Name: Tara聽Pattilachan 鈥�22

Major: Biomedical sciences

Why are you interested in this research?

My fascination with this research emerged from its position at the pinnacle of contemporary medicine, combining materials science and engineering principles to develop personalized gene delivery methods. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, I dove into initiatives like developing a contact tracer app and a COVID-19 public policy map in collaboration with Hikma Health 鈥� all from my own space at home. However, it was during my time as a journalism fellow at StartUp Health, interviewing leaders in pharmaceuticals and biotechnology companies, that I truly understood the central role of gene therapy and nanomedicine in producing and distributing COVID-19 vaccines globally. Inspired to be part of this monumental effort, I found an avenue at Dr. Mehdi Razavi鈥檚 Biomaterials and Nanomedicine Lab at the 麻豆原创 College of Medicine. There, we’re advancing the field by targeting osteoporosis treatment through personalized, 鈥榯heranostic鈥� (therapeutic and diagnostic) nanobubbles. In parallel, my experiences as a medical assistant and in clinical settings allowed me to meet osteoporosis patients, whose personal stories, challenges, and hopes of a cure cemented my commitment to research in gene therapy and nanomedicine.

How did you get started in research at 麻豆原创?

Upon arriving at 麻豆原创, I was already set on a research-driven path, informed by experiences few students have had. In high school, my participation in the National Brain Bee offered a glimpse into the potential of neuroscience research, which was further solidified by a brief role working in Alzheimer鈥檚 research at USF. At 麻豆原创, my initial interest gravitated towards computational studies, leading me to Dr. Ulas Bagci鈥檚 Medical Imaging Lab, then a part of 麻豆原创鈥檚 Center of Research in Computer Vision and now situated at Northwestern鈥檚 Feinberg School of Medicine. This lab exposed me to cutting-edge artificial intelligence applications in medical research, where I honed my skills in ‘dry’ lab techniques and programming. However, as I advanced in my undergraduate studies, my focus shifted to gene therapy, particularly its applications in cancer treatment. This newfound interest directed me to Dr. Razavi鈥檚 lab, laying the groundwork for my honors thesis. Transitioning from the vastness of artificial intelligence to the minute realm of nanomedicine, I’ve come to learn that sometimes the tiniest particles wield the greatest influence over human health.

Who is your mentor? Who inspires you and how?

Pinpointing a singular mentor or source of inspiration feels almost impossible, as my journey has been shaped by a mosaic of influential individuals. Dr. Bagci and Dr. Razavi, for instance, have played (and continue to play) pivotal mentorship roles in my professional trajectory, fueling my interest in joining computational and engineering principles with clinical medicine. My family, teachers, and friends form the foundation of my personal values, giving me the strength and motivation to tackle challenges head-on. My admiration also extends to my current supervisor and mentor, Dr. Sharona Ross, who is an exceptional surgeon devoted to robotic surgery research and championing women in surgery. However, I firmly believe that every interaction I’ve had has taught me something valuable and served as a source of inspiration in its own unique way.

How does 麻豆原创 empower you to do your research?

麻豆原创 has been integral to my research journey and has been a major catalyst for my growth. Given its vast size and scale, the university provides a wide and niche array of research opportunities for its students. What sets 麻豆原创 apart from other institutions is its proactive approach in motivating students to engage in research. Through initiatives like student research grants and the Student Undergraduate Research Council to summer fellowships and presenting at the Student Scholar Symposium, 麻豆原创鈥檚 commitment is clear: this is an institution dedicated to fostering the next generation of leaders and innovators. Every faculty member I’ve interacted with through my years has shown genuine support for students, valuing their curiosity over their background or prior experience.

With 麻豆原创’s support, I presented my work at the College of Medicine鈥檚 Biionix Symposium, a milestone that immensely promoted my confidence in effectively conveying research concepts to audiences. I鈥檓 also looking forward to presenting my research at another conference later this year. In addition, I鈥檝e had the privilege to collaborate on a literature review on nanobubbles alongside other fellow 麻豆原创 students 鈥� a clear testament to the collaborative culture here. 麻豆原创’s emphasis on innovation and entrepreneurship has also allowed me to file a patent related to my honors undergraduate thesis, introducing a novel method for synthesizing nanobubbles targeting osteoporosis. My journey hasn鈥檛 been without its hurdles, but 麻豆原创 has consistently been a source of encouragement and opportunity. Grateful for the knowledge and experiences I’ve attained, I’m now focused on mentoring the next generation of 麻豆原创 students, guiding them through the multifaceted world of research and the limitless opportunities here.

