university at albany summer research program...these processes. to examine these effects, lacz...

UNIVERSITY AT ALBANY SUMMER RESEARCH PROGRAM CSTEP Research Journal 2015-16

Special thanks to the New York State Department of Education for funding the University at Albany Collegiate Science Technology Entry Program (CSTEP). Additionally, we are grateful for financial and technical support from the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP).

Also thanks to Dr. Cara Pager, abstract editor; Bonny Curless, Graphic Designer; Collina Cooke, CSTEP Coordinator.

University at Albany Summer Research Program - CSTEP Research Journal 2015-16 1

Message from C-STEP Director .......................3Message from Coordinator ..............................5

StudentsOluwatomi Alade ..............................................6Caroline Apreku ...............................................7Aimée Capellan ................................................8Sui Tung Cheung ..............................................9Denisse Duran-Reyes .....................................10Ricardo Espinal ..............................................11Tekene Figueira ..............................................12Rafeuris Grullon ..............................................13Tiffany Henry ..................................................14Winston Heslop Jr. ........................................15Asta Kaba ......................................................16Michelle Kobou Wafo .....................................17Alexis Lima .....................................................18Israt Maruf ......................................................19Magdalis Mendoza .........................................20Nabilah Nishat ................................................21Millicent Okyere ..............................................22Juliet Parris .....................................................23Omar Perdomo ...............................................24Miguel Ramirez ...............................................25Daisy Reinoso ................................................26Brittany Roberts-Blake ...................................27Meryem Top....................................................28

Contents


It is with great pleasure that I serve the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (C-STEP), at the University at Albany, as their Interim Director.

With the steady growth of STEM field professions, there is a great need for well-trained individuals. C-STEP promotes the expansion of young adults pursuing careers in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Our goal is to motivate and support those individuals who are interested in STEM fields and licensed professions and provide opportunities to excel.

C-STEP encourages underrepresented students interested in health and licensed professions by providing services, such as supplemental academic advisement, personal counseling, peer mentoring, study skills workshops, career planning, individual tutoring, professional and graduate school preparation, professional and educational field trips to local industries, instruction in pre-college math and science, and an intensive 8-week summer research program.

Together we have produced researchers, doctors, educators and many more professionals. We value our partnerships with diverse research placements, which include various departments at the University at Albany, Gen*NY*Sis Center for Excellence in Cancer Genomics, SUNY Polytechnic Institute-College of Nanoscale Science and Engineering, Pharmaceutical Research Institute, the New York State Health Department’s Wadsworth Center, and the Stratton Veterans Administration Medical Center. I am grateful and immensely thrilled with the opportunities our students are given through our partnerships. These organizations bring support to our C-STEP program shown by their commitment, dedication and hard work.

I would like to thank all the faculty members and community partners who continue to nurture and strengthen our young scholars. Over the years you have given your time and expertise to ensure our scholars receive the best possible experiences. It has been your guidance that has encouraged our C-STEP students to realize their full potential and pursue their career goals.

Sincerely,

Mayra E. SantiagoC-STEP Interim Director


On behalf of the University at Albany’s Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program (CSTEP), I am pleased to present the 2016 University at Albany Summer Research Program (UASRP) journal. We would like to recognize the students and their faculty mentors’ hard work and dedication to their research. The countless hours spent in the laboratories performing experiments, examining data sets and conducting new exciting research is an invaluable component to enhancing their educational foundation. As it continues to develop, UASRP has become a competitive program. Our students travel from numerous colleges and universities throughout New York State in pursuit of careers in the Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) and licensed profession fields. As a result, many of the students in UASRP have become interested in pursuing a Ph.D. in their prospective career choices.

The UASRP journal reveals a small glimpse into the research that is conducted by exceptional students and faculty mentors. Throughout the summer, students participate in research within a variety of fields such as Biology, Chemistry, Psychology, and Public Health, to name a few. Students are given the opportunity to get hands on experience in research labs and develop their professional skills. I congratulate the scholars for their dedication and determination to change the world through research. While the students’ overall research stemmed for only 8 weeks, they each contributed to the big picture in an effort to advance current research in their field of study.

