INBRE Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (iSURF) Program

My research explores protein chemistry, inflammation, and pathogenic microbiology. I primarily study spore germination in Clostridium difficile (C. diff) and Bacillus anthracis (anthrax). Current projects include characterizing C. diff in dogs, testing novel antibiotics, studying anthrax germination mutants, exploring natural compounds’ effects on cytokine production in dendritic cells, characterizing novel fluorophores in living cells, and understanding the population dynamics of gut flora in C. diff-infected rodents.

Not participating in the 2025 summer research programs

My research interests lie at the intersection of engineering, medicine, and data science. I’ve developed a workflow that uses nanoparticle probes to characterize the nanoparticle-tissue microenvironment interface through predictive machine learning models, which inform the design of nanoparticle platforms for drug delivery. This summer, my research projects will focus on three areas: fluorescent nanoparticle tracking using machine learning, interdisciplinary data science collaborations with genetics and environmental datasets, and implementing metacognitive and gamification interventions in undergraduate research.

Participating in the 2025 iSURF-Flex program

Not participating in the 2025 summer research programs

My summer research in the Spring Mountains focuses on water quality, hydrogeology, and environmental health. I collaborate with Friends of Nevada Wilderness to collect data for the Springs Stewardship Institute and develop independent projects related to the area. My research utilizes handheld water quality instruments, drones, thermal cameras, and GIS software for spatial mapping and 3D modeling. Students interested in aquatic microbiology can join microbial diversity studies with NSU faculty. Fieldwork includes hiking in challenging conditions, so adaptability is essential.

Not participating in the 2025 summer research programs

I am a physicist focused on researching nanomaterials, particularly nanoparticles, which have diverse applications such as biosensors, MRI contrast agents, cancer therapies, photovoltaics, and drug delivery systems. This summer, my project will develop a next-generation magneto-plasmonic sensor using nanoparticles. The first stage involves creating protocols for synthesizing and characterizing these magnetic and plasmonic nanoparticles. Students will be mentored on various aspects of the project, gaining skills in wet chemical synthesis, electrochemistry, electron microscopy, and material fabrication to enhance current biosensor technologies.

Participating in the 2025 iSURF program

This summer, I will focus on two projects. The first involves studying antigen stability when bound to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) in immunology. The second project will explore a DNA repair protein that contributes to certain malignancies becoming resistant to alkylating chemotherapeutics. Students working on these projects will perform experiments and learn techniques such as thermal stability assays, protein and DNA purification, gene expression, and gel electrophoresis, developing skills applicable to future research and clinical settings.

Participating in the 2025 iSURF program

My research explores the identification of plant and fungal species through DNA metabarcoding of soil samples. This technique is essential for detecting cryptic species and those in seed banks that traditional methods miss. It has broader applications, such as modeling species distribution changes due to climate change and wildfires. Additionally, it can identify pathogenic eukaryotic organisms, which is important for human health research. For instance, an undergraduate project utilized Oxford nanopore sequencing and qPCR to detect Coccidioides, the fungus causing Valley Fever.

Not participating in the 2025 summer research programs

My research focuses on isolating and identifying novel antibiotic-producing bacteria from Las Vegas soils. I use biochemical techniques to assess bacterial characteristics, conduct antimicrobial assays against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, and perform genetic sequencing for identification. Students involved in this project will learn various microbiological techniques, including sample collection, culturing, and antimicrobial testing, while contributing to the research. This hands-on experience will enhance their understanding of antibiotic discovery and microbial diversity. 

Not participating in the 2025 summer research programs