department of pharmacology

Tonibelle Gatbonton

Personal Statement

Hometown

Lynnwood, WA

Undergraduate College/University

Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington

Undergraduate major

Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Molecular Biology

Research Interests

Developing tools to determine how small molecules bind to their target protein, determine its binding partner(s) and its mechanism of action. Develop more potent molecules using diversity oriented synthesis.

Commonly used lab techniques

NMR, diversity oriented synthesis, compound and protein isolation, western blot, cell culture, protein induction and detection assays.

Why I chose Case Western Reserve University

Case has a training program in Cancer Therapeutics and offers a variety of interesting and diverse research opportunities in the pharmacology department.

Where I see myself in the future

Working in my own lab, heading a biopharmaceutical company, developing cancer therapeutics… or just being happy and having a family wherever I end up … or all of the above.

Hobbies and outside interests

Scientific hobby: to try not to break anything expensive, mix something explosive, or contaminate cell lines. Other interests: Soccer, snowboarding, volleyball, tennis, racquetball, hiking, sailing, wakeboarding (any sports except water polo), eating chocolate/ice cream/or anything sweet, playing/listening to music, growing orchids, anything active and interesting or where I learn something new.

Final Thoughts

If you can dream it, you can do it! When in doubt, just smile and nod : ) .