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Jeana Schafer

Portrait of Lang Prize winner Jeana Schafer

1st Place

Science, Engineering & Mathematics, 2023

While I have written research papers in the past, none have been quite as robust as this project, and it turned into an extremely rewarding learning experience.”

— Jeana Schafer

Timeout with Torpor: History, Biology and Future Medical Applications of a Survival Strategy

Research project for ENT 199 (Special Study): Hibernation Writing Project

Read Jeana’s Paper (pdf)

Project Description

Schafer’s paper synthesizes literature on humanity’s history and fascination with hibernation and longevity, and explores the possibility that humans may be able to induce a dormant torpor gene. Schafer reviews relevant biological methods of natural torpor and hibernation and discusses the potential health and medical benefits of putting people into a torpor state.

In Their Own Words

Read Jeana’s reflective essay from their Lang Prize application.