University of Oregon

MENTORS Joshua Lupton M.D., M.P.H., M.Phil.

Investigating the association between Double Sequential External Defibrillation and
outcome in patients experiencing shockable out of hospital cardiac arrest
 

Cardiac arrest continues to be the leading cause of death in the United States. A subset of cardiac arrests that should normally respond to shocks with a defibrillator are classified as shock-refractory, as they do not achieve spontaneous circulation after three or more defibrillation attempts. Double sequential external defibrillation (DSED), the use of two defibrillators one after the others, had been proposed as a treatment option in these cases. Using data from the Portland Cardiac Arrest Epidemiologic Registry, we investigate the use of and timing to DSED) and its association with patient outcomes.

Portland State University

MENTORS Chara Rydzak, M.D., Ph.D.

Enhancing Diagnosis and Awareness of Rare Cardiothoracic Disease and Systemic
Histiocytic Disorder Through Radiology

Radiology plays an important role in the study and management of rare diseases due to its ability to provide detailed imaging of the body’s internal structures through advanced imaging techniques such as MRI, CT scans, and X-rays. This project aims to raise awareness and enhance an understanding of rare cardiothoracic diseases such as Aortic Atresia and a systemic histiocytic disorder called Erdheim-Chester (ECD) that affects multiple organs and tissues in the body. By creating interactive educational modules based on radiology techniques, seeking to enhance the knowledge and diagnostic accuracy among healthcare professionals, and radiology trainees ultimately improving patient care and outcomes.

Linfield University

MENTORS Lauren Rodda, Ph.D.

The Role of CCR10 and CCL28 in Directing Lung-Resident Plasma Cells During
Influenza

Influenza is a highly contagious respiratory virus infection that remains a significant global health concern. Intramuscular vaccination has been the traditional route of immunization, as it induces a systemic immune response. However, intranasal vaccination offers an alternative route to take advantage of as it has been shown to induce an immune response in the lungs after respiratory infection. Vaccine protection against infection is based on the ability of plasma cells to make neutralizing antibodies. Plasma cells express a chemokine receptor called CCR10 that interacts with CCL28, a chemokine produced by submucosal gland (SMG) cells in the trachea and lungs. This project will investigate the role of CCL28 and CCR10 in directing plasma cell migration to the SMG during flu infection. In addition to understanding their contribution to the residency and survival of plasma cells in the lung. The findings of this study could have significant implications for the development of more effective targeted vaccines against respiratory infections in the future.

University of Portland

MENTORS Katharine Zuckerman, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP

Enhancing Autism Care Access for Spanish-Speaking Latino Families: Developing
Culturally and Linguistically Adapted Interventions for U.S. Latino Parents of Children
with ASD

This study aims to develop specifications for the bilingual autism parent training intervention (Opt-in Early) by recommending adaptations to the existing program to better align with the cultural and linguistic needs of the U.S. Latino parents of children with ASD. We are conducting bilingual focus groups and gathering data to develop specifications for the Opt-in Early autism parent training intervention, ensuring it is culturally and linguistically adapted to better serve the U.S. Latino families with children with ASD.

Oregon State University

MENTORS Isabella Rauch, Ph.D.

Identification of Inflammasomes Activated in Intestinal Epithelial Cells During
Citrobacter rodentium Infection

Escherichia coli (E. coli), a gram-negative bacterium commonly found in the lower intestine of warm-blooded organisms, is mostly harmless. However, certain strains can cause serious diseases in the gastrointestinal, urinary, or central nervous system. This project investigates the intracellular defenses in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) during Escherichia coli (E. coli) infection, with a specific focus on identifying activated  inflammasomes. While NLRC4 and CASP11 inflammasomes are known to trigger pyroptosis of infected IECs, previous data showed that pyroptosis can occur in absences of these inflammasomes during E. coli infection, suggesting the involvement of other inflammasomes. Using Lentiviral/CRISPR technique, we knock out target gene sequence from primary murine IEC organoids to identify additional inflammasomes. The project provides further insights of the innate immune process in IECs, as well as characterizing the inflammasome driven expulsion process in IECs.

University of Portland

MENTORS Bingbing Li, M.D., Ph.D.

