Tonisha Coburn

Research Assistant

January 2011 to May 2011

Suspension cultures for NT-1 Tobacco Cells
● Autoclaved
● Clean Glassware
● maintained log for cultures

Professor Tamara Jefferies

January 2011 to May 2011

The Causes of Increased Mortality Rate in African-American Women Diagnosed with Breast Cancer." Previous research has shown that there is a connection between racial disparity and the increased aggressiveness of breast cancer in African American women. A recent article by Robert Preidt entitled "Study Finds Racial Disparity in Breast Cancer Outcomes, " states that racial disparities are apparent in women diagnosed with breast cancer. It has been discovered that no matter the form of the cancer African-American women are more likely to have a lower survival rate in comparison to other racial groups. This research examines avenues that can explain the reasoning behind this increased mortality rate. This research suggests that some factors include access to care and treatment, genetic make-up and environmental causes. From an epidemiological aspect the most African American women live in communities that are not equipped to adequately diagnose and treat breast cancer. The genetic make-up appears to deal with an interaction between the insulin growth factor-1 axis and the cancerous cells. In the various communities it has been found that different environmental aspects can play a role on the susceptibility and aggressiveness of the breast cancer in these women. This research sets out to compile a beginning working of information to determine the avenues that should be pursued for further research.

Assistant

July 2009 to May 2011

Input Data into Donor 2 system
● Prospective Donor research
● Assisted with Alumnae Weekend
● Answered Phones, mass mailings, made copies

Community Assistant

June 2010 to July 2010

Served as a Resident Assistant for the participants
● Coordinated activities for the participants during their free time
● Served as the Math Teacher Assistant in the classroom.
● Served as Mentor

Research Intern

May 2009 to July 2009

Differntial Effects of Calories vs. Carbohydrates upon Prostate Tumor growth in a Xenograft Murine Model"
● Fed mice daily and measured tumors twice a week.
● Performed weekly cell cultures
● Performed DNA extraction
● Performed Sacrifices.

May 2009 to July 2009

Duke School of Nursing Collaboration Around Research and Education (C.A.R.E.) Mentors: Dr. Stephen Freedland, Dr. Jean-Alfred Thomas
"The Differential Effects of Calories vs. Carbohydrates upon Prostate Cancer Tumor Growth in a Xenograft Murine Model" Studies have shown dietary restriction to be an effective means of delaying prostate tumor growth and progression. Indeed, both caloric and carbohyrate restriction have been shown to be anticancer in their effects. However, to date no studies have compared or contrasted the two dietary interventions to each other. We sought to examine the differential effects of caloric versus carbohydrate restriction on prostate cancer. Our primary endpoints were tumor volume and mouse survival.

May 2008 to August 2008

Fitting Room Attendent
● Maintained cleanliness of fitting rooms
● Returned merchandise to the floor
● Assisted customers with

Assistant Leader

June 2006 to August 2006

Assisted in the planning of Modified Activities for Children with Disabilities
● Maintained the site
● Communicated participants' progress to parents
● Accompanied participants on weekly field trips