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Leshai Cain.
Sophomore, Benedict College
Major: Biology, pre-med
About my research: My research looks at an analysis of tumor growth, more specifically tumor metabolism and its role in our cell line.
How is SC INBRE helping you reach your research goal(s)?: SC INBRE is helping me reach my research goal(s) by giving me the opportunity to work in a lab on an information filled project.
Future goals after graduation: After graduation I want to continue my education at medical school.
Outside of the lab/classroom: I enjoy trying new things/hobbies like painting or exercise.
Alyssa Cruz
Sophomore, Benedict College
Major: Biology, pre-nursing
About my research: This summer, I researched how polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), specifically benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and fluoranthene (FLA), affect different types of breast cancer cells. I worked with MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines to study how these environmental pollutants influence cell viability and cytotoxicity. Throughout the project, I cultured cells, prepared treatment solutions, performed serial dilutions, counted cells using a hemocytometer, plated cells into 96-well plates, and conducted MTT and LDH assays to evaluate how the cells responded to exposure. This research helps us better understand how environmental contaminants may contribute to breast cancer progression and highlights the importance of studying differences between breast cancer subtypes.
How is SC INBRE helping you reach your research goal(s)?: SC INBRE has provided me with hands-on laboratory experience that I would not have gained in a traditional classroom. Through this program, I developed technical laboratory skills, learned how to analyze scientific data, and gained confidence presenting my research to faculty and peers. As a pre-nursing student, participating in research has strengthened my understanding of the science behind disease and reinforced my passion for improving patient care through evidence-based practice. This experience has also introduced me to opportunities in biomedical research that I hope to continue exploring throughout my academic career.
Future goals after graduation: After graduating from Benedict College, I plan to attend an Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (ABSN) program and become a registered nurse. My long-term goal is to work as a pediatric nurse, specializing in caring for children with special needs. I hope to combine the scientific knowledge I have gained through research with compassionate, patient-centered care to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and their families.
Outside of the lab/classroom: Outside of academics, I enjoy serving as a President's Ambassador at Benedict College, where I represent the college and welcome prospective students and their families. I am also involved in the Minority Association for Pre-Med Students (MAPS) and serve as the Student National Medical Association (SNMA) Liaison. I also am elected as Miss Sophomore for Benedict College 2026-2027 school year! I enjoy volunteering, spending time with friends and family, praise dancing, and participating in campus events that allow me to grow as both a leader and a student.
Anything else you'd like to add?: Participating in SC INBRE has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my college journey. It has strengthened my confidence as a young scientist, introduced me to incredible mentors, and reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing a career in healthcare. I am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to meaningful research while developing skills that will benefit me throughout my future career.
Aaliyah Hopkins
Senior, Benedict College
Major: Biology, pre-med
About my research: My research focuses on developing a potential new immunotherapy approach for leukemia. Leukemia cells can evade the immune system, making them difficult to eliminate. Our goal was to see if we could reprogram leukemia cells to behave like antigen-presenting cells, which are responsible for activating T cells and initiating immune responses. To do this, we introduced transcription factors into the cells using a nonviral Lipofectamine 3000 transfection method and evaluated marker expression with flow cytometry. While our preliminary results showed only modest changes, they suggest that this approach has potential and could contribute to future cancer immunotherapy strategies with further optimization.
How is SC INBRE helping you reach your research goal(s)?: SC INBRE has been instrumental in helping me reach my research goals by providing the funding, resources, and mentorship needed to participate in this project. Through the SURI program, I gained hands-on experience with advanced laboratory techniques, including cell culture, transfection, and flow cytometry, while working alongside experienced researchers. Their support has allowed me to contribute to research with the potential to advance leukemia immunotherapy and has strengthened my skills and confidence as I prepare for a career in biomedical research and medicine.
Future goals after graduation: After graduation I plan on either getting my masters or going into research for 1-2 years so that I can then transition into going into medical school.
Outside of the lab/classroom: Outside of the lab and classroom, I enjoy exploring new restaurants and trying different foods, as well as learning choreography and dancing for fun. I'm also actively involved on campus and will be serving as the Vice President of MAPS (Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students) for the 2026–2027 school year. Through this leadership role, I look forward to supporting fellow pre-med students, organizing events, and helping create opportunities for professional and academic growth.
Eliza Lagunes
Senior, Benedict College
Major: Biology, pre-med
About my research: Our research focuses on finding new ways to help the immune system fight cancer. Normally, many cancer cells hide from the immune system, making them difficult to recognize and destroy. We are studying whether we can use master transcription factors — proteins that control which genes are turned on or off — to reprogram cancer cells into antigen-presenting cells
How is SC INBRE helping you reach your research goal(s)?: It is helping me tremendously by giving me more experience in the lab and in a research setting.
Future goals after graduation: Master's program, or medical school.
Outside of the lab/classroom: I am part of the MAPS program, social media chair to be specific.