Why is this research important?

Osteoporosis, a debilitating disease that affects millions of people worldwide, currently lacks a definitive cure. The existing treatments, such as bisphosphonates and anabolic therapies, come with their own set of complications, including atypical fractures and osteonecrosis in the jaw. It’s clear that a novel breakthrough is needed.

Enter nanobubbles: our innovative, non-invasive solution. As the scientific community buzzes about the applications of gene editing and delivery, nanobubbles have emerged as a promising gene delivery vehicle candidate. These small echogenic gas cores can load, expand, and subsequently release therapeutic drugs or genes. Their novelty lies in their dual functionality: not only can they deliver cathepsin K siRNA to disrupt osteoclasts, which are responsible for bone degradation, but they are also ultrasound-responsive, serving as contrast agents in ultrasound imaging. This synergistic approach is complemented by the therapeutic potential of low-intensity ultrasound pulses, which can promote bone and tissue regeneration.

However, the significance of this research extends beyond laboratory experiments and academic discussions. I recently lectured at the University of South Florida’s Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, where I introduced senior citizens to the field of gene therapy. After sharing some insights from my thesis, many approached me with their personal struggles with illnesses like cancer and osteoporosis. Their stories, full of optimism and anticipation, illustrated the real-world implications of our work.

Looking to the horizon, as we venture into the era of space exploration and tourism, the health challenges posed by microgravity-induced strain and ionizing radiation cannot be ignored. Osteoporosis and bone fractures intensified in the space environment will pose a significant challenge, even to the young. Our work with nanobubbles could very well be the ultimate countermeasure, ensuring that as we embark on interstellar journeys, we remain strong against the health challenges of the cosmos.

By using bioabsorbable magnesium composites, Razavi鈥檚 team is developing screws, pins, rods and other medical implants that dissolve within the body, eliminating the need to remove them.

鈥淭he traditional titanium bone implants work well and have been around for a long time, but you need a second procedure to remove them, which can bring psychological issues,鈥� he says. 聽Inserting strong implants, like titanium, also can actually inhibit bone growth, he says, because the body鈥檚 weight is transferred to the metal 鈥� not the bone 鈥� during recovery.

鈥淗owever, magnesium has mechanical properties very similar to bone, already exists in the body, and promotes bone formation, making it an ideal option,鈥� he says.

Nemours Children鈥檚 Health鈥檚 Zach Stinson, a pediatric orthopedic and sports medicine surgeon who had contributed to the research, says he agrees. He says biodegradable implants could take substantial stress and financial burdens off families, noting that one in three children breaks a bone at some point in childhood.

鈥淓very time I have to fix a kid鈥檚 broken bone, the automatic question almost every time from the parent is, 鈥業s that going to stay in forever?鈥� Psychologically, it鈥檚 a big deal,鈥� he says. 鈥淚f you have an implantable metal that is naturally absorbed and does not have to be removed during a second surgery, that has tremendous benefits in terms of eliminating the stress of additional surgeries on patients and containing healthcare costs.鈥�

Razavi says his magnesium composite is also infused with nanoparticles that are absorbed into the tissue as the implant dissolves. The nanoparticles help regenerate new bone, making the healing process quicker.

鈥淲hat we do is called regenerative medicine, where we build bioactive materials that can repair tissue.鈥� he says. 鈥淢y research is always focused on bringing together advancements in material science and medicine. This research is focused on bone tissue that has been lost due to bone fractures, tumor removal and osteoporosis.鈥�

Magnesium, he says, is an ideal material for bone health and healing. It is as strong as metal, but more flexible than ceramics, and because it is a compound already found in the body, there are fewer chances for rejection. As the magnesium plates and screws dissolve over three to six months post-surgery, patients鈥� systems can safely filter the natural product out of the body. The team has successfully used the implants in rat models 鈥� the first step in getting the devices approved for testing in humans.

