
"My research involves a combination of molecular evolution, pathway engineering and extensive in vitro and in vivo analyses to improve and evaluate suicide genes for gene therapy of cancer. Random sequence mutagenesis is used to create millions of enzyme variants of Herpes Simplex Virus type 1 thymidine kinase and other enzymes from which a small subset of "super mutants" are selected by genetic complementation for subsequent biochemical and kinetic studies. Molecular modeling of the active site of this enzyme and variants has provided further insights on how the enzyme might be altered to improve prodrug activation and therefore enhance tumor ablation for a safer and more effective cancer cure. The creation of new enzymes through molecular evolution as well as the development of 'evolved' suicide gene variants in cancer gene therapy is anchored in biotechnology. My lab not only utilizes advances in biotechnology to create enzymes for biotechnology applications, we are also involved in the development of novel molecular technologies."
Last week she finished the Norman Vaughn Serum Run, a recreation of the 1925 dogsleed marathon to deliver medicine to Nome (before planes had closed cockpits or heaters). I think it took her 22 days to cross Alaska and on the last day the weather finally got up to a balmy 2 degrees above zero. It took them a couple extra days because it was too cold for the dogs (below 50 below) and too windy to see beyond the first dog butt.
In 1998, I moved to Pullman, WA with 7 dogs to take a faculty position at Washington State University. Equally challenging to running dogs is running a research laboratory, training students and post-doctoral fellows, teaching pharmacy students and all the activities that an academic career requires. I am fortunate to work with a wonderful group of researchers who share my drive to find new approaches to cure cancer. The history of the serum run to deliver diphtheria antitoxin by dog team relay to Nome resonates with me not only as a dog musher but also as a biomedical scientist and educator.
Over the past 10 years my kennel has grown as has my love for the sport of mushing, and has developed in ways I could never have predicted. Participating in the Serum Run is a dream primed to become a reality for me. And yeah, it's a long way from cats and surfing the Californian waves. "
Wait a second. Is this the same person I used to punch in the arm for looking out the window on my side of the car? Who liked the color pink and horses and always made her bed (damn her!)?
Congratulations, Peggy, on your race across Alaska while I was twiddling the knob on my electric blanket. On working on enzyme therapy while I was picking up hair magazines and empty juice cups left by thoughtless customers and kicking sugar-stealing bums out of the store (OK, I sold some copies of the terrible The Secret, too).

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