To the New York State Department of Education, University at Albany, extended community, the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), and our faculty mentors who continuously support the UASRP through the years- THANK YOU! Without you our efforts would not be as successful. Our hope is that UASRP continues to surpass our current goals and set the foundation needed to open doors for our UASRP scholars to start their careers.

Sincerely,

Collina D. Cooke, LMSWProgram Coordinator,CSTEP, LSAMP, & UASRP

6 University at Albany Summer Research Program - CSTEP Research Journal 2015-16

Students Name

Oluwatomi Alade

Hometown: Brewster, NY

Institution: University at Albany

Major: Biology

Graduation: May 2018

Mentor: Dr. Gabriele Fuchs

Infection with poliovirus induces a modification of RPS25

When a cell is infected with poliovirus, translation initiation factors are cleaved and cap-dependent host cell translation is shut off. Because of this, poliovirus use IRES (internal ribosome entry site), an entry site that is very important in Ribosomal Protein S25 (RPS25). Cells infected with poliovirus show an induction of a modification at lysine 66 in RPS25. To identify the modification, we expressed HA-tagged RPS25 in a RPS25 knockout cell line. Upon immunoprecipitation of RPS25-HA from uninfected and poliovirus infected cells, we will test for the presence of methyl and acetyl groups on RPS25 using immunoblotting.

Future Goals: After graduating the University at Albany in May of 2018 with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and a minor in Spanish, I wish to attend medical school. I hope to specialize in either dermatology or pediatrics. After getting my credentials I plan to open up a teaching hospital in Lagos, Nigeria where doctors would be taught updated methods to improve healthcare in Africa.

Oluwatomi Alade


Students Name

Hometown: Bronx, NY


Major: Biology


Mentor: Dr. JoEllen Welsh

The Role of Vitamin D in the Treatment of Breast Cancer Cells

From the 19TH century, vitamin D has been used to cure diseases like tuberculosis of the skin and rickets. Recently, more diseases are known to be associated with low levels of this vitamin; a hormone that acts as a gene transcription factor to directly control the physiological action of cells. During this project, we cultured cancer cells (MCF-7) and measured the expression of the vitamin D receptor using western blotting, as well as, determined the effect of Vitamin D on cell growth.

Future Goals: I believe man starts to really live when he finds his purpose in life. Everything begins to make sense; the era and the place where you were born, your identity and your pride. Coming from Ghana, I’ve had the privilege of experiencing both worlds and broaden my horizon. In a country where healthcare is a luxury rather than a necessity, I feel a strong need to go back and change the face of healthcare in my country. I will mainly focus on the women and children who are most vulnerable when it comes to health. All this and more can be accomplished when I graduate from medical school and pursue a career as an OB/GYN.

Caroline Apreku


Students Name

Hometown: Bronx, NY


Major: Chemistry


Mentor: Dr. John Welch

Exploring the Effects of the Tetrafluorosulfanyl-λ6-Trifluoromethyl Group on Peptide Conformation and Reactivity

The objective is to induce secondary structure in a short, synthetic heptapeptide. The secondary structure of a protein is characterized by formation of α-helices and β-pleated sheets that are stabilized by hydrogen bonding. Due to our peptide’s diminutive size and thus, lack of sufficient hydrogen bonding, folding is thermodynamically disfavored. We seek to overcome this thermodynamic barrier by introducing the highly hydrophobic and sterically demanding trifluoromethyl-λ6-tetrafluorosulfanyl group (CF3SF4). The CF3SF4 group and the heptad will each be synthesized and then coupled in a convergent synthetic strategy. Analyses will be performed using mass spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and computational approaches.

