Just by devoting part of their summer to a scientific research project, three Western Nevada College students capitalized on an opportunity usually meant for university students. Through the efforts and dedication of WNC Professor of Biophysical Sciences Dr. Gary Evett and Biology Professor Rachelle Bassen, the students participated in a project funded by the Nevada IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence. Under the professors’ guidance, students Karter Conway, Sophia Jeffs and Sierra Williams performed research on the expression of cyclooxygenase splice-variants in pancreatic, breast and ovarian cancer. Cyclooxygenases — COX, COX-1 and COX — are enzymes that make up prostaglandins, a class of eicosanoids. Eicosanoids are lipid hormones that are known to play a part in inflammation and cancer. “Many different forms of COX-1 splice-variants are continually being discovered,” Evett said. From their research work, the students and professors concluded that a normal pancreas and cancerous pancreas didn’t reveal very high levels of COX-1 variants. Samples of breast cancer did not express very high levels of COX-1 either. “When both a normal and cancerous ovary matched pairs expressed COX-1 variants (76-68 and 46-68 primers), the cancerous ovary produced higher levels of COX-1 variants,” Evett said. In the past, WNC INBRE research groups have worked on novel genetic variations of the COX-1 gene that has been linked to chronic inflammation in the body, including rheumatoid arthritis. Those INBRE students gathered scientific data as scientists continue work to create new drugs to help fight inflammation. Students interested in becoming involved in the INBRE research should contact Evett at gary.evett@wnc.edu. Reach for the Stars returns Aug. 13 Western Nevada College Foundation’s festive fundraiser to benefit local students seeking higher education — Reach for the Stars — is less than a month away. The Reach for the Stars Black Tie Gala is set for Saturday evening, Aug. 13. This year, WNC’s newly renovated 55,000-square-foot Joe Dini Library will be transformed into an elegant, Starry Night-themed event venue. This exclusive, black-tie event features a live performance by the Jeff Leep Orchestra and dancing under the “stars” in this gorgeous, venue overlooking Carson City. WNC Jump Start graduate Morgan Golden, who just completed her freshman year studying aerospace and aeronautical engineering at the University of Washington, is the featured speaker. The enterprising student is part of five student clubs at Washington, including one that built a submarine. Enjoy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, a complete dinner hosted by Chef Howard Jachens, gifts, as well as live and silent auctions. Jack C. Davis Observatory Director Dr. Thomas Herring and observatory volunteers will be on hand to share information about the Perseid Meteor Shower and help you stargaze through state-of-the-art telescopes. You’re invited to connect with other community members and support your community college students at this exclusive, fun-filled event. All of the excitement begins at 6 p.m. There are opportunities to sponsor different aspects of the event, including a table, bar, photo booth, entertainment, centerpiece, and more. Wells Fargo is the event’s presenting sponsor. Additional sponsors of the event are Southwest Gas, JOIN, Greater Nevada Credit Union, Visiting Angels Living Assistance Services, Briggs Electric, Nevada Mining Association, JP Morgan Chase and Company, George and Regent Carol Del Carlo, Classic Finishes, Bradley Electric, Barb D’Anneo, Comstock Inc and America First Credit Union. Event sponsorships are available by calling 775-445-3239. Purchase tickets by calling WNC Foundation Office at 775-445-3240 or by going to wnc.edu/foundation/reach-for-the-stars/. Seating is limited. Tickets are $175 per person, $300 per couple and $1,500 per table of eight. Students can order books for fall semester online Textbook Brokers offers WNC students a full-service online bookstore to purchase textbooks, eBooks, digitally delivered coursework and fully emblematic Western merchandise, as well as rental services. Orders for fall semester, including book rentals, can now be placed online. An ordering kiosk and book drop box are available in Getto Hall on the Fallon campus. Textbook Brokers will provide a popup bookstore on the Fallon campus at the start of the semester. Students will be able to pick up their online orders on campus during the first week of school. Specific times for the popup location will be announced later. To place an order, students will just need to visit wncbookstore.com — which is iPhone and Android friendly — and enter their student ID. Conveniently, course materials will automatically appear in their cart. Then, click checkout and select to have books and other items delivered to your home address or to the Fallon campus for pickup. For more information, go to wncbookstore.com, email wncbookstore@textbookbrokers.com or phone 775-507-4011.
Courtesy The Reach for the Stars Black Tie Gala is a festive fundraiser to benefit students seeking higher education.
Fall 2022 semester starts on Aug. 29 Fall semester at Western Nevada College is about a month away so students should make sure they have taken care of their requirements to prepare for a successful year. WNC’s variety of in-person and online classes gives students the flexibility to create a schedule that meets their personal needs. Refer to a schedule of classes online at wnc.edu/class-schedule/ to assist you in planning for fall semester. However, students don’t have to start classes on Aug. 29. WNC offers instructional modes that will meet their needs. More than 20 available courses are classified as open entry, allowing students to enroll as late as the ninth week of the semester to complete the course and receive full credit. WNC also offers short-term and late-start classes beginning in October. If you are planning to attend WNC for the first time, apply for admission at www.wnc.edu/starthere/. Continuing students can register for classes through their myWNC account. For more information on applying to Western, phone Admissions and Records at 775-445-3277 or email admissions.records@wnc.edu. To receive guidance on a career or scheduling, contact Counseling Services at 775-445-3267 or counseling@wnc.edu.
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