Evaluation of Omacetaxine and Methotrexate as Potential Treatments for Clear Cell
Sarcoma of Soft Tissue

Clear cell sarcoma of soft tissue (CCSST) is a rare and aggressive tumor that primarily affects adolescents and young adults. Currently, there is no standard therapy for CCSST. Our preliminary studies have shown that two FDA-approved drugs, omacetaxine and methotrexate (MTX), exhibit anti-proliferative activities in CCSST cells. In this project, we are further evaluating the efficacy of these drugs as potential therapies for CCSST.

Portland State University

MENTORS Summer Gibbs, Ph.D., Margaux Schwartz

Synthesis of Cy5 Dye with PSMA Targeting Vector (EuK)

This project aims to synthesize a PSMA-targeted contrasting agent for use in fluorescence-guided prostate cancer resection. In particular, we will be synthesizing Cy5 dye, a fluorescent molecule that emits in the near infrared. To achieve specificity for prostate cancer cells, we will link the Cy5 dye to the PSMA-targeting vector EuK. This capitalizes on the overexpression of PSMA (prostate-specific membrane antigen) in prostate cancer cells. Lastly, the targeted dye will be tested through cell studies to assess fluorophore brightness and cancer specificity.

Oregon State University

MENTORS Terry Morgan, M.D., Ph.D.

Whole Genome Bisulfite Sequencing of Mouse Pancreas to Test for Fetal Sex-
Dependent Variation in DNA Methylation

The in-utero environment may lead to epigenetic changes that affect the long-term health outcomes of offspring. Fetal growth restriction (FGR) is a complex and multifactorial disorder in which the fetus grows poorly during pregnancy due to uteroplacental dysfunction in most cases, resulting in abnormally small babies with low birth weights. In our project, we performed whole genome bisulfite sequencing (WGBS) on pancreatic DNA obtained from micro-dissected whole pancreata from FGR mouse models and normal birthweight controls in the F1 and F2 generations to test for pancreas-specific epigenetic changes, such as differences in pancreatic DNA methylation, between young males and females. This work will enable us to compare the impact of adverse in utero environments on fetal epigenetic programming of pancreatic tissue between the fetal sexes.

Oregon State University

MENTORS Kai Tao, Ph.D.

Antibody Bioengineering for Highly-Multiplexed Immunodetection in Cancer Research

To address the high demand for antibody multiplexing in biomedical research and clinic applications, Dr. Tao and his team have developed an efficient, sustainable, cost-effective, reproducible site-specific antibody covalent labeling strategy through bioengineered secondary nanobodies. Jack’s project focuses on assisting the team in demonstrating and collecting data to showcase the superior specificity, consistency, and flexibility of this novel antibody bioengineering technology compared to traditional techniques. He will apply this secondary nanobody technology in various multiplexed immunolabeling applications, such as multiplexed cell/tissue immunofluorescence imaging, multiplexed tissue imaging, multiplex fluorescent western blotting, etc.

Oregon State University

MENTORS Jaime Wildman Peterson, M.D., M.P.H.

Estamos Listos: A clinic based, Spanish school readiness checklist designed by Latino
families, providers and early childhood educators

In the Listos School Readiness Lab we are adapting and testing a parent designed school readiness checklist for Latino, Spanish speaking parents, their pediatrician, and local preschool and kindergarten teachers, we have designed a culturally responsive checklist to promote early math and literacy in primary care. This summer, we are pilot testing the Spanish Kinder Checklist to ensure feasibility and acceptability with Spanish speaking parents and pediatric providers at three Oregon clinics: Woodburn, Hillsboro and Bethany.

Portland State University

MENTORS Suzanne Fei, Ph.D.

Whole brain imaging and c-fos quantification in a mouse model of risk for excessive
alcohol drinking

Binge drinking is a pattern of drinking that results in intoxication and is known to increase the risk of developing an Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). Here, we determine which brain regions are engaged in binge-like drinking using a genetic model of risk for drinking to intoxication (inbred High Drinking in the Dark line 1, iHDID-1, mice). To determine which brain regions are engaged, we measure levels of c-Fos, an immediate early gene induced by stimuli, including alcohol drinking. Prior research has found significant sex differences in the pathways involved in and the manifestation of AUD, so sex was included as a biological variable to improve the translational relevance of the results. R was used for inferential statistics, descriptive statistics, and informatics techniques such as data wrangling, visualization, and analysis. This study identified several novel brain regions engaged during excessive alcohol drinking and differences in what regions are engaged in male versus female ethanol-drinking mice. These results illuminate how binge-like drinking differentially affects the brains of males and females. This work was supported by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (AA030908, AA030806, AA010760, AA013519, AA007468), National Institute on Drug Abuse (R25 DA050727), US Department of Veterans Affairs Merit Award I01 BX004699, and generous gift from the John R. Andrews family.

