Date of Award
Spring 4-17-2026
Document Type
Thesis
Publication Status
Version of Record
Submission Date
May 2026
Department
Mathematics and Statistics
College Granting Degree
Charles E. Schmidt College of Science
Department Granting Degree
Mathematics and Statistics
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]
Parker B. Edwards
Abstract
Actin is a family of proteins that help create the structure of the cytoskeleton, which gives shape to the cell. In many chemotherapy treatments, researchers target actin because it controls the cell division process. Therefore, if they are able to understand the actin fibers, that may help in formulating methods to stop or slow down cancer cells from reproducing. Another important protein is PAK6, which regulates actin. In our research, a collaborative effort with Prof. Michael Lu’s lab at Florida Atlantic University, we use machine learning techniques to analyze cells which had their PAK6 protein knocked out, and compare them to normal cells. Our aim is to observe if the knock-out process leads to any organizational and morphological changes in the cell, which ultimately may help with drug discovery in the future.
Recommended Citation
Dancea, Diana Elizabeth, "A COMPUTER VISION APPROACH TO ANALYZING TAXANE EFFECTS ON PROSTATE CANCER CELLS" (2026). Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 297.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_general/297