Future Goals: I’ve had a passion for chemistry ever since I completed my first Regents course in high school, and it only keeps intensifying the further I advance in my academic career. Thus, my immediate future would consist of continuing research at Dr. Welch’s lab. In the further future, I intend to expand my knowledge of the field by attending graduate school and obtaining a Doctorate degree in Organic Chemistry. I have yet to decide whether I’d like to partake in post doctorate studies, but I am certain that sometime I will become a professor. I would love to encourage the younger generation to pursue studies in Chemistry as it is very fulfilling and I truly believe that it can change the world

Aimée Capellan


Students Name

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY


Major: Biology


Mentor: Dr. Robert Osuna

Investigation of Transcription Stimulation and Repression in DksA

DksA is a bacterial gene regulator that is essential for survival under conditions of stress. To increase our understanding of DksA function, single and extended mutations affecting 100 of the 151 residues in DksA were generated, several of which show reduced phosphorylation in vivo. My work aims to examine which of the mutated residues play a role in transcription stimulation, transcription repression, or both, and to examine the role played by DksA phosphorylation in these processes. To examine these effects, lacZ fusions to the DksA-repressed fis promoter and the DksA-stimulated uspA promoter will be used in b-galactosidase assays.

Future Goals: After experiencing the Universty at Albany Summer Research Program (UASRP), I plan to continue the research with my mentor throughout the academic year. I also plan to graduate with a Bachelor’s of Science in Biology and attend medical school to pursue an MD-PhD degree. I hope to participate in Doctors without Borders to help provide medical care, such as performing surgeries, in countries that suffer from poverty and lack of healthcare. The biggest goal of mine is to conduct labs to research on brain cancer and HIV.

Sui Tung Cheung


Hometown: Copiague, NY


Major: Biology


Mentor: Dr. Jason Herschkowitz

BHLHE40-AS1 a Long-noncoding RNA Regulates BHLHE40 on Breast Cancer Progression

Ductal Carcinoma in Situ (DCIS) is a precursor to breast cancer where abnormal cells have been found in the mammary duct but have not become invasive and remain contained. We have discovered BHLHE40-AS1, a long-noncoding RNA, to be highly expressed in invasive breast cancer and low in DCIS, suggesting that BHLHE40-AS1 supports breast cancer progression. We hypothesize that BHLHE40-AS1 affects cellular protein expression and down regulates BHLHE40 protein expression in the cell. To determine if BHLHE40-AS1 is altering BHLHE40 mRNA stability, we treated our cells with Actinomycin D and Antisense Oligo’s to determine the amount of mRNA that was lost.

Future Goals: My future goals are to graduate with a Bachelor’s degree in Biology and a minor in Education studies. After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school to receive a master’s degree in teaching. Meanwhile, I intend to continue doing research in the field of Biology, and in the near future, I intend to pursue my Ph.D.

Denisse Duran-Reyes


Hometown: Bronx, NY

Institution: SUNY Potsdam

Major: Biochemistry


Mentor: Dr. Marlene Belfort

Cisplatin Inhibition of RecA Intein Splicing

Inteins are self-splicing proteins, which activate their host protein upon removal. They are often located in essential genes. Three inteins exist within the pathogen Mycobacterium tuberculosis: DnaB for helicase activity, SufB for iron-sulfur cluster production, and RecA for recombinase function. RecA splicing has been shown to be inhibited by the organometallic compound cisplatin in vitro. Here, using thymidyilate synthase interrupted by the RecA intein as a reporter, we tested if cisplatin was inhibitory in vivo. Other platinum-based compounds will also be tested for splicing inhibition in this system. If intein splicing is inhibited, it has potential as a novel therapeutic.

Future Goals: As a person in the science field, I would like to continue my education in medical school. Prior this to occur, I must pass the MCAT with a good score in order to start applying to medical schools. Then, I would like to finish my career and become a professional doctor in the field of neuroscience.

