2024 LSUHSC Summer Research Internship Program
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. Kelly Sherman, Dr. Jovanny Zabaleta, Dr. Hamilton Farris, and
Dr. Charles Wood. 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:
- Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation
- Louisiana Cancer Research Center (LCRC)
- 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)
We extend our special appreciation to mentors, laboratory and administrative personnel, and poster session judges who helped make the 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.
High school and undergraduate summer interns are listed alphabetically by last name. To view their Abstracts and Posters, please click on the corresponding links under their individual project title.
1. Emma Bates
Undergraduate Student
Simmons University, Boston, MA
Mentors: Jennifer Fang, PhD
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
Exploring the Role of Endothelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Related Transcription
Factors in Sprouting Angiogenisis
Abstract
Poster
2. Luther Bishop
Undergraduate Student
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Mentor: Alison Smith, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Surgery
Proliferation of Adipose Derived Stem Cells Using a
Microgravity Bioreactoffective Reactor
Abstract
Poster
3. Naima Bocage
High School Student
Warren Easton High School, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Peter Winsauer, MD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Pharmacology
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NAD) Attenuates the Rate-Decreasing Effects of
Oxycodone Withdrawal in Rats
Abstract
Poster
4. Oren Bognar
High School Student
New Orleans Charter Science & Math High School, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Kelly Jean Sherman, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Pharmacology
TNF-α Concentration Curve Effect on Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma In Vitro
Abstract
Poster
5. Brandon Burow
Undergraduate Student
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Hari K. Koul, PhD
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
Role of DNA Methyltransferases in Enzalutamide Resistant Prostate Cancer
Abstract
Poster
6. Molly Chaffee
Undergraduate Student
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Luis Marrero, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Orthopaedics
Evaluating IL-11 and TGFβ1 Distribution Relative to Synovial Fibrosis Status
7. Unmesh K. Chakravarty
High School Student
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies, Metairie, LA
Mentor: Christopher M. Taylor, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology
Tree-Inspired Deep Learning of Multi-omnics Data in People Living with HIV
8. Kaya Dorotan
High School Student
Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Edward Grabczyk, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Genetics
Sending Out an SSO
Abstract
Poster
9. Amanda dos Santos
Undergraduate Student
Southeastern Louisiana University, Hammond, LA
Mentor: Li Shen, MD, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Microbiology
Interplay between topoisomerase I and RNA polymerase of Chlamydia trachomatis
Abstract
Poster
10.Tia DuBose
Undergraduate Student
Dillard University, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Tiffany Wills, PhD
LSU Health, School of Medicine, Cell & Anatomy
Kappa Opioid/Dynorphin Expression in Adult Female Mice with Adolescent Opioid
Exposure and Adult Chronic Intermittent Ethanol Treatment
11. Khalil El-abbassi
University Student
Louisisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Mentors: Carmen Canavier, PhD
LSU Health, School of Graduate Studies, Cell Biology & Anatomy
Modeling Sensitivity of Neuronal Firing Frequency to L-type Calcium Channel Activity
Abstract
Poster
12. Elizabeth Ellis
High School Student
St. Scholastic Academcy, Covington, LA
Mentor: Liz Simon Peter, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Physiology
Exploring the Impact of Alcohol and SIV on Skeletal Muscle Mitochondira in Western
Diet-Fed Rhesus Macaques
Abstract
Poster
13. Jack Erickson-King
Undergraduate Student
The College of Wooster, Wooster, OH
Mentor: Matthew Burow, PhD
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
Phytoalexin Glyceollin I Suppresses Viability in Her2+ Breast Cancer
Abstract
Poster
14. Jose Alfonso Xavier Fernandez
Undergraduate Student
Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS
Mentors: Ludmila Belayev, MD; Nicolas Bazan, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Neuroscience Center of Excellence
Effect of Combinatory Treatment NPD1 + RvD1 on Behavioral After Experimental Stroke
In Aged Male Rats
Abstract
Poster
15. Kayla Gant
Undergraduate Student
Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Jayalakshmi Sridhar, PhD
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
Development of a Smart Dual Acting Drug Delivery System (SDADDS)
Abstract
Poster
16. Paige Goderis
Undergraduate Student
Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
Mentor: Qiang Shen, MD, PhD
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
Exploring the Mechanism of Anticancer Agents with Improved Soluability Against Triple
Negative Breast Cancer
Abstract
Poster
17. Alexis Gray
High School Student
Mount Carmel Academy, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Kelly Jean Sherman, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Pharmacology
In Vitro Comparison of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma, HPV-positive and HPV- negative
18. Genesis Grinston
Undergraduate Student
Xavier University, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Pinki Prasad, MD
LSU Health/Children's Hospital of New Orleans
Analysis of the Feasibility of the Pediatric Initiative Network (PIN) Assessment System in Increasing Fertility Preservation Rates among Adolescents
,Young Adults (AYA) Cancer Patients in Louisiana
Abstract
Poster
19. Sophia Guillory
Undergraduate Student
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Rajaini Maiya, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Physiology
Characterization of a Novel Marker for Neuronal Inhibition
Abstract
Poster
20. Randy Hamilton
Undergraduate Student
Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Mentors: Qingzhao Yu, PhD
Louisiana Cancer Research Consortium
How Environmental Risk Factors Drive Racial Disparaities in Prostate Cancer Stages
at Diagnosis
21. Samari Harris
High School Student
Warren Easton High School, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Kelly Jean Sherman, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology
Characterization of Voltage-gated Sodium Channels of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma
HPV-positive and HPV-negative Cell Lines
22. Bailey Haynes
Undergraduate Student
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Mentor: Jorgelina Calandria, PhD; Nicolas Bazan, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Neuroscience Center of Excellence
IL4 and IL6 Induce Pro-Survival Reactivity and ALOX12 Activation in Human Astrocytes
Abstract
Poster
23. Melissa Hernandez
University Student
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Michael Salling, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Cell Biology & Anatomy
Validation and characterization of Lphn3 gene deletion in a mouse model of ADHD
Abstract
Poster
24. Jaclyn Rosalie Hodges
Undergraduate Student
LSU Health School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Sebastián Del Corral Winder, PsyD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Psychiatry
Predictors of Reunification for Children and Their Parents in Cases Involving Parental Substance Use in Louisiana
25. Madison Jackson
Undergraduate Student
Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA
Mentor: Maria Sanchez-Pino, PhD
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
Establishing a 3-D Multicellular Tumor Model to Assess the Impact of Fatty Acids Activated
Immunosuppressor Cells on Breast Cancer Spheroid Growth
26. Amelia Jiang-Yu
Undergraduate Student
Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
Mentor: Jiri Adamec, PhD
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
Proteomics Analysis of PDAC and Pancreatitis Plasma Samples: Investigating Associations and Differences
27. Abdallah Jwayyed
High School Student
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies, Metairie, LA
Mentor: Ifechukwyde J. Biose, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Cardiovascular Center of Excellence
The effects of EM1 on LPS activated Microglia
28. Nicolas Kapusta
Undergraduate Student
Fordham University, New York, NY
Mentor: Michael Salling, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Cell Biology & Anatomy
Evaluation of PFC-MdT Circuit Deletion on Behavioral Measures of Cognition and Alcohol Consumption
29. Aadhya Krishnan
High School Student
Isodore Newman High School, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Amy Dickson, MD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Psychiatry
Do Children Who Experience Neglect Differ Significantly from Children Who Experience
Other Traumas Relative to Developmental Delays?”
Abstract
Poster
30. Carley Kronlage 
Undergraduate Student
University of Georgia, Athens, GA
Mentor: Diptasri Mandal, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Genetics
Characterizing Genetic Mutations in Familial Lung Cancer: Insights & Implications
Abstract
Poster
31. Giancarlo Lara 
Undergraduate Student
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Mentor: Zhen Lin, MD, PhD
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
Investigating the role of a novel long noncoding RNA in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection and associated lymphomagenesis
Abstract
Poster
32. Sydney Long
Undergraduate Student
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Elizabeth Avegno, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Physiology
Mesoamygdala Contribution to Alcohol Withdrawal-Associated Anxiety
Abstract
Poster
33. Marbella Maristany
High School Student
Willow High School, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Jorgelina Calandria, PhD; Nicholas Bazan, PhD
LSU Health, School of Medicine, Neuroscience Center
⍺-syn PFF Triggers Stress Responses in Human Astrocytes That Induce Senescence
Abstract
Poster
34. Sarah Miller
Undergraduate Student
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Luis Marrero, PhD
Louisiana Cancer Center
Evaluating In Vivo Efficacy of Enzymatic Biofilm Dispersal from Orthopaedic Implants
Abstract
Poster
35. Alexander W. Nguyen
Undergraduate Student
University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL
Mentor: Lauri Byerley, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Physiology
Fecal Nitrogen Analysis on Protein-Supplemented Individuals
Abstract
Poster
36. Theresa Nguyen
Undergraduate Student
Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Kim Pedersen, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Pharmacology
A Mitochondrial Uncoupler, BAM15, Inhibits Liver Tumor Promotion in the Context of
a High Fat Diet Enriched in Saturated Fat
Abstract
Poster
37. Om Patel
Undergraduate Student
Baylor University, Waco, TX
Mentor: Charles Wood, PhD
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
Identification of Kaposi’s Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Tissue Reservoirs
Abstract
Poster
38. Sarah Rasul 
Undergraduate Student
Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Dieder Devier, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Neurology
Comparative Analysis of Cognitive Function in Patients with Parkinson's Disease and Multiple Sclerosis
39. Maaz Rathor
High School Student
Patrick F. Taylor Science & Technology Academy, Westwego, LA
Mentor: Tung-Sung Tseng, DrPH/Hui-Yi Lin, PhD
LSU Health, School of Public Health, Community Health Policy/Biostatisitics and Data Sciences
Food Insecurity Associated with Infection of Hepatitis C and B Viruses in the United
States
Abstract
Poster
40. Emma Richard
Undergraduate Student
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Luis Marrero, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Orthopaedics
Targeted Activation of Cannabinoid 2 Receptor to Attenuate Painful Synovitis
Abstract
Poster
41. Aliyah Richardson
Undergraduate Student
Xavier University of Louisiana, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Xiao-Chen Wu, MD
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
Socio-economic Factors and Racial Disparities That Influence State Diagnosis of Cervical
Cancer
Abstract
Poster
42. Nicholas Short
University Student
Hobart and William Smith College, Geneva, NY
Mentor: Tiffany Wills, PhD
LSU Health, School of Medicine, Cell Biology & Anatomy
Activation of DYN- and KOR-expressing Neurons in Bed Nucleus of
the Stria Terminalis in Adolescent Alcohol-Induced Hyperalgesia
Abstract
Poster
43. Rashmi Srivastava
Undergraduate Student
Baylor University, Waco, TX
Mentor: Hua Lu, PhD
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
Crotonylation of the Oncoprotein c-Myc: A Novel Post-Translational Modification Modulating Its Cancer Promoting Activity
44. Camryn Tims
Undergraduate Student
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Mentor: Anup Kundu, PhD
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
Overcoming Multidrug Resistance in Breast Cancer: Targeting MRP Proteins for Enhanced Therapeutic Efficacy
45. Tyra Washington
Undergraduate Student
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA
Mentor: Michael Hagensee, MD, PhD
Louisiana Cancer Research Center
Determining the Efficacy of the Gardasil-9 Vaccine in HIV-Positive Individuals
46. Gabrielle White
Undergraduate Student
University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA
Mentors: Daniel Harrington, ScD and Adrienne Katner, DEnv
LSU Health School of Public Health, Environmental Health, Climate and Sustainability
Socioeconomic Disparities in Environmental Conditions at Playgrounds in the Greater
New Orleans Area
47. Lillianne Ziegler
High School Student
Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans, LA
Mentor: Alison Quayle, PhD
LSU Health School of Medicine, Cell Biology and Anatomy
Could members of the maternal vaginal microbiome aid in the optimal maturation of
their newborn infant’s gastrointestinal microbiome?
Abstract
Poster