2021 LSUHSC Summer Research Internship Program
Virtual Poster Session
The Summer Research Internship Program, directed by Dr. Fern Tsien since 2003, has
provided research opportunities for medical students, undergraduates, and high school
students. Students are matched with mentors from LSU Health Sciences Center, University
Medical Center, and the Louisiana Cancer Research Center (LCRC). Program co-directors
are Ms. Martha Cuccia, Dr. Allison Augustus-Wallace, Dr. Jovanny Zabaleta, Dr. Hamilton
Farris, Dr. Chindo Hicks, and Dr. Kelly Sherman. The Summer Research Internship Program
has allowed students to cultivate their interest in pursuing careers in clinical sciences,
public health, or basic sciences.
Funding support for the high school and undergraduate summer program was provided
by:
- LSUHSC School of Medicine, Office of the Dean
- National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program
- National Institute of Health (NIH) National Cancer Institute (NCI)
- National Institute of Health (NIH) National Institute of Neurological Diseases & Stoke (NINDS)
- The Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation
We extend our special appreciation to mentors, laboratory and administrative personnel,
and poster session judges who helped make the Virtual Summer Research Internship Program
a success! Their assistance with this project affords each student a chance to be
part of a bigger, ongoing research project and an opportunity to pursue their career
goals.
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High school and undergraduate summer interns are listed alphabetically by last name. To view their Abstracts, Posters, and Zoom PowerPoint presentations describing their posters, please click on the corresponding links under their individual project title.
Nikhilesh V. Alahari
Undergraduate
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Mentors: Dr. Thomas Sharp and Dr. David Lefer
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Cardiovascular Center of Excellence
“Alcohol-mediated Gut Dysbiosis Leads to Reduce Nitric Oxide Bioavailability and
Vascular Dysfunction”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Lester J. Arnaud, IV - 3rd Place Winner (High School Category) 
High School
St. Augustine High School, New Orleans, LA
Mentors: Dr. Kelly Jean Sherman and Dr. Dennis Paul
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
“Analysis on the tumor size and weight effects of targeted osmotic lysis in a murine
model of pancreatic cancer”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Jermaine E. Austin - 1st Place Winner (Undergraduate Category)
Undergraduate
University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA
Mentor: Dr. Lucio Miele
Postdoctoral Mentor: Dr. Giulia Monticone
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Genetics
“Cblb-Notch1 regulation as a new target for cancer immunotherapy”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Logan A. Barrios 
Undergraduate
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Mentor: Dr. Rinku Majumder
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
“A Novel Role of the Anticoagulant Protein S in Preventing Thrombosis”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Jamal N. Bonner 
High School
St. Augustine High School, New Orleans, LA
Mentors: Dr. Kelly Jean Sherman, Dr. Harry J. Gould III, and Dr. Dennis Paul
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
“An in vivo comparison of susceptibility of pancreatic and breast xenograft models
to targeted osmotic lysis”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Sarah D. Brady - 2nd Place Winner (Undergraduate Category) 
Undergraduate
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Dr. Dean Smith
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
School of Public Health
“Evaluating Management of National Cancer Institute Designated Cancer Centers.”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Grace L. Brandhurst 
Undergraduate
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Mentor: Dr. Diptasri Mandal
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Genetics
“Health Disparities in High-Risk Lung Cancer Families and Their Association with
Smoking, Environmental Exposures, and Other Etiological Factors”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Angelle L. Brown - 1st Place Winner (Undergraduate Category) 
Undergraduate
Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Mentor: Dr. Tekeda Ferguson
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Epidemiology
“Association between Physical Activity and Alcohol Use in People Living with HIV”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Camila S. Calzada 
Undergraduate
University of Puerto Rico, Río Piedras,, PR
Mentors: Dr. Huiyi Lin, Dr. Tung-Sung Tseng, Xiaodan Zhu
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
School of Public Health
“Health disparities of mammography use for breast cancer screening in US women”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Marcelle A. Ellis - 3rd Place Winner (Undergraduate Category) 
Undergraduate
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Dr. Edward Peters
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Epidemiology
“Utilizing Google Street View in a Geospatial Analysis of the Social Determinants
of Ovarian Cancer in African American Women”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Cameron R. Gabriel 
Undergraduate
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Mentor: Dr. Sharon Fox
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Pathology
“The Pathology of Extended Initial COVID-19 Infection vs. Post-acute Sequelae of COVID-19:
A Comparison of Autopsy Findings”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Mary Cadence Gatterer 
Undergraduate
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Dr. Luis Marrero
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Orthopedics
Expanding on Characterization of the “Forgotten Muscle” during Knee Osteoarthritis
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Corrine M. Hutchinson 