Second-year 麻豆原创 medical student Alison Grise is part of Razavi鈥檚 team and considers her work an important opportunity to grow and be a part of something that could help patients for years.

鈥淚t is so exciting to be working on research that can eventually improve the way we treat patients, especially to be involved in the early stages. The fact that it is helping me build by surgical, clinical and research skills is also important to me,鈥� she said.

The team is also looking at how the magnesium composite could be developed for applications beyond medicine and has received funding from the U.S.National Science Foundation to improve the material鈥檚 properties and create possible applications for the aerospace, automotive and sports industries.

Each year, over 60 students across the country are awarded up to $15,000 each through the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation (ASF). ASF awarded its first seven scholarships, which were sponsored by the founding Mercury 7 astronauts, in 1986. Students must be nominated by a faculty member at their institution and must demonstrate considerable dedication to their field of study. In addition to the monetary award, scholars receive a paid trip to ASF鈥檚 Innovators Weekend as well as the chance to connect with Astronaut Scholar alumni, the Foundation, and the astronauts themselves.

鈥淲e are extremely proud of the ASF Scholars selected this year,鈥� says Morgan Bauer, director of the Office of Prestigious Awards. 鈥淭hese students are the future leaders in their respective STEM fields.鈥�

All three of 麻豆原创鈥檚 scholarship recipients are part of the Burnett Honors College, and are either in the process of completing, or have completed, an Honors Undergraduate Thesis (HUT). Read below to learn more about their research and what they hope to achieve in college and beyond.

Angela Shar

For Angela Shar, the Astronaut Scholarship provided a renewed sense of purpose in her work and the opportunity to help others who are still in the early stages of their research journeys. This is Shar鈥檚 second time receiving this award. She also received the Goldwater Scholarship last year, an award that recognizes undergraduate students who study science, engineering, or mathematics and show an impressive commitment to research.

鈥淚t definitely has a special place in my heart when others are eager to get into research, because I鈥檝e been there myself,鈥� she says. 鈥淚t鈥檚 the best feeling to tell them 鈥榊es, you will get there鈥� and 鈥榊es, your research matters.鈥欌��

Shar will graduate from 麻豆原创 with her bachelor鈥檚 in biomedical sciences in Fall 2022. She dreams of one day achieving a translational research project 鈥� one in which research begins in the lab and progresses into in vitro and in vivo experiments, then into human clinical trials, eventually culminating in a feasible treatment for patients. Day-to-day, Shar intends to practice as a rheumatologist while running her own academic research lab and teaching medical students. Shar attributes much of her success in research to the guidance of her mentors, including her principal investigator (PI) and research mentor, Mehdi Razavi, assistant professor of medicine, materials science and engineering, and biionix.

鈥淎 patent, a publication, an honors thesis, and three conferences later, I don鈥檛 feel that I would be where I am today without the steadfast support of all my mentors,鈥� she says.

Sanjeev Gurshaney

Biomedical sciences major Sanjeev Gurshaney is proof that persistence breeds success. After submitting an unsuccessful application for the Astronaut Scholarship last year, he resolved to continue demonstrating diligence in both research and academics. The results of his hard work are clearly recognizable: Gurshaney was awarded both the Astronaut Scholarship and the Goldwater Scholarship this past year. Along with expressing appreciation for the Office of Prestigious Awards and 罢测濒别谤听Fisher 鈥�02 鈥�03, Gurshaney also thanks his PI, Assistant Professor of Medicine Hung Nguyen, who has served as his research mentor for the past three years.

Gurshaney鈥檚 research topic is an incredibly timely one. Clinicians noticed early in the COVID-19 pandemic that patients with metabolic diseases were more likely to suffer severe symptoms of COVID, but the exact reason for this was unknown. Thus, Gurshaney began researching the relationship between cellular metabolism and immune dysfunction in severe COVID-19 cases. When his lab could no longer access patient samples due to biosafety regulations during the pandemic, he transitioned to performing data mining on publicly available genomic datasets to investigate trends regarding metabolism. Eventually, Gurshaney compiled聽his findings into an author manuscript which has been submitted for publication and uploaded to bioRxviv, an open-access preprint server. His dream is to pursue a dual M.D./Ph.D. program and work in a lab where he can make discoveries that translate directly to patients.