Ricardo Espinal


Students Name

Hometown: Hopewell Jet, NY


Major: Biology


Mentor: Dr. John Welch

The Investigation of the Light Harvesting Properties of 5-Fluorotryptophan on a Labeled Peptide

5-Fluorotryptophan is an analog of tryptophan, an indole containing amino acid that absorbs UV light. 5-Fluorotryptophan fluoresces on excitation at 280 nm rendering this residue a suitable energy donor for Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) experiments. Using an Escherichia coli tryptophan auxotroph, a peptide can be labeled with 5-fluorotryptophan. When incorporated in a de novo designed structure, the peptidic assembly can function as a light-harvesting antenna. Circular dichroism can be used to establish the desired secondary β-sheet structure. The resultant light-harvesting antenna will be incorporated into a vesicle to provide the energy for biochemical transformations in an artificial “cell.”

Future Goals: In the upcoming semester I will continue to work in the lab under my mentor Dr. Welch. After graduating with a bachelor’s of science in biology from the state university of New York at Albany I will pursue enrollment in medical school. My aspiration lies in a career in surgery. The specifics of which specialty still remains to be seen, but ideally I would like to work with cancer patients. Doctors without borders is an international medical humanitarian organization. I would like to commit a large sum of my service to this organization, and hopefully one day travel to Haiti to treat individuals in need.

Tekene Figueira


Students Name

Hometown: New York, NY


Major: Human Biology


Mentor: Dr. Daniele Fabris

Investigating the Effects of Anticancer Drugs on the Expression of RNA Post-Transcriptional Modifications (PTMs) in HeLa Cells

Little is known about the roles of RNA post-transcriptional modifications (PTMs) in cancer and other pathologies involving RNA malfunction. In order to investigate the functional relationships between PTMs expressed by model HeLa cells grown in the absence/presence of established anticancer drugs. The results have shown striking differences between untreated/treated cells, which point towards a prominent role of selected PTMs in cancer. A greater understanding of their biogenetic pathways and regulation will open new avenues for their utilization as novel targets for cancer prevention and therapy.

Future Goals: Ever since I was a child, I have always enjoyed helping people. I know this is a very generic response as to why someone would want to become a doctor but it goes deeper than to simply help people. I view becoming a doctor more as a calling in my life rather than a goal. I feel like it’s my sole purpose to live vicariously through God and do his work as a healer. That amazing smile that a patient gives a doctor when that doctor is able to help them is what I want in my life. To give 110% of my efforts to be able to help a patient is a life I am willing to both live and die for.

Rafeuris Grullon


Students Name

Hometown: Bronx, NY


Major: Biology


Mentor: Dr. Annalisa Scimemi

EAAC1 Mutation Involvement in the Onset of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

The striatum controls execution of stereotyped movements through activation of neurons that express either D1 or D2 dopamine receptors. Uncoordinated activation of these cells generates hyperactivity in the striatum, leading to obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Mutations in the gene encoding EAAC1 are associated with OCD. What remains unknown is how EAAC1 contributes to OCD. Here we show that frequency, not duration, of grooming episodes is increased in EAAC1-/- mice and these effects are associated with altered glutamatergic transmission onto D1 and D2 neurons. These findings provide a new hypothesis for a mechanistic understanding of the molecular basis of OCD.

Future Goals: During my senior year I will continue to conduct research in the Neuroscience field. After I graduate from the University at Albany with a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Biology with minors in Neuroscience and Psychology, I plan to matriculate in a post-baccalaureate program to obtain my master’s degree. Upon completion of the post-baccalaureate program I would like to attend medical school to pursue a career as a pediatrician and specialize in neonatology. My ultimate goal is to provide care to newborns in countries that have limited health care resources.

Tiffany Henry


Students Name

Hometown: White Plains, NY


Major: Psychology


Mentor: Dr. Alex L Pieterse

The Moderating Effects of Black Identity between Perceived Discrimination and Common Fate in African Americans

This study investigates whether black identity moderates the relationship between perceived racism and common fate in African Americans. Using data from the “National Survey of Black Americans,” consisting of adult, non-institutionalized, randomly selected African Americans from the continental United States we compared the correlational strength of perceived racism on common fate with and without the moderator present. If our hypothesis is true, with the moderator present, we expect a change in the correlational strength of perceived discrimination on common fate.