Undergraduate
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Mentor: Dr. Shyamal Desai
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
“Exploring the Effects of TBI and Alcohol in Inducing Proteinopathy in the Lumbar
Spinal Cords of Rodents: Potential Role of ISGylation”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Camden T. Hyde 
Undergraduate
Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA
Mentor: Dr. Lisa Moreno-Walton
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Section of Emergency Medicine
University Medical Center-New Orleans
"Factors that Impact Black Students' Decision to Attend an HBCU vs Traditional College"
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Caegan W. Jackson 
Undergraduate
University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Dr. Ben Kelly
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology
“PCR-cloning of a Trypanosoma cruzi scaffold protein-biotin ligase gene-fusion”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Thomas R. Jackson 
High School
Brother Martin High School, New Orleans, LA
Mentors: Dr. Nicolas Bazan and Dr. Jorgelina Calandria
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Neuroscience Center of Excellence
“Dysregulation of PLA2G6 activity induce degeneration in astrocytes in culture”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation Passcode: 9PdK3@Yj
Julia E. Kapusta 
Undergraduate
Boston University, Boston, MA
Mentor: Dr. Scott Edwards
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Physiology
“Regulation of Hippocampal Glucocorticoid Signaling by Mifepristone in the Context
of
Alcohol Dependence”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Faith U. Kelley - 3rd Place Winner (High School Category) 
High School
Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy, Westwego, LA
Mentor: Dr. Matthew Whim
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy
“Do adrenal neuroendocrine and steroidal cells express the GluA2 ionotropic
glutamate receptor?”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Alexandra Magee 
Undergraduate
Xavier University of Lousiana, New Orleans, LA
Mentor:Dr. Brandon Hedrick
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy
“Run Faster, Jump Higher: The influence of limb symmetry on anole locomotion”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Rimi R. Mandal 
Undergraduate
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Mentor:Dr. Fern Tsien
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Genetics
“Genetic Evaluation of Methotrexate Treatment in Pediatric Cancer Patients”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation Passcode: FJ$J^3k6
Mayrimar Marcano Santana 
Undergraduate
University of Puerto Rico, Cayey, PR
Mentor: Dr. Danielle Levitt and Dr. Patricia Molina
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Physiology
“Alcohol-mediated changes in mitochondrial dynamics proteins in skeletal muscle of
SIV-infected female rhesus macaques”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Emily C. Miller 
Undergraduate
University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK
Mentor: Dr. Judy Crabtree
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Genetics
"Therapy Resistant Breast Cancer Thrives: Notch 4 and Expression of Estrogen
Responsive Genes"
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Alexandra N. Minnard - 3rd Place Winner (Undergraduate Category) 
Undergraduate
Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Mentor: Dr. Jorgelina Calandria
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy
“Lipid Mediators and the Activation of Microglia in Models of Parkinson's Disease”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Naija S. Nelson 
Undergraduate
Villanova University, Villanova, PA
Mentor: Dr. Michael Celestin
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
School of Public Health
“Examining Differences in Reasons Why Former vs. Current Teenage E-Cigarette Users
Smoked ”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Calli T. Nguyen 
Undergraduate
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Mentors: Dr. Bolin Liu and Dr. Hui Lyu
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Interdisciplinary Oncology
“Identification of biomarkers and effective treatments against Herceptin-resistant
breast cancer”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Lynn-Chi H. Nguyen 
Undergraduate
Rice University, Houston, TX
Mentor: Dr. Hossain Fokhrul
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Genetics
“Investigating microRNAs as a Biomarker for Analyzing Racial and Gender Disparities
in B-cell ALL Patients”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Theresa Xuan T. Nguyen - 1st Place Winner (High School Category)
High School
De La Salle High School, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Dr. Michael Celestin
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
School of Public Health
“Smoking and Mental Health: Associations between Adolescent E-cigarette Use and Feelings
and Behaviors toward Suicide”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Elizabeth Odynocki - 3rd Place Winner (Undergraduate Category) 
Undergraduate
Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Mentors: Dr. Patricia Molina and Dr. Sydney Vita
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Physiology
“Examining the Blood-Brain Barrier Following Mild Traumatic Brain Injury”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Thomas W. Payne 
High School
Huntington High School, Huntington, WV
Mentor: Dr. Alison Smith
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Surgery
“A Retrospective Comparison Between the Intervention of Tissue Plasminogen Activator
and Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Kayla Prevost - 2nd Place Winner (High School Category) 
High School
St. Mary's Dominican High School, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Dr. Peter Winsauer
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
