Drew Brough, Jordan Brough, and Andrew Harris, three students working with Dr. Mark Clement, took home first prize at this year's Demo Day competition.  The title of their group is "Protein Pathways and Drug Docking."  Their names will be the first to be inscribed on a plaque to hang in the Talmage Building foyer. 

Seventeen students competed Thursday, April 12, for first place at the first Annual Demo Day in Computer Science.  The students, each part of one of four undergraduate mentored research groups, presented the results of their research over the past semester to a large crowd in 1170 TMCB.  For the past semester, these students have been meeting weekly with their professors to collaborate on the projects, giving them the chance to work with cutting-edge technology and integrate the concepts they have learned in other courses. 

Members of the Protein Pathways and Drug Docking group--Andrew Harris, Jordan Brough, and Drew Brough, took home first prize.  Using charts, graphics, and 3D images, the team presented their project, which focused on the prevention of Down Syndrome.  As explained by the three students, scientists now know that the genetic disorder, which is often characterized by congenital heart defects, distinctive facial characteristics, and impaired cognitive ability, is caused by an extra 21st chromosome.  Now that scientists can pinpoint the area in which Down Syndrome originates, it is possible to prevent the disorder through drug therapy.  The Protein Pathways and Drug Docking project focuses on using technology to determine the shape a drug molecule would need to take on in order to attach to the affected area and prevent the growth of the extra genetic material which results in Down Syndrome.  Their work translates into possible preventions for other disorders and diseases, including Alzheimer's, cancer, and AIDS.  

In addition to the Protein Pathways and Drug Docking project, three other groups presented their research.  Dr. Quinn Snell's PSODA Language Development project, presented by Adam Teichert and Jonathan Krein, is an alternative to PAUP, a software program which uses phylogenetic trees to trace relationships between the millions of species on the earth.  The Sandstone Terrain Feature Generation team--Jeremy Smith, Darius Ouderkirk, Matthew Beardall, McKay Farley, Cory Reimschussel, and Dr. Mike Jones, found new ways to generate 3D graphics of natural phenomena, such as sandstone arches and the "hoodoos" of Goblin Valley.  As part of their research this semester, they even took a “field trip” down to Goblin Valley in March to get a first-hand look at the structures they are attempting to recreate.  Finally, James Allen presented the findings of the HyprWeb group: Justin Haslam, Robert Hyatt, Dustin, Kendall, Thomas Loveland, and Matthew Reno working under Dr. Scott Woodfield.  As Allen explained, it is a simple name for a complex project, which is aimed at the creation of a more stable and dynamic web of data, with heavy implications for family history. 

In addition to the first prize award given to the Protein Pathways and Drug Docking group, each of the seventeen participants took home a $10 gift certificate from the BYU Bookstore.  Following the presentations, announcements were made about the upcoming projects for Fall 2007.  So far, five professors, Dr. Mike Jones, Dr. Scott Woodfield, Dr. Mark Clement, Dr. Eric Ringger, and Dr. Dave Embley, have announced that they will be accepting students.  Additional professors are expected to participate as well.