Future Goals: As a recent graduate of the University at Albany I will continue my schools mission of making “the world within reach” attainable for underrepresented, economically disadvantaged students pursuing graduate level degrees. My goal is to become a Social Psychologist focusing my research on aversive racism, intra-group relationships, and the educational advancement with-in minority groups. While conducting research, I plan on becoming a mentor and a resource for adolescence in their transition from middle school throughout college. I will achieve this through implementing programs in community based organizations that promote personal and professional development.

Winston Heslop Jr.


Students Name



Major: Biology


Mentor: Dr. Douglas Conklin

The Correlation between Lipid Storage and Cell Morphology in the SKBR3 Breast Cancer Cells

The HER2/Neu positive subtype is amongst the most aggressive forms of breast cancer. We have found that these breast cancer cells are dependent on fat synthesis and storage for survival. An overabundance of fatty acids causes cell death. HER2/Neu positive SKBR3 cells are heterogeneous with respect to levels of stored fat. These cells also display both adherent and non-adherent morphologies. We will examine whether the morphology of the cells is correlated with levels of stored fat. Understanding lipid storage will provide information on secretory or metabolic pathways that allow these cells to survive.

Future Goals: In the future I plan on graduating with a Bachelor’s of Science in biology and a minor in women studies. I am currently on a pre-med track in hopes of pursuing a career in medicine. I wish to specialize in pediatrics or OB/GYN. I always felt that a physician’s job description goes beyond seeing patients, diagnosing sicknesses, and writing subscriptions. A physician should always take the initiative to educate their patients in living healthier lives and taking better care of themselves. Therefore I feel as if working with children or mothers who are about to give birth can assure that I enlist this idea of a healthy lifestyle from a young age. I hope to open my own practice after I have gained enough experience working in a hospital.

Asta Kaba


Students Name

Hometown: Smithtown, NY


Major: Economics


Mentor: Dr. Martin Tenniswood

Pomegranate Ellagitannins: Potential Dietary Agent for Preventing Breast Cancer

Preventing breast cancer using diet and supplements is referred to as chemo prevention. In addition to developing new therapeutic approaches to treat breast cancer, oncologists are now looking at new ways to prevent the initiation and progression of the disease. Powerful anti-oxidants, such as those found in pomegranate juice are being evaluated for their anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory properties. I am using the MCF-7 human breast cancer cell line to evaluate the effects of bioactive polyphenols (ellagitannins) that are found in pomegranate juice on cell growth and cell death in culture.

Future Goals: After my undergraduate years, I intend to pursue an MD-MBA curriculum. This curriculum will allow me to realize my lifelong dream of becoming an oncologist, but also use the tools that my MBA training will give me to undertake projects in the health care domain back in my native country, Cameroon.

Michelle Kobou Wafo


Students Name

Hometown: Middletown, NY


Major: Psychology


Mentor: Paul Postiglione, LCSW-R

Model Comparison of Access, Engagement, Demographic, and System Utilization in an Outpatient Behavior Program Setting

The focus of the Veteran’s Administration Hospital is to improve access to care, to support the development of engagement strategies for returning veterans. We looked at different models to identify best practice and future focus of three clinics. These clinics were evaluated based on access and engagement, as well as the viability of a walk in service. Demographic and utilization data were collected to evaluate these services and to identify the specific cohorts who use them. Preliminary results show increased engagement with the same day model. Additionally, motivational interviewing techniques will be reviewed for clinics with lowest engagement rates.

Future Goals: Upon graduation I intend to attend graduate school for my PhD in Clinical Psychology. I am particularly interested in affective disorders in child development as well as in early adulthood. In the future I would like to work as a psychologist in a hospital setting.

