Berthiaume Institute for Precision Health

Katalin Sch?ffer, a PhD student in Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, being advised by Prof. Margaret Coad, was a recipient of the 2024 O'Brien Endowment for Excellence Graduate Fellowship. Want to learn more about her research? Check out the video below! Learn more about Katalin: "When applying to college I learned about the bionics undergraduate course, in which I would gather background knowledge in biology and learn programming and engineering skills to solve biomedical research problems. I became determined to pursue this field of study, as I found it both extremely interesting and impactful. I am fascinated by the diversity of the biomedical engineering field. Through my undergraduate and Masters studies, I worked on various research projects including biomedical image processing and bioinspired prosthetic hand control. Currently, I am in the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering PhD program developing wearable devices for movement assistance using soft robotics. Soft robotics is an exciting field that utilizes a large variety of materials to create the bodies of robots, which accommodates researcher’s creativity. Another aspect of my work that I enjoy is being a part of the Innovative Robotics and Interactive Systems Lab, which is a welcoming and supportive community. Here, I find it inspiring and rewarding to mentor undergraduate students and I am working currently with two students. I also like to participate in outreach events with the lab where I can share the experiences of my research work with students from younger age groups. After completing the PhD, I aim to apply for a postdoctoral position, as my intended career is to stay in academia focusing on soft robotics research with biomedical applications. I would like to use my interdisciplinary background to collaborate with research groups to solve complex problems. Also, my goal is to work on shifting the emphasis in the research community from purely focusing on scientifically interesting technical inventions to looking into real-life applications. I believe the creative freedom in academia can help to explore a large variety of possible designs and approaches that will effectively help people in everyday life."

Maksym Zarodniuk, a PhD student in Bioengineering, being advised by Prof. Meenal Datta, was a recipient of the 2024 BIPH Summer Fellowship. Want to learn more about his research? Check out the video below! Learn more about Maksym: "My interest in genomics began when I worked as an intern in the Estonian Genome Center. In our work, we identified a set of adaptive mutations that may be responsible for chronic inflammatory disorders. During this project, I learned how SNP genotyping data can be used to infer relationships between population history and genetic variation, which can shed light on early events in disease pathogenesis. This experience prompted my next research project on the function of the AIRE gene, where I used single-cell RNA-seq and B cell repertoire sequencing to study how the development of autoantibodies in AIRE-deficient rats impairs interferon response pathways and leads to milder autoimmune symptoms. Over the course of this project, I learned how single-cell genomics tools can be used to uncover cellular mechanisms underlying complex disease phenotypes. Following the completion of my undergraduate degree, I was eager to apply my emerging expertise in single-cell genomics to cancer research. Under the mentorship of Prof. Meenal Datta, I initiated a project analyzing publicly available glioblastoma RNA-seq datasets. This endeavor led to the identification of a relatively novel cell type in glioblastoma – perivascular fibroblasts, that deposit dense extracellular matrix around blood vessels and promote tumor growth. This discovery sparked my interest in investigating how perivascular fibroblasts may affect tumor stiffness and perfusion. My long-term career aspiration is to become a leading expert in cancer genomics to understand and overcome the barriers to implementing precision medicine in the treatment of incurable cancers, such as glioblastoma. Therefore, upon completion of my PhD, I plan to pursue a postdoctoral degree in a research hospital. I believe that working in a clinical research setting will allow me to strengthen the impact of my research and will make me more sensitive to administrative challenges that preclude the equitable use of precision medicine."

Marlee Shaffer, a PhD student in Environmental Engineering, being advised by Prof. Kyler Bibby, was a recipient of the 2024 Berry Summer Fellowship. Want to learn more about her research? Check out the video below! Learn more about Marlee: "As an environmental engineer, I am committed to protecting public health. My research looks at developing better detection methods for assessing the presence of viable viruses as well as elucidating the efficacy of current treatment methods for inactivating pathogenic viruses. Throughout my Ph.D., I have used novel techniques to analyze the persistence of emerging and established pathogens, including Lassa Virus, SARS-CoV-2, and human norovirus. Specifically, my work assessed the stability of these viruses in environmental and waste waters, as well as with disinfection methods, such as chlorine and heat. My interest in biomedical research stems from a desire to strengthen community disease surveillance through advanced molecular detection and metagenomic sequencing, thereby enhancing early warning systems for epidemic outbreaks. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I monitored SARS-CoV-2 RNA levels in wastewater, providing crucial insights for decision-makers regarding testing protocols and disease transmission dynamics at Notre Dame. My intended career is as an academic at a R1 institution conducting research at the intersection of environmental engineering,public health, and molecular biology. My research will focus on the detection, presence, and persistence of pathogens, both bacterial and viral, in the environment and improve risk assessment models by incorporating decay data found from my experiments. Furthermore, I've actively embraced leadership roles at Notre Dame, serving as a Graduate Orientation Leader, a mentor for the Graduate Resilience Alliance at Notre Dame (GRAND), and a member of various university committees including the Faculty-Student Senate, GSG Professional Development Committee, and Health and Wellness Committee. Within my department, I've sat as President of the Environmental Engineering Society and am currently the CEEES Department Graduate Social Chair. Moreover, my dedication to community service includes active involvement in volunteering endeavors such as assisting at the local food pantry and supporting initiatives like Unity Gardens in South Bend."

