Student Association to help cultivate the Nepali community at U.Va. In her free time, Sadeechya enjoys drawing, painting, and avidly bullet journaling. After graduation, she plans to work for a few years before furthering her education in science.