Alexis Lima


Students Name

Hometown: Brooklyn NY


Major: Biology


Mentor: Dr. Shaker Mousa

Analysis of αVβ3 Ligands (Thyroid Homologues) on the Regulation of Microvesicle-Release in Glioma Cells

Cancer progression is a multi-step process in which benign tumor cells leave the primary site and metastasize to distant sites. Microvesicles (MVs) are membrane-enclosed sacs released from cell surface and facilitate cancer progression. MV-release from cells is regulated by ERK signaling. Inhibiting the release of MVs will affect the cancer progression and thus has potential therapeutic significance. Integrins bind to ligands and trigger various signaling cascades within cells. We hypothesize that signaling triggered by integrins regulate the release of MVs. Here, we discuss the effects of αVβ3 integrin ligands (specifically thyroid homologues) on the release of MVs in glioma cells.

Future Goals: Through this research experience, I have received much needed exposure to science in the research field. It inspired me to pursue a MD/PhD dual degree program. Becoming a physician scientist would give me the perfect opportunity to work in both clinical and research fields. My future goal is to travel to underdeveloped countries and to seize any opportunity to help people who are in need of healthcare and can’t afford it.

Israt Maruf


Magdalis Mendoza

Hometown: Babylon, NY


Major: Biology and Spanish


Mentor: Dr. Paolo Forni

Characterization of GPR12EGFP Gene in BAC Transgenic Mice to Track the Migratory Route of GnRH-1 Neurons

The vomeronasal organ (VNO) is an olfactory sub-system responsible for the detection of pheromones. During embryonic development, gonadotropin releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-1) neurons (GnRH-1ns) migrate from the developing VNO into the hypothalamus, where they control sexual hormonal axis. In this project we characterized a transgenic mouse line expressing EGFP under the control of G-protein-coupled receptors, GPR12EGFP. GPR12 is expressed by VNO sensory neurons. The goal of this project was to identify a GPR12EGFP subline able to express high levels of EGFP in vomeronasal neurons to establish if GnRH-1ns migrate from the nose to the brain along vomeronasal fibers or on genetically distinct neurons.

Future Goals: After the program, I hope to keep working in the lab until I graduate the University at Albany. Then I plan on taking a year off to work as an EMT, volunteer and possibly complete a post-baccalaureate program. Ultimately, I aim to attend medical school and work with Doctors without Borders to provide medical care for people in need


Hometown: Jamaica, NY

Institution: Fordham University

Major: Biology


Mentor: Dr. Jayanti Pande and Dr. Ajay Pande

Using Electrophoresis Techniques to Understand the Interaction between Human Alpha A and Gamma S Crystallin

Human alphaA-crystallin is a molecular chaperone and a member of the small heat shock family of proteins. AlphaA-crystallin is predominantly found in the eye lens. It binds to a large variety of “substrate” proteins that are partially unfolded and arrests their aggregation. Recent reports sug-gest that one exception to this pattern is the lens protein, gammaS-crystallin, which is apparently not protected by alphaA-crystallin from aggregating while unfolding. Our goal is to test this claim by using three electrophoresis techniques (SDS-PAGE, Blue Native gels, and IEF), and assess whether or not a complex forms between alphaA-crystallin and heat-unfolded gammaS-crystallin.

Future Goals: I aspire to pursue an M.D /M.P.H to become an ophthalmologist. I believe that the eye is the window to the body’s health, so in addition to interacting with patients, I want to better understand the impact of systemic diseases on the eye. I also want to study health disparities in order to work aside communities that lack proper healthcare. Finally, I hope to provide healthcare abroad to people who cannot afford it.