Oregon State University

MENTORS Monica Hinds, Ph.D.

The Effects of THC and CBD on Endothelial Glycocalyx and Viability

As cannabis use has become more prevalent, the need for cannabis-based research also increases. Cannabis contains the cannabinoids, Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), that attach to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) on endothelial cells. We are testing how THC and CBD treatments affect the endothelial glycocalyx and endothelial cell viability of human aortic endothelial cells. This research will help us identify how cannabis may affect endothelial inflammation and endothelial dysfunction, which can lead to cardiovascular disease.

Willamette University

MENTORS Stuart Ibsen, Ph.D.

The Use of Dielectrophoresis to Analyze Cancer-Derived Nanoparticles in Biological
Fluid Samples

This project aims to enhance early cancer detection by using dielectrophoresis technology to isolate and analyze cancer-derived nanoparticles in biological fluids. By characterizing the types of nanoparticles’ present in circulation, we hope to enhance early detection methods in solid tumor malignancies, particularly for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). The findings will contribute to the development of a comprehensive cancer detection biomarker panel, improving early diagnosis and patient outcomes for individuals with PDAC.

Oregon State University

MENTORS Craig Newgard, M.D., M.P.H.

Neighborhood Characteristics Associated with Firearm Injuries in Children and
Adolescents Across the U.S.

Our research investigates the association between neighborhood characteristics and pediatric firearm injuries across the United States. Using an ecological study design, we analyzed data from 47 states between 2018 and 2022, examining 65 variables at the ZIP Code level from multiple sources, including demographic, socioeconomic, and structural measures. Our findings indicate that factors such as structural racism, social vulnerability, and gun legislation account for a significant portion of the variability in pediatric firearm incidents, highlighting the importance of these elements in public health planning and community interventions.

University of Oregon

MENTORS Kathy Grant, Ph.D.

Using Magnetic Resonance Imaging to Understand the Neural Basis of Behavioral
Flexibility: A Volumetric Analysis in Rhesus Macaques

Behavioral flexibility is the ability to adapt to the changing rules of one’s environment. Deficits in this skill have been linked to various neurocognitive or behavioral disorders such as autism, obsessive compulsive disorder, and addiction. Previous research has focused on developing a multifactor performance index (PI) within the attentional set shifting task (ASST) to measure individual differences in behavioral flexibility among non-human primates (NHP) and found PI reliably predicts future drinking habits within macaques. The goal of this project was to explore the neuroanatomical basis of PI using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data of rhesus macaques to determine if a relationship exists between the volume of specific regions of interest and PI. Increased understanding of the neural foundations of behavioral flexibility may point to potential targets for further study or treatment.

University of Oregon

MENTORS Jonathan Pruneda, Ph.D., Phil Yates Ph.D.

Novel Inhibitors in Leishmania mexicana: A Pathway to New Antileishmanial Therapies

Leishmania mexicana, a parasite responsible for leishmaniasis in tropical regions, undergoes a complex lifecycle involving transmission by sandflies and replication within mammalian macrophages, resulting in debilitating skin lesions. Current treatments are inadequate due to their toxicity and inefficacy. Recent studies have identified promising compounds such as arylquin VMS-7-25 and chloronitrobenzamide compound 254. These compounds are hypothesized to target a crucial parasite enzyme, dephospho-coenzyme A kinase (DPCK), essential for Coenzyme A biosynthesis. This project aims to investigate whether these compounds stabilize the protein against thermal denaturation and inhibit its activity using recombinant protein expression in E. coli vectors, potentially paving the way for new therapeutic approaches to combat leishmaniasis.

Lewis & Clark College

MENTORS Daniel Zuckerman, Ph.D.

Investigating the Structural Fluctuations of an IDP via Molecular Dynamics Simulations

Molecular dynamics (M.D.) is an advanced computational technique that allows us to study biological systems and interactions at an atomic level. Intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs) lack stable secondary and tertiary structures under physiological conditions, they are inherently flexibly and can conform to different binding sites. Their flexibility explains why they are suitable binding partners. The focus of my project is to use M.D. simulations to analyze the behavior of the Intermediate Chain (IC) IDP, independent of an LC8 bound complex. The LC8 protein is a versatile protein hub that links cargo proteins to the dynein motor. This project’s main aim is to aid understanding of the binding equilibrium between LC8 and the IC protein, but this cannot be achieved without understanding how IC behaves individually.

