Victoria Tholkes

Hi! My name is Victoria (Tori) Tholkes and I’m a senior double majoring in Honors Biochemistry and Chemistry. I joined the Lim Lab in the department of Biochemistry in September of 2021, and have been working on my project for what will be 3 years. I investigate a protein complex and DNA structures involved in telomere length maintenance; telomeres being the end cap of your DNA that helps prevent the loss of important genetic information. The components of the Shelterin protein complex are known to form a special loop of DNA called the displacement loop (d-loop). This special loop is thought to be a reclusive structure, preventing telomere elongation, but has yet to be directly tested. I investigate the ability of Shelterin to stabilize the D-loop and help prevent elongation of telomeric DNA. I absolutely love being involved in undergraduate research and am excited to continue presenting and sharing my work. Please feel free to reach out if you have any questions about getting involved in research, presentations, or have any chem or biochem questions!