The Office of Undergraduate Research proudly presents 2024 EURA Winner Jasmyn Hoeger 

Jasmyn Hoeger currently studies Biology as a sophomore at the University of Iowa. In addition, she is on the Cellular and Developmental Track and is busy collaborating with her mentor. Her mentor, Associate Professor Ryan Boudreau, specializes in Internal Medicine while facilitating Hoeger's research endeavors. 

Briefly describe your current project.

In the Boudreau lab, we have been studying mechanisms of how gene expression is regulated in cardiovascular and neurological disease. Specifically, I am investigating a family of genes that share a common regulatory mechanism of protein expression, which may also generate novel microproteins. My focus is on beginning to understand the stability and function of these microproteins. 

What do you do enjoy most about research?  

I enjoy the steady stream of learning and discovering in research, it gives me the opportunity to transcend beyond what I am taught in the classroom by applying what I know to discover the unknown. Additionally, I have found joy in the failures of research, as failures bring new knowledge that allows all the puzzle pieces to come together, whether it's in the classroom, in my daily life, or the lab. 

Outside of research and academics...

I currently serve as the student representative for the Society of In Vitro Biology, while also serving on the University of Iowa’s Academic Advising Council (AAC) Student Advisory Board. Additionally, I am a Student as Partner in the Chemistry Department and a learning assistant for Principles of Chemistry I. I am a Biology Department Student Ambassador, aiding in STEM student admissions and student outreach experiences. I currently volunteer as a CyberGuide for an Army Educational Outreach Program (AEOP), CyberMISSION, to mentor middle school and high school students from underrepresented populations on research and STEM. In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors and running marathons!  

She has major plans after graduation.

After graduation, I plan to enter a biomedical sciences Ph.D. program to pursue a career in genetics research.  

Thank you for your contributions to our research community!