Portland State University

MENTORS Jeremy Copperman, Ph.D., Vaibhav Murthy, B.S.

Modeling Early Breast Cancer Metastasis Dynamics in the Lung: Quantifying Single-
Cell Signaling and Microenvironmental Interactions

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a subtype of breast cancer which can metastasize to the lung. While the invading cells have multiple pro-survival growth factors in the lung microenvironment, knowledge on the cancer cell response to these factors upon initial invasion to the lung is limited. The goal of our project is to capture information about the different cell signaling patterns in the microenvironment and how it determines cell fate (survival or death). We will track Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase (ERK) activity (a downstream effector of Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor, a common driver of TNBC) by creating a computational model capable of nuclear segmentation in 3D live-cell imaging of bioengineered 3D tissues. The model will be used to quantify cell cytoplasm-to-nuclei ratios of a fluorescent ERK translocation reporter. The cytoplasmic nuclear ratio quantification will then provide insight to the influence of ERK signaling on cell fate during the early stages of metastasis to the lung.

Indiana University

MENTORS Hui Wu, Ph.D.

Investigating diadenylate cyclase’s role in biofilm formation and environmental stress
in Streptococcus mutans

Streptococcus mutans is the most common bacteria in the mouth, and it contributes to dental caries. We aim to identify the characteristics of the DAC mutant strain to determine its ability to tolerate environmental stress such as detergent. By studying this, we hope to understand the gene function in S. mutans and its impact on pathogenicity.

Swarthmore College

MENTORS Katharine Zuckerman, M.D., M.P.H, FAAP

Constructing culturally appropriate surveys to better understand how Limited English
Proficiency (LEP) affects families’ access to autism care for their children

The Zuckerman lab’s LEAP project is centered around understanding how families with limited English proficiency (LEP) get access to autism diagnosis and care for their children. Using relevant measures, we constructed surveys in five distinct languages including English, Spanish, Chinese-Mandarin, Kreyòl, and Vietnamese. To ensure accurate translations, appropriateness, and reading level of each question, we will be conducting cognitive interviews with native speakers who have kids with ASD. We are hoping to gain valuable and meaningful insights from parents to improve the LEAP survey and better understand how these families access autism care for their children.

University of Southern California

MENTORS Omar Kamal, M.D.

Assessing the correlation between MRI proton density fat fraction (MR-PDFF) and CT
attenuation in Pancreatic fat quantification

The buildup of fat within the pancreas, known as pancreatic steatosis, can impair the function of beta cells (B cells) responsible for producing insulin. While MRI Proton Density Fat Fraction (PDFF) provides a reliable non-invasive method for quantifying pancreatic triglyceride content, it is not widely adopted in clinical practice due to technical requirements and time limitations. In contrast, abdominal CT scans, which always include the pancreas, are more commonly performed and more widely available, although their accuracy in fat quantification is not well established. The aim of this study is to assess the correlation between MRPDFF and CT attenuation of the pancreas.

Simmons University

MENTORS Henry Lin, M.D., M.B.A

Improving Access to Pediatric Gastroenterology Care in Rural Oregon: An Assessment
of the Pediatric GI Referral Needs, Challenges, and Expectations of Rural Primary Care
Providers

Access to pediatric gastroenterology (GI) care in rural communities is limited and primary care providers (PCPs) in these areas rely on the referral process in order for pediatric patients to obtain appropriate specialist management of their GI condition. By conducting semi-structured interviews with various pediatric GI referring providers throughout Oregon, we can obtain valuable feedback on ways to improve our current referral process to ensure health equity and increase accessibility of pediatric subspecialty care for rural Oregon.

Lewis & Clark College

MENTORS Carolyn Schutt Ibsen, Ph.D.

Investigating the Role of Vascular Endothelial Cells in the Link between Cardiovascular
Disease and Breast Cancer Progression

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been associated with increased risk of cancer progression and it is thought that circulating factors released from CVD may be involved in the process. However, the role of endothelial cells (ECs) in this process remains poorly understood. In this project, we characterized how specific proteins secreted in CVD patients affect cytokine release from ECs using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction. In addition, our project also contributed to the development of a bio-fabricated 3D vascular model that better replicates the environment where ECs naturally reside. This study aims to contribute valuable insights into the field of reverse cardio-oncology which can inform improved cancer screening standards for patients with a CVD diagnosis.