Nikita Jain

ABOUT THE RESEARCHER:

1. Who are you doing research with this summer and what kind of research project are you doing ?

This summer I am doing research with Dr. Bela Peethambaran in the Department of Biological Sciences. My research focuses on whether a plant extract, Myrothamnus flabellifolius (MF), will be able to sensitize Acute Myeloid Leukemia cells prior to treatment with reduced concentrations of chemotherapy drug Doxorubicin®.   

2. What do you find fascinating in the research that you’re doing ?

What I find most fascinating in the research that I’ve been conducting is the plant extract, Myrothamnus flabellifolius (MF). MF is a resurrection plant found in the South African region. The plant has been used to treat asthma, kidney disease, colds, cough and even has anti-cancerous properties. Being in pharmacy school, I have learned that current treatment options for cancer involves chemotherapy and radiation, but these are dangerous to both cancerous and normal cells alike. But the extract from the MF plant selectively targets only the leukemia cells at 62.5µg/ml with minimal damage to normal lymphoblast. My research data contributes to the potential development of a complementary treatment that combines lower doses of chemo with a high potency natural anti-cancer compound.

3. What skills are you learning through the USURF experience ?

Through the USURF experience, I have learned many different laboratory techniques that I will be able to build upon throughout my career, being able to problem solve, and work with other team members. Laboratory techniques include cell culture techniques, cell viability assays, western blots to monitor protein expression, use of fluorimeter for various biochemical assays. I have also learned to conduct literature searches for analysis and planning for future experiments.

4. What are the challenges you’re encountering in your research ?

Patience! Throughout my three years in Dr. Peethambaran’s lab, some of my experiments have failed and some brought good results. Research has taught be to be resilient and to have the ability to try something different if an experiment did not turn out as expected.

5. How is your USURF experience impacting the way you view your field ?

My USURF experience is allowing me to really understand the mechanism of action of certain drugs. It is allowing me to see, from a pharmacy perspective, the ability of one drug to complement another drug for a better treatment option. It has given me the perspective of drug development step by step from laboratory to an industrial setting.

6. Tell us something interesting about yourself.

I am such a foodie! I love trying new cultural food and different cuisines even though I am a vegetarian.