“An Evaluation of the Antinociceptive and Behaviorally-Disruptive Effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol
in Sprague Dawley Rats”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Madison E. Priestley 
Undergraduate
New York University, New York, NY
Mentor: Dr. Peter Winsauer
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics
“Concurrent Evaluation of theAntinociceptive and Behaviorally-Disruptive Effects of
Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in Rats”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation Passcode: +^Jo791X
Derrick S. Pugh II 
Undergraduate
Xavier University of Lousiana, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Dr. Arnold Zea
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology
“Intracellular killing of Mycobacterium avium by activated murine macrophages: The role
of nitric oxide ”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Mahir A. Rahman - 3rd Place Winner (High School Category) 
High School
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies, Metairie, LA
Mentor: Dr. Chindo Hicks
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Genetics & The Bioinformatics and Genomics Program
“Mapping the Genomic Landscape of Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and COVID-19”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Rachel Ramos 
Undergraduate
Loyola University New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Dr. Sunyoung Kim
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
“In silico allosteric network predicts variation in response for drugs against human kinesin-5:
are all anticancer therapies created equal?”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Sydney L. Rein 
Undergraduate
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Dr. Tiffany Wills
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy
“Negative Affect and BNST Cellular Activation during Withdrawal from Adolescent Alcohol
Exposure”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Aaliyah J. Robinson 
Undergraduate
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Mentor: Dr. Lisa Moreno-Walton
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Section of Emergency Medicine
University Medical Center-New Orleans
“Development of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Hepatitis C Virus Patients”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Sara L. Saak 
Undergraduate
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Mentors: Dr. Bhagwat Alapure and Dr. Jennifer J. Lentz
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Neuroscience Center of Excellence
“Antisense oligonucleotides treatment rescues elevated Prominin-1 and reduced Annexin
A1 in Usher mice retina”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Erin Sheehy 
Undergraduate
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Dr. Brandon Hedrick
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy
“Skull Shape Divergence Across Three Species of Louisiana Bats”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Gabrielle M. Sheets 
Undergraduate
University of New Orleans, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Dr. Fern Tsien
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Genetics
“The Effect of Methotrexate Treatment on Neuroinflammation Gene Expression in Pediatric
Cancer Patients”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Jordyn S. Simpson 
Undergraduate
Fisk University, Nashville, TN
Mentor: Dr. Denise Danos
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
School of Public Health
“Social determinants of clinical trial enrollment in the Gulf South Clinical Trials
Network”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Michael L. Stewart 
Undergraduate
Xavier University of Lousiana, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Dr. Chindo Hicks
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Genetics & The Bioinformatics and Genomics Program
“Elucidation of the Genomic Landscape of Ovarian Cancer and COVID-19”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Shannon O. Sullivan 
Undergraduate
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Dr. Sydney Vita
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Physiology
“The effect of moderate TBI on neuronal degradation in the spinal cord”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Amanda Waelde - 2nd Place Winner (Undergraduate Category) 
Undergraduate
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN
Mentor: Dr. Li Shen
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology
“Investigating the Role of LtuA during the Developmental Cycle of Chlamydia trachomatis”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Isabella Welsh 
Undergraduate
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Mentors: Dr. Patrick McTernan, Dr. Robert Siggins, and Dr. Patricia Molina
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Physiology
“Impact of Excess Lipids on CD4 T Cell Activation and Differentiation”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Parker A. Wilson 
Undergraduate
Auburn University, Auburn, AL
Mentor: Dr. Henry Nuss
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
School of Public Health
“The Association Between Breastfeeding and Insulin Resistance in Prepubertal Children”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Janusz J. Wojcik - 2nd Place Winner (Undergraduate Category) 
Undergraduate
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Mentor: Dr. Claudia Leonardi
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
School of Public Health
“Multilevel Analysis of Clinical, Physician, and Patient Barriers to Enrollment in
the Gulf South Clinical Trial Network (CTN)”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation
Anita R. Zahiri - 1st Place Winner (High School Category) 
High School
Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Simkin
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery
“Regeneration and Scar Tissue Formation: Developing Novel Approaches for Analyzing
Macrophage-Mediated Regeneration”
Abstract
Poster
Presentation