Congratulations to the awardees of our 2024 Technology Development Fund, whose innovations will advance solutions at the frontier of science and engineering for health. As Matthew J. Webber, acting director of the Institute, explains, “We are especially proud that nearly all of the recipients are early-career faculty from multiple departments across campus, highlighting the breadth of expertise and creativity driving BIPH initiatives.” Learn more about the cutting-edge research paths that these awards will make possible: https://lnkd.in/eewJNtNs

Thanh Khoa Nguyen, a PhD student in Integrated Biomedical Sciences, being advised by Prof. Rebecca Wingert, was a recipient of the 2024 Berry Summer Fellowship. Want to learn more about his research? Check out the video below! Learn more about Thanh Khoa: "My passion for biomedical research comes from a commitment to addressing kidney diseases, an urgent public health challenge. Through my experiences as a graduate student, I have come to realize significant knowledge gaps in understanding kidney genetics and development. At a larger scale, I also learned about the significant societal and financial burdens associated with kidney diseases, especially their disproportionate impact on marginalized communities. Therefore, I have dedicated my graduate studies to unraveling the genetic mechanisms underlying kidney development and exploring novel therapeutic avenues. My research endeavors have led me to discover pivotal genes for the development of renal multiciliated cells (MCCs) in the zebrafish. Notably, our investigation revealed the critical role of the transcription factor Empty spiracles homeobox gene 2 (Emx2) in regulating prostaglandin pathway in dictating renal MCC development, presenting a promising avenue for targeted interventions in kidney diseases. Building upon this foundation, I am committed to advancing the understanding of kidney pathophysiology and leveraging small molecules for therapeutic interventions. Along with my benchwork, I have been actively engaging in initiatives aimed at raising awareness of kidney diseases and health equity. For example, I am currently a Graduate Justice Fellow for the school year 2023-2024 at the Center for Social Concerns. I have utilized my expertise to foster dialogue and promote understanding of kidney research within broader social contexts. Looking ahead, I want to pursue a career as an academic researcher, where I aim to further contribute to kidney research and translate scientific discoveries to drug therapies for patients. My ultimate goal is to advance precision health initiatives, particularly in the realms of kidney diseases to address health equity both in the US and global scale."

Kurt Kohler, a PhD student in Biological Sciences, being advised by Prof. Ana Lidia Flores-Mireles, was a recipient of the 2024 BIPH Summer Fellowship. Want to learn more about his research? Check out the video below! Learn more about Kurt: "I embarked on my undergraduate journey at Indiana University with aspirations of a career in medicine. However, my path took an unexpected turn dueto the influence of remarkable scientists who ignited my passion for research. Dr. Daniel Kearns opened my eyes to the world of microbiology and the intricate molecular mechanisms that govern microbial life. My curiosity deepened during a biotechnology lab course, where I met Dr. Nancy Magill, a mentor who encouraged my involvement in research. Her guidance was pivotal, prompting me to switch my major to biotechnology and join her laboratory as an undergraduate researcher. This decision marked the beginning of my deep-seated passion for understanding microbial systems and leveraging this knowledge to address real-world challenges. Motivated by this newfound passion and supported by my mentor, I decided to pursue graduate school. At Notre Dame, I joined the Flores-Mireles lab and besides studying the unique uropathogen E. faecalis, I have been the recipient of invaluable mentorship and had the opportunity to mentor future scientists. My experience as a Graduate Assistant and Instructor of Record has enriched my understanding of biology and cemented my commitment to education. Teaching and mentoring students has not only been a fulfilling aspect of my graduate career but has also reinforced my dedication to nurturing the scientific curiosity of future generations. Because of the positive impact of my mentors throughout my education, I am eager to pay it forward and become an influential professor and mentor for future students."

Julius Reitemeier, a PhD student in Analytical Chemistry being advised by Prof. Paul Bohn, was a recipient of the 2024 BIPH Summer Fellowship. Want to learn more about his research? Check out the video below! Learn more about Julius: "My commitment to advance biomedical research has been exemplified from the very start of my PhD journey in 2021, embarking on a journey from Germany to the United States amid the COVID-19 pandemic. My academic endeavor, rooted in a rich educational background from the University of Heidelberg, has been dedicated to developing novel hydrophobically-gated nanoscale biosensors, a pursuit blending analytical chemistry with biomedical applications. These sensors, aimed at detecting oxidative impurities in lipid nanoparticles and inflammatory biomarkers in non-invasive body fluids, underscore my passion for leveraging chemistry to address pressing healthcare challenges, and my research has resulted in five peer-reviewed publications to this point. Throughout my academic career, my leadership capabilities flourished as President of the Electrochemical Society Notre Dame Student Chapter, where I orchestrated growth and fostered a vibrant academic community, culminating in the ECS Outstanding Student Chapter Award 2023, a prestigious international award. Collaborative projects with industry partners, such as Moderna and Evonik, further honed my skills in translating academic research into tangible industry solutions, solidifying my resolve to bridge the gap between scientific discovery and biomedical innovation. As an invited speaker at prestigious platforms like the Nanopore Weekly Meeting, I have advocated for the potential of analytical chemistry in point-of-use health applications, emphasizing the importance of communication in scientific advancement. My ultimate career goal is to lead interdisciplinary research teams in developing innovative diagnostic tools, contributing to personalized medicine and enhancing patient care. This fellowship represents a pivotal opportunity to expand my research horizons, refine my scientific communication skills, and solidify my trajectory towards becoming a key contributor to the biomedical research community. I am eager to bring my unique perspective, shaped by international experiences and a commitment to service, to the fellowship program, aspiring to make meaningful contributions to the field of point-of-use biomedical platforms."