Nabilah Nishat


Hometown: Corona, NY




Mentor: Dr. Martin Tenniswood

The Effect of Vitamin D and Testosterone on Zinc Transporters in Prostate Cancer Cells

Normal prostate cells accumulate zinc to modulate Krebs cycle. During prostate cancer (PCa) development, cells downregulate zinc transporters, fail to accumulate zinc, which leads to altered Krebs cycle activity. Recent data shows that Testosterone (T) and Vitamin D (VitD) modulate zinc transporters in LNCaP cells, preventing cancer cell proliferation. We hypothesize that restoring T and VitD levels can slow PCa progression. Using immunoblot analysis, the expression levels of ZIP1(SLC39A1) and ZIP11(SLC39A11) are interrogated in LNCaP cells and its subline, C4-2b after treatment with T and VitD to elucidate their effects on zinc homeostasis in early and late stage PCa.

Future Goals: Wanting to care for the sick, especially those who come from low-income backgrounds, drives me towards a career as a Certified Nurse Educator. This will require me to take accelerated nursing courses and gain five years of experience in my field. While training, I plan to conduct research on advancements in clinical practice and establish a teaching school in my hometown of Accra, Ghana. Once established, I will train nurses and other healthcare professionals to utilize technological and ethical advancements within the healthcare industry.

Millicent Okyere


Students Name



Major: Psychology


Mentor: Paul Postiglione, LCSW-R

Model Comparison of Access, Engagement, Demographic, and System Utilization in an Outpatient Behavior Program Setting

The focus of the Veteran’s Administration Hospital is to improve access to care, to support the development of engagement strategies for returning veterans. We looked at different models to identify best practice and future focus of three clinics. These clinics were evaluated based on access and engagement, as well as the viability of a walk in service. Demographic and utilization data were collected to evaluate these services and to identify the specific cohorts who use them. Preliminary results show increased engagement with the same day model. Additionally, motivational interviewing techniques will be reviewed for clinics with lowest engagement rates.

Future Goals: Upon entering this program I had strong hopes in pursuing neuropsychology, but with exposure at the Stratton Veterans Hospital I may want to pursue Mental Health Social Work instead. Working with this population has changed my perspective a great deal. I will continue to study/ intern in mental health settings in hopes of choosing the career path that best fits. Nevertheless, I plan on obtaining both my Masters and Ph.D. in the near future.

Juliet Parris


Students Name

Hometown: Yonkers, NY




Mentor: Dr. Jayanti Pande and Dr. Ajay Pande

Binding Interactions of Human αB-Crystallin and Human γS-Crystallin

Human αB-crystallin, a major protein in the eye lens and other tissues. It belongs to the small heat shock family and is considered a molecular chaperone because of its ability to bind unfold-ed proteins and prevent their aggregation. Such bindings are considered “broad spectrum” because chaperones bind to a diverse set of unfolded proteins. However, recent reports claim that an important eye lens protein, γS-crystallin may be an exception which, when unfolded does not bind to αB-crystallin. We investigated whether or not αB-crystallin forms a complex with heat-unfolded γS-crystallin, using three electrophoresis techniques: SDS-PAGE, Blue-native gel and IEF.

Future Goals: I had a pleasant experience doing research during this program, which introduced me to such an amazing field that is so essential to our lives. It gave me an insight of what is like to be a researcher and the numerous challenges that scientists face on their respective fields. Upon graduation, I am planning to go to optometry school and continue to do research in eye related diseases.

Omar Perdomo


Students Name

Hometown: Yonkers, NY


Major: Nanoscale Engineering


Mentor: Dr. Jonathan Petruccelli

A Simple Microscopy Add-on for Near-Real-Time Phase Imaging

A monochromatic, coherent light wave can be described at each point by two quantities: the intensity, a measure of energy per unit time, and phase, a measure of the time delay of the light wave. Traditional imaging systems measure intensity directly at camera pixels, excluding phase. However, phase contains important information about the thickness or surface profile of sample. We present a simple add-on for a microscope that enables near-real time phase retrieval from a pair of defocused images captured simultaneously by a two digital cameras. We discuss its implementation in a metallurgical microscope for surface profiling.