Catherine Millwater

Catherine Millwater first learned about this scholarship before her undergraduate career even began. During a tour at 麻豆原创, she spotted the names of past winners on the Acclaimed Knights Wall in the Student Union. That day, Millwater made it her goal to earn the Astronaut Scholarship. With the help of her research mentor, Pegasus Professor of Physics Joe Harrington, and several other 麻豆原创 faculty and staff members, she achieved this goal.

Millwater鈥檚 HUT explores the bearing capacity of lunar regolith, the layer of debris covering the moon’s surface. Her research allows her to develop coding, math and electrical engineering skills to gain real-world experience that complements her major in physics. She says she hopes to eventually present her research at a planetary science conference and plans to earn her Ph.D. in planetary geophysics. Ultimately, she would like to build rovers, help plan space missions, or be an astronaut.

For students interested in the Astronaut Scholarship, Millwater鈥檚 advice is simple: 鈥淚f you’re reading this and thinking about applying for this scholarship, do it. If you want to apply but are afraid of not getting selected, do it anyway.鈥�

Students interested in this award or other prestigious awards are encouraged to reach out to the Office of Prestigious Awards at opa@ucf.edu.

鈥淚f I鈥檓 awake,鈥� Gurshaney says, 鈥渢hen I鈥檓 thinking about progress.鈥�

This visionary mindset is why he鈥檚 among three 麻豆原创 students who have been chosen for the 2022 Goldwater Scholarship, widely considered the most prestigious award for undergraduates studying natural sciences, mathematics and engineering. Gurshaney, Camila Acevedo Carrillo and Angela Shar were selected from more than 5,000 nominees representing 433 colleges and universities.

When you know what drives these three, you understand the real importance of the Goldwater honor.

鈥淭his is a steppingstone,鈥� Gurshaney says, 鈥渁nd makes me want to work harder to make lives better.鈥�

Sanjeev Gurshaney

Studying: Biomedical sciences, mathematics (minor)
On Track to Graduate: May 2023
Goldwater Mentors: Assistant Professor Hung Nguyen (immunotherapy) and Assistant Professor Alicia Hawthorne (neurobiology)
Ultimate Goal: 鈥�To earn an MD Ph.D. and use my lab research in immunotherapy to directly help patients in the clinic.鈥�

You might wonder which of Gurshaney鈥檚 classes requires him to be in the lab 30-plus hours a week. He already has a heavy academic load in science and math.

鈥淚t isn鈥檛 a requirement,鈥� Gurshaney says. 鈥淚 do it because I want to.鈥�

Holiday weeks and summer breaks excite him because then he can spend 40-50 hours a week in the lab. It鈥檚 been this way since he arrived for his first semester at 麻豆原创 from Montgomery, Alabama, and became attached to the tiny trials and errors with enormous implications.

鈥淚 saw an environment where people are trying to improve lives around the world on a micro-scale,鈥� Gurshaney says. The Goldwater Scholarship suggests he鈥檚 on the right track.

Professor Hung Nguyen provided Gurshaney鈥檚 initial entry into a 麻豆原创 lab where they studied how the metabolism of cells can be leveraged to improve the responsiveness of blood cancer patients to immunotherapy. Gurshaney says, 鈥淲e were making progress, but then 鈥︹��

COVID-19 closed everything, including the lab. Instead of shutting down with it, Gurshaney dug into whatever data he could find on COVID patients.

鈥淲e found a clear mechanistic link between the metabolism of patients and a dysregulated immune response during severe COVID-19 disease,鈥� Gurshaney says.

The findings helped solidify his existing plans: to earn a Ph.D. and an MD so he can use his lab findings to treat patients. In the same way he wants to apply his research to the bedside, he applies his affinity for tennis to teaching special-needs children.

鈥淚鈥檝e always been inspired by how excited they are to be on the court,鈥� he says. 鈥淚t motivates me to improve people鈥檚 lives. That鈥檚 what makes me want to get back into the lab.鈥�

Camila Acevedo Carrillo

Studying: Computer science
On Track to Graduate: May 2023
Goldwater Mentor: Associate Professor Pamela Wisniewski (computer science)
Ultimate Goal: 鈥淭o make assistive devices more affordable, more durable, and more advanced for people with disabilities.鈥�

It took six years for Camila Acevedo Carrillo to find her academic footing. She dabbled in STEM during high school in Puerto Rico, but only as a school subject.

