Outstanding Seniors in the College of Science: Caroline Coppinger
This fall, each department in the University of Arizona's College of Science nominated an outstanding senior who went above and beyond during their time as a Wildcat. We are pleased to share their stories as they reflect on their time at UArizona. Next up in the senior spotlight series is Caroline Coppinger in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Caroline Coppinger
Hometown: Mexico
Department: Chemistry and Biochemistry
College of Science: Why did you choose your area of study?
Coppinger: I chose biochemistry as a major because chemistry was always my favorite subject in school and I thought it would be cool and interesting to study the chemistry of living things. Now that I am days away from graduation, I believe I made the right choice. There are so many applications of biochemistry that I am interested in pursuing including genetics, drug discovery, medicinal chemistry, and natural products chemistry. I have been able to apply my biochemical knowledge to both a plant sciences laboratory and a medicinal chemistry one while at UA.
COS: Tell us about a class or research project you really enjoyed.
Coppinger: I have worked on two research projects as an undergraduate, both of which I really enjoyed. The first entailed developing a GFP reporter system for vaccine production in plants. We were hoping to create an easily modifiable system to combat emerging diseases using plant viral vectors which express an antigen, or in this case green fluorescent protein (GFP). I am currently working in drug discovery. The lab I work in is developing neuroprotective compounds for treating Alzheimer's disease. I am testing these compounds for changes in ABCA1 and SREBP protein expression in brain and liver cells. I really enjoy the fast pace and getting to work with so many graduate students.
COS: What is one specific memory from your time at UA that you'll cherish forever?
Coppinger: I just attended the ceremony for the Fall 2023 Outstanding Senior Award and it really moved me. It was inspiring to hear about all the other outstanding seniors, what they have accomplished, and the diversity of student backgrounds and interests. It really made me feel special and like I have accomplished something in a way that hadn't fully hit me until now.
COS: What is next for you after graduation?
Coppinger: I was offered a job by my PI in the drug discovery lab I currently work in. I am excited to continue with my work full-time, learn new techniques, and to rest and travel. I have been working 60+ hour weeks for more time than I can remember; I can't explain how much joy it brings me to think about having free time to work on some of my (neglected) hobbies, which include ceramics and fire spinning. I also have a trip to Spain planned in the spring to visit one of my best friends.