Future Goals: I plan on pursuing a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering/Material Science. I hope to start a business along the way and partially devote some time for community service. I would like to have had a positive impact on the world and continue helping those who truly need it.

Miguel Ramirez


Students Name

Hometown: New York, NY

Institution: Fordham University

Major: Biology


Mentor: Dr. Douglas Conklin

Lipid Metabolism in Cell Cycle Stages of Breast Cancer

Production and storage of lipids are characteristic of the Her2+ breast cancer cells, which has among the worst prognosis of any subtype. This study looks to quantify lipid storage throughout the cell division cycle. Our approach will use MCF7, SKBR3, and BT474 cancer cell lines transfected with a red fluorescent cell cycle biosensor to visualize cell cycle stages. In addition, cells are stained with Bodipy, a green lipid fluorescence and Hoechst, a blue nuclear fluorescence. These findings will further our understanding of lipid metabolism in Her2+ breast cancer.

Future Goals: After being a part of the University at Albany Summer Research Program, I plan to continue doing research at my college. I later plan on attending medical school in hopes of pursuing a career in pediatrics. My goal is to provide healthcare to local areas that suffer from health disparities and someday provide medical care to rural places in South America.

Daisy Reinoso


Students Name





Mentor: Dr. Cara Pager

Functional Role of Nuclear Trafficking Signals in RCK/p54

RCK/p54, a cellular DEAD-box RNA helicase, contains a Nuclear Export Signal (NES) and the Nuclear Localization Signal (NLS). The role of these signals is however unknown. As a first step we are examining the subcellular localization of 3xFlag-RCK/p54 proteins containing mutations disrupting the nuclear trafficking signals. Specifically, we cotransfected in Huh7 cells with control siRNAs and siRNAs targeting RCK/p54, and 3xFlag-RCK/p54 plasmids. By fractionation and immunoblotting, we will analyze the subcellular distribution of RCK/p54. We expect that mutating either the NES or NLS will disrupt nuclear trafficking, and thus increase our understanding of the cellular function of RCK/p54.

Future Goals: As a recent graduate at the University at Albany my next step is to attend Medical School and pursue a career in Pediatric Medicine. Within the future, as I become an established physician a major goal of mine is to join an organization that delivers emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemic, and poverty such as Doctors without Borders or Volunteers around the World. Providing medical care to individuals in areas that do not have healthcare and basic necessities as I do would be very rewarding. In addition, I intend on opening up my own practice in Brooklyn to give back to the community that has helped me get to where I am today.

Brittany Roberts-Blake


Students Name

Hometown: Queensbury, NY


Major: Biology and Mathematics


Mentor: Dr. Shaker Mousa

Comparing the Effects of Targeted and Non-Targeted Nano Drug on Glioma Cells

Nanoparticles (NPs) have great potential to play a vital role in modern medicine due to their ability to target drugs to specific cells. Paclitaxel (PAC) is an anti-cancer drug that binds to microtubules in cells and arrest them in mitotic phase. We hypothesize that paclitaxel loaded in targeted-NPs will deliver more drug to cells compared to free drug or non-targeted NPs. To test our hypothesis, we synthesize non-targeted poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) PLGA-loaded Paclitaxel (P-PAC) and targeted nano-tetrac-PLGA-loaded paclitaxel (NT-PAC). The effects of free-PAC, P-PAC, NT-PAC on the proliferation of glioma cancer cells were compare at various times and various concentrations.

Future Goals: In spring 2018, I will graduate from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. In this summer, I worked at Cancer Research Center with Dr. Mousa and his team about nanoparticles and their effect on cancer cells. I really had fun working with them. In the future, I would like to do research more about cancer cells and nanotechnology. Also I want to get my master’s in nanotechnology and business.

Meryem Top

MISSION STATEMENT

To expand the horizons of the mind in science,

technology, and other Ph.D. fields through

research and scholarly activities.

university at albany summer research program...these processes. to examine these effects, lacz...

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