Cathy Mangum

College of Science

Biology

Cathy Mangum is pursuing a biology major and a chemistry minor at the USU Uintah Basin campus. She has been involved in undergraduate research since 2012, working under the direction of Professor Michael Christiansen. Her project has been directed at the synthesis of a natural anti-cancer molecule. After encountering challenges in the chemical reactions, Cathy pursued a new approach that resulted in a successful synthesis and a subsequent publication in Chemical Educator. Cathy has presented her research at four research symposia on the USU Uintah Basin campus as well as at the Utah Conference on Undergraduate Research and the ACS Rocky Mountain Regional Meeting. She is the recipient of the 2013 USU Uintah Basin and RCDE Undergraduate Researcher of the Year Awards. In support of her research she obtained funds via a USU Undergraduate Research & Creative Opportunities (URCO) grant as well as funding from the USU Uintah Basin campus. Cathy has also been involved in chemistry-related outreach activities involving local elementary, middle, and high school students. Cathy plans to pursue an MD/PhD degree and a career in medical research.