Through a $501,868 Project Grant from the National Science Foundation's (NSF) Division of Molecular and Cellular Biosciences program (CFDA 47.074), Georgia College & State University will investigate the structural regulation of cap-independent translation in eukaryotic messenger RNA (mRNA). The project aims to bridge critical gaps in understanding how mRNA molecules operate differently under cellular stress conditions compared to normal conditions. Undergraduate researchers at Georgia College & State University will utilize next-generation sequencing and computational analysis to study patterns of mRNA folding and interactions in live human cell lines under stress. The project will also engage high school students through workshops in cell and molecular biology, and first-year undergraduate students through direct research opportunities, to broaden participation in the research activities.