鈥淚 didn鈥檛 know it could lead into a career,鈥� she says.

So, during her freshman year of college on the island she defaulted to political science.

鈥淏ut it would be relevant only if I went to law school 鈥� and I didn鈥檛 have the interest or resources,鈥� she says.

After moving to Orlando and enrolling at Valencia College, Acevedo Carrillo started on an engineering track.

鈥淚t wasn鈥檛 right for me. I began to question if I鈥檇 find the right fit,鈥� Acevedo Carrillo says.

It turns out, the answer had always been in her life.

When Acevedo Carrillo changed her major to computer science, everything clicked. She thrives in the structure of coding. She likes setting an example for young Latin American women who might question if they have a place in a male-dominant field. And she found encouragement from her mentor in computer science, Associate Professor Pamela Wisniewski.

鈥淪he鈥檚 a phenomenal educator,鈥� Acevedo Carrillo says. 鈥淚鈥檝e been inspired with her work-life balance as a mother and wife, and her commitment to making a social impact in a field that often glorifies the opposite.”

Acevedo Carrillo has another inspiration. She remembers eating ice cream in a town square around along Puerto Rico鈥檚 south coast on Sundays. Her mom or dad would struggle to make sure their youngest daughter, Gabriela, could join them. Gabriela was born with numerous conditions, including cerebral palsy.

鈥淢ost assistive devices are poorly made and expensive. It makes every day a challenge. I know we can use data and clinical trials to develop better equipment.鈥�

Acevedo Carrillo didn鈥檛 have publications or conference presentations for her Goldwater application, but her research has a distinct purpose.

鈥淭he scholarship assures me that my vision is viable,鈥� she says. 鈥淚鈥檇 say this to anyone trying to find direction: Whatever you think about every day that could help people, pursue it. You could be on a track to leave a legacy.鈥�

Angela Shar

Studying: Biomedical sciences
On Track to Graduate: Fall 2022
Goldwater Mentors: Assistant Professor Mehdi Razavi (materials science), Assistant Professor David Flory (physiology), Professor Jessica Wilson (microbiology)
Ultimate Goal: 鈥淭o take translational research from the lab to the bedside with patients.鈥�

Angela Shar understands the nano-world more clearly than most of us understand the world in front of our faces. But when asked what drives her to excellence, the Goldwater recipient gives a surprising answer.

鈥淔ailure. That鈥檚 the result from 99% of research. The one time you have success is rare. That鈥檚 why I love it so much,鈥� she says.

Shar has had different research projects underway since she was 11 years old, so she鈥檚 built quite an affection for failure. During the past three years at 麻豆原创, she鈥檚 been developing a platform to use nanobubbles under the control of ultrasound to help target osteoporosis in specific areas of the body. She once went 8-9 months with no solid results.

鈥淲hen I finally saw nanobubbles targeting a pelvis, it was like an out of body experience,鈥� she says. 鈥淭his is what I appreciate about 麻豆原创. Students are allowed to try new ideas. When I鈥檓 in the lab, anything is possible鈥�

Shar鈥檚 parents immigrated to the U.S. from Myanmar. They would take Angela and her brother on family trips back to Southeast Asia, in part to show them why they鈥檙e so appreciative of America. When she was seven years old, Shar went to an elementary school for children who were deaf and/or blind.

鈥淚n that moment I saw how resilient those kids were. It always stayed with me,鈥� she says.

Resilience guides her in the lab, failures and all. She also tapped into that resilience a year ago when she applied for and didn鈥檛 receive a Goldwater Scholarship.

鈥淚鈥檓 glad that I grew from it and tried again. The real prize is the community of scholars across the country,鈥� Shar says. 鈥淲e all understand the late nights in labs and the importance of failures. Without them, there would be no groundbreaking successes.鈥�

Students interested in applying for the Goldwater Scholarship or other major national awards should contact the Office of Prestigious Awards at聽opa@ucf.edu.