For October, Notre Dame Nanoscience & Technology (NDnano) welcomed the University of Notre Dame's Prakash Daniel Nallathamby, Ph.D. as the featured presenter at our monthly networking lunch meeting. Prakash is the Associate Director of Research and Assistant Professor of Practice at the Berthiaume Institute for Precision Health and an Assistant Research Professor in the Bioengineering graduate program in Aerospace & Mechanical Engineering. Dr. Nallathamby's research focuses on making nanoparticle-based technologies accessible to all research groups. The title of Dr. Nallathamby's presentation was Tuning the Architecture of Nanoparticles to Overcome Multi-Drug Resistant Bacteria, and for Label-Free Targeting of Chemoresistant Cancer Cells. Find out more about Prakash's research activities at the link below. #notredame #nanoparticles #cancerresearch #nano https://lnkd.in/gwbkqffk

Hyunsu Jeon, a PhD student in Chemical Engineering being advised by Prof. Yichun Wang, was a reciepient of the 2024 Leiva Graduate Fellowship in Precision Medicine. Want to learn more about his research? Checkout the video below! Learn more about Hyunsu: "The allure of intricate intelligence from life has consistently fascinated me, transforming my initial curiosity into a profound passion for advancing technology through nature-inspired research. My explorations have traversed the realms of nanotherapeutics to bulk-scale biomaterials, yielding tangible outcomes such as research papers and patents. My ultimate goal is to spearhead the progression of biomimetic systems, rendering them practical for widespread application. This fervor for the natural world propels me toward the eventual realization of my dream of becoming an independent researcher or professor. My research is centered on the pivotal role of 3D cell culture systems, propelling me to create biomimetic materials that faithfully mimic the in vivo circumstance, able to elaborate my mathematical model of biomolecular transport. Furthermore, I am at the forefront of establishing a high- throughput, cell line-specific, and real-time screening system for advanced biotherapeutics by leveraging and parallelizing our miniaturized 3D culture system for efficient drug discovery and screening. My journey encompasses effective communication with peers and the mentorship of undergraduates, honing my ability to articulate intricate ideas. Gratefully, these efforts have not only cultivated valuable connections but have also garnered recognition, including a poster award and a summer fellowship from the Berthiaume Institute for Precision Health. Beyond all, collaborating with esteemed professors and peers has broadened my perspective, highlighting the pivotal role of interdisciplinary collaboration in fostering innovation... Drawing on my acquired knowledge and past accomplishments and the prospect of future opportunities from this fellowship, I am eager to continue learning, growing, and earnestly pursuing excellence. This journey will propel me further towards fulfilling my dream of evolving into a seasoned researcher."

Check out what BIPH Summer Fellow Gena (Wilson) Dominique, a Chemistry and Biochemistry PhD being advised by Prof. M. Sharon Stack, has been doing this past summer. Learn more about Gena: "I am a 5th-year Ph.D. candidate specializing in the effects of the gut microbiome on ovarian cancer metastasis. Not many projects consider cancer development or treatment from this angle, which sets me at the leading edge of research harnessing the microbiome to improve cancer outcomes. I have a review article detailing changes in the gut microbiome with age and ovarian cancer currently under peer review, and I plan to publish the results of the tumor studies described here within the next year. Receiving a BIPH Fellowship would offset the cost of materials for my projects, allowing me to complete my dissertation research, write up my results, and apply for jobs. Upon graduating next spring, I intend to continue biomedical research with a medical school/teaching hospital partnership. Through my training in the Harper Cancer Research Institute, I have become skilled in designing cancer and microbiomics experiments, working with mice, and performing tissue culture and immune cell flow cytometry. This training will make me competitive in cancer research, microbiomics research, and several other related fields, ensuring that I am employable in the geographical areas where I want to serve. Having grown up in rural area, I want to expedite cancer treatment advances in similar underrepresented and lower-infrastructure communities, such as those served by the Siteman Cancer Center of Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis, MO, or the Deaconess Research Institute in Evansville, IN. Working with institutes like these will fulfill the BIPH’s goals of personalizing medicine while reducing health disparities by giving rural communities close- to-home access to precision cancer therapy tailored to their unique gut microbiomes." Congratulations, Gena!