Advanced Math/Science Research
Berkshire’s Advanced Math/Science Research (AMSR) program offers students an authentic, yearlong laboratory experience typically found at the college level. Working alongside professional scientists, students design and execute original research projects in biology, chemistry, physics, engineering, or the social sciences—all while conducting the research in a world-class laboratory here on campus.
Real Science. Real Labs. Real Impact.
Students in the AMSR program make real-world contributions through authentic, college-level research that addresses complex scientific questions. One standout example is a recent project examining mutant variants of the bacteriophage øX174—a virus used in molecular biology for decades.
In this study, the Berkshire student conducted a biochemical analysis of mutant DNA-binding proteins to investigate the role of a previously considered "non-essential" viral protein involved in genome packaging. Their work, supported by collaboration with scientists at the University of Vermont, helped clarify the evolutionary significance of this protein and demonstrated how changes in protein structure affect viral DNA interactions and assembly.
This is not just a school project—it’s original, publishable science. The student’s research was conducted using advanced lab equipment and methods, and their findings are contributing to the broader scientific community’s understanding of viral evolution and protein function.
AMSR students at Berkshire aren’t just studying science—they’re doing science, with work that can influence real-world applications in genetics, medicine, and biotechnology.
Dr. April Burch
Dir. of Advanced Math/Science Research
Email: aburch@berkshireschool.org
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Featured Student Research:
Maggie Ding ’25
Hometown: Shanghai, China
AMSR Track: Molecular Biology
Matriculation: Duke University
“KRAS is a protein that helps cells know when to grow or stop growing. But when it’s mutated, like KRAS G12C, it can cause cancer. My project explores how to block that malfunction using synthetic and herbal compounds—essentially finding ‘keys’ to lock that faulty signal.”
Maggie Ding '25, AMSR Student
Maggie’s research integrates molecular modeling, Chinese herbal medicine, and experimental validation to investigate potential inhibitors of the KRAS G12C protein—one of the most studied cancer-causing mutations. Her work includes protein expression in bacteria and analysis of drug resistance pathways, reflecting the real-world challenges of cancer drug development.
JEOL Benchtop SEM
The AMSR lab uses a JEOL Scanning Electron Microscope, opening new possibilities for student research. SEM technology uses electrons (instead of light) to produce high-resolution images—enabling detailed study of structures at the micro and nano scale. This tool expands access to advanced imaging in medicine, biology, and materials science.
