Stephanie C. Bishop

Stephanie is a 2006-2010 Self Fellow pursuing a Ph.D. in pharmacology, toxicology, and therapeutics at the KU Medical Center. She received a B.A. (2001) in biology from the University of Kansas. While at KU, Stephanie was a member of the Women's Rugby Team, and toured and competed at various national and international venues. She is also an award-winning triathlete. After spending several years working in the biotech industry, Stephanie earned an M.A. in Biochemistry and Biophysics (2009) from the University of Kansas. Her Master's project focused on attempting to construct a rotary engine using the ATP synthase molecule.

Stephanie's current research focuses on trying to understand cholesterol metabolism in neurons, with a specific interest in elucidating proliferative effects of cholesterol derivatives on neural cells in vitro. Because cholesterol has become increasingly acknowledged as imperative to learning and memory formation, a clear understanding of cholesterol metabolism has become pertinent to elucidating the manifestation and physiology of Alzheimer's disease. Because the blood brain barrier prevents exchange of cholesterol with the peripheral circulating supply, the sole cholesterol metabolizing enzyme in the brain, Cyp46A1, has recently been identified as playing a crucial role in regulating brain cholesterol levels. Understanding the role of this enzyme in cholesterol metabolism and elucidating mechanisms of cell proliferation with the ultimate goal of developing Alzheimer's therapy are two fledgling goals of her research.

Mentor: Bao Ting Zhu, Professor, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutics