Department of Health & Biomedical Sciences College of Health Professions

Summer Internship Experiences

**Summer Internships 2023**
	B2BMED C2 Trainee: Celeste Martinez Program: IU-MSI STEM Initiative, Indiana University Bloomington Research Project: Sex Differences in Plasma Levels of Endocannabinoids and Related Lipids Before and After mTBI Testimony “This summer I had the opportunity to do research at Indiana University under the guidance of Dr. Heather Bradshaw and laboratory members. My project focused on examining potential lipid biomarkers present in the blood of rats with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) using lipidomic mass spectrometry to determine if there is an overlap with the lipids regulated in the CNS. Each day brought forth new challenges, which greatly helped me expand my analytical and problem-solving skills. Additionally, I enjoyed asking questions about the research to my mentor or lab members because it often sparked engaging discussions that provided more valuable insight about my project. Networking and meeting new people with similar goals and passions inspired me, helped create a sense of community, and presented the chance to make new friends. I am very thankful for this summer internship since it deepened my passion for research and provided the opportunity to develop new laboratory techniques and a new research perspective.”

**Summer Internships 2022**
	B2BMED C1 Trainee: Natasha Garcia-Rodriguez Program: The University of Texas System Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), UTRGV Campus Research Project: The Combination of Temozolomide and Minocycline for the Treatment of Glioblastoma “This past summer I was able to intern in Dr. Chew lab. I have learned so much this summer and I am so thankful to Marco Arriaga and Dr. Chew for allowing me to learn so much from them. I was able to contribute to a manuscript specifically working on the introduction about alginate scaffold for the delivery of drugs in the treatment of glioblastoma. I was able to contribute to a few projects, specifically a combination study which used a chemotherapy drug, temozolomide, and an antibiotic, minocycline to treat glioblastoma. In addition, I was also able to learn more about the conjugation of micro particles with antibodies to better treat gliomas. I am truly grateful for all I have learned, so many valuable skills that will benefit me in my future endeavors as a scientist and researcher.”
	B2BMED C1 Trainee: Karina Cantu Program: Summer Physiology Undergraduate Researcher (SPUR) program, UT Health San Antonio Research Project: Understanding A-Synucleinopathies using a Drosophila Model System “My project is focused on understanding a-synucleinopathies using a drosophila model system. Synucleinopathies are a group of neurodegenerative disorders that have a common pathologic lesion called a-Synuclein that forms in aggregates in patient's brains. a-Synuclein is a neuronal protein that is abundant in the brain but is seen more in patients with neurodegenerative diseases. Very little research has been done on a-Synuclein, so our focus is trying to understand this pathologic lesion and find future therapeutic agents for a-synucleinopathies. For this we are using Drosophila Melanogaster; commonly known as a fruit fly, as a model system.”
	B2BMED C1 Trainee: Megan Zamora Program: MUSC 2022 Summer Undergraduate Research Program, Medical University of South Carolina Research Project: Adoptive Transfer Affects on Cardiac Fibrosis “Cardiovascular Disease is the most common cause of death in the United States. Ischemic injury stimulates an immune response creating a fibrotic scar which is often non-contractile and alters cardiac function. CD8 T cells have most recently been identified as adverse regulators of the post myocardial infarction (MI) wound healing process. A better understanding of the post MI events is needed to better aid and regulate the healing process after cardiac injury in order to limit progression to heart failure. In this study, we aimed to dissect the temporal effects of CD8+ T cells on left ventricular (LV) remodeling. MI was induced on C57BL/6J wild type (WT;4.6±0.1 months of age; n≥3/sex/post MI day) or CD8atm1mak (CD8-/-4.9±0.1 months of age; n≥3/sex/post MI day) mice by permanent ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. A subset of CD8-/-mice received either vehicle or naïve splenic CD8+ T-cells by tail vein 4 hours after MI. In conclusion, our data indicates that CD8+ T-cells are regulating cardiac healing by altering the scar biomechanics. This leads to an increase in LV dilation and worse cardiac function.”
	B2BMED C1 Trainee: Viviana Villalobos Program: UTRGV Summer Undergraduate Cancer Research Internship, MD Anderson Cancer Center Research Project: Substance P Receptor Antagonism Enhances Chemotherapeutic Responses in Triple Negative Breast Cancer “Being a part of the most prestigious cancer center in the nation has been the epitome of my research career. MD Anderson is everything an esteemed institute should be, and my PI is the perfect representation of their merit. Being directed by the leadership of Dr. Prema Robinson has given me insight on the true meaning and responsibility of being a renowned researcher in the field. She has an aptitude for research that is captivated and reflected in those who have the opportunity to work beside her. It was through her mentorship that I was able to reignite the flame of passion that I had for research. Dr. David J. Tweardy has a prestigious team that is devoted to eradicating cancer through the development of new and innovative ideas. Having been given the opportunity to be a part of this team and embody their goals has been the most memorable experience I have had in my undergraduate career.”
	B2BMED C1 Trainee: Daniela Aileen Program: Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) Wayne State University School of Medicine Center for Molecular Medicine & Genetics Research Project: Effects of Baclofen and CGP-35348 on Central GABA Pain Receptors and Characterization of Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis “Over the summer, I got the opportunity to intern in Dr. Alexander Gow’s Lab in the Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics at Wayne State University School of Medicine in Detroit, Michigan. One area of Dr. Gow’s Research Laboratory focuses on dysfunctional myelin in the central nervous system which is caused by an absence of the oligodendrocyte-specific protein (OSP), Claudin 11. Using a mouse model that lacks the expression of the Claudin 11 gene and pain medications that are known to target GABA pain receptors in the CNS, I will be conducting behavioral studies to analyze pain threshold and anxiety-like behaviors. The data collected from this study will contribute to further understanding abnormal behavior and neurodegenerative diseases.”
	B2BMED C1 Trainee: Elias Martinez Program: UTRGV Summer Undergraduate Cancer Research Internship, MD Anderson Cancer Center Research Project: Generating Artificial Antigen Presenting Cells for Adaptive T-Cell Therapy “The MD Anderson summer research program has deeply marked my academic and career path as it has given me an invaluable and incredible experience. During my time at the Md Anderson summer research program, I learned more than I could imagine, this knowledge and the skills acquired are things that complemented and enhanced my education received at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and the B2BMED program. This research internship has introduced me to an environment that is both exciting and challenging, and one that will undeniably broaden my future opportunities in the field of research. Being able to work under Dr. Kumar and his team has been one of the greatest opportunities of my life. His lab specializes in Lymphoma and Myeloma and being able to contribute to such important health issues that affects millions of people has given me the confidence and skills necessary to pursue a career in research. Coming into a new city and a new lab can be a fearful situation but having lab-mates and amazing professors that are passionate about their research will help any student that is interested in a research career. I am grateful because I got to be part of this program and for the wonderful people that I met.”