Ambar L. Hart González F21 Uses Fluorescent Microscopy to Study Protein Overexpression in Her Div III

Initially interested in animal medicine, Ambar L. Hart González F21 is now concentrating on microscopy, the field of using microscopes to view objects that can’t be seen with the naked eye. Beyond the lab, she’s a member of a Latin dance group at UMass, enjoys the Hampshire Farm, and looks forward to continuing her work at the Veterans Affairs Research Hospital in Boston after graduation.
 
We caught up with Ambar to learn more about her Hampshire experience.
 
What drew you to Hampshire?
 
I was drawn to Hampshire by the unique education style. It was new to me, and it seemed like a challenge that would set me up for success. I was also interested in the Five College Consortium. The vastness of resources and opportunities offered by the other four colleges sounded amazing. In addition, I was excited about the Hampshire College Farm. I wanted to learn more about animal medicine and care.
 
Tell us about your Div III.
 
It’s a research-based study of the alpha-crystallin B protein, a small heat shock protein that exhibits molecular chaperone-like activity that prevents aggregations of other proteins. It is associated with Alzheimer’s disease: Its overexpression has been observed in postmortem human brain tissue.
 
In order to maintain the general healthy function of a living cell, the maintenance of its proteome (the entire set of proteins present in a cell) is essential. Small heat shock proteins (sHSPs) are categorized by their activation in the event of stress (different proteins within the family can respond to different stressors). In the event of stress (metabolic stress), proteins can misfold and aggregate, which is dangerous for the cell. sHSPs serve as regulators and prevent the aggregation. The function of chaperone proteins is to refold misfolded proteins. Alpha-crystallin B includes both of these properties, which is very interesting in itself.
 
My project consists of extensive laboratory work; however, my focus is observing this overexpression in mammalian cells via fluorescent microscopy.
 
Are there faculty or staffers here who are especially inspiring to you?
 
Associate Professor of Molecular Biology John Castorino has been my advisor and professor for most of my time at Hampshire. He’s been so supportive and one of the main reasons I was able to explore microscopy as my concentration. I’ve also had a lot of support from science faculty and staff, the Hampshire College Farm, the Global Education Office, and the Cultural Center.
 
What do you do for fun?
 
I like to attend social events on campus. And recently, I joined a Latin dance group at UMass called Contagio Latino, whose mission is to promote the Latin diaspora through dance and music. It has been a commitment, but I enjoy it a lot.
 
What are you most excited about next?
 
I’m excited about my future work. In the summer of 2024, I had the amazing opportunity to participate in an internship at the Veterans Affairs Research Hospital in Boston. I worked with two doctors, one of whom is a Hampshire alum, Grace Rosen 09F. We worked on imaging and analyzing postmortem human brain tissue with advanced high-resolution fluorescent microscopes. After my internship, both doctors wanted me to continue working alongside them, and I’m looking forward to that.
 
Anything else you would like to tell us about your Hampshire experience?
 
My academic journey was not as black and white as I thought it would be. I came to Hampshire wanting to become a veterinarian. Now my focus is microscopy. I was able to explore different fields without difficulty because of Hampshire’s curriculum, and I’m very grateful for that.
 
What would you say to a student considering Hampshire?
 
Hampshire is a school where you shape your own education. You’re responsible for what you learn and when you learn it. The work you put into your education is the return you’ll receive. It’s a unique educational experience, and there’s a lot of support available.