Marcus Upshaw
Junior, Benedict College
Major: Biology
About my research: My research focuses on KLF4, a transcription factor that helps regulate gene expression and plays important roles in breast cancer. KLF4 can act as both a tumor suppressor and an oncogene, but we think it's different isoforms may explain why it behaves so differently. To investigate this, we’re overexpressing two isoforms, KLF4 and KLF4a, in monocytes using lentiviral transduction. We’ve successfully introduced both isoforms and are currently completing antibiotic selection. Once those cells are established, we’ll confirm protein expression with Western blotting and study how these isoforms affect cell fusion with triple-negative breast cancer cells. Using multi-omics approaches, we’ll examine changes in DNA methylation, histone modifications, and chromatin structure. Ultimately, our goal is to better understand how KLF4 isoforms regulate the epigenetic landscape and influence breast cancer progression.
How is SC INBRE helping you reach your research goal(s)?: The SC INBRE helped me learn the research part about science and I gained presenting skills and knowledge from this program.
Future goals after graduation: After Graduation, I would like to apply for dental school to pursue my dentist journey.
Outside of the lab/classroom: I am part of 2 organizations: Men Of Definition and Collegiate100 and I love to play basketball with my friends.
Leanissa Swinton
Freshman, Columbia College
Major: Biology
About my research: My research focuses on a protein called GDSL lipase that is found in pitcher plant digestive fluid. Pitcher plants naturally use enzymes in their digestive fluid to break down insects, but our research looks at whether GDSL lipase can also break down oxidized LDL (oxLDL). OxLDL plays a role in the development of atherosclerosis because when immune cells take in too much of it, they can become foam cells and contribute to plaque buildup in the arteries. Our goal is to see if GDSL lipase can break down or change oxLDL, which could potentially help reduce foam cell formation.
How is SC INBRE helping you reach your research goal(s)?: As a college freshman with no previous hands-on research experience, SC INBRE has given me the opportunity to learn and experience what working in a research lab is actually like. Coming into the program, almost everything was new to me, but I have been able to learn different lab techniques, perform lipase assays, work with NMR, analyze data, and learn how to communicate my research to others. I have also learned that research does not always go as planned. Sometimes experiments have to be repeated, methods have to be adjusted, and you have to figure out what may have gone wrong. SC INBRE has helped me become more comfortable and confident in the lab, while also showing me how much there is still left for me to learn.
Future goals after graduation: After graduation, I plan to continue my education by attending veterinary school and eventually becoming a veterinarian. I have always been interested in animals and science, and I hope to build a career where I can combine both of those interests. I am still exploring the different areas of veterinary medicine, but I believe that the research experience and skills I am gaining through SC INBRE will help prepare me for veterinary school and my future career.
Outside of the lab/classroom: I enjoy staying active and spending time with my friends and family. I am a member of the Columbia College basketball team and the cross country team, which keeps me busy and helps me stay disciplined and motivated. I also enjoy working out, listening to music, and taking pictures. I like being around animals and learning more about them, which connects to my goal of becoming a veterinarian. In my free time, I usually like to relax, listen to music, or spend time with the people I am close to.
Anything else you’d like to add? Being able to participate in SC INBRE as a freshman has been a great learning experience for me. Since this is my first hands-on research experience, I came into the program not knowing exactly what to expect. I have learned that it is okay not to know everything and that asking questions and making mistakes are part of learning. This experience has pushed me outside of my comfort zone, helped me gain confidence, and introduced me to opportunities in science and research that I had never experienced before. I am grateful for everyone who has taken the time to teach me, answer my questions, and help me grow throughout this experience.
Luke McLeod.
Junior, Furman University
Major/Minor (if any): Biomedical Sciences and Religion
About my research: Our lab studies how gut microbiome imbalances contribute to hearing loss in a mouse model of Fragile X Syndrome (FXS), in collaboration with Dr. Brent Wilkerson at MUSC. Using a technique called cross-fostering, in which FXS mice were raised with non-FXS dams and exposed to their healthier microbiota, we have shown that both gut health and high-frequency hearing were improved in FXS mice. Our findings suggest that gut microbiome interventions could have promise in helping to combat hearing loss in Fragile X Syndrome and related cases of autism, although more research is needed.
How is SC INBRE helping you reach your research goal(s)?: One of my favorite SC INBRE activities was presenting a three-minute flash talk on an aspect of our research. Although I felt nervous and uncomfortable at first, the experience helped me become more confident sharing my work with others. This skill will be especially valuable as I present my lab’s work at research conferences and continue developing as a researcher.
Future goals after graduation: I plan to attend medical school and pursue a career as an otolaryngologist. I would especially love to be a part of Duke University’s Theology, Medicine, and Culture Initiative, combining the two vocations of medicine and faith that call to me most deeply.
Outside of the lab/classroom: One of my favorite things to do for fun is play the piano, and I especially love playing fun polka music. I also enjoy going to the gym to decompress after a long day of lab work. Even if I get busy, I believe it’s important to take a little time for yourself to relax and recharge.
Anything else you’d like to add? Don’t forget to take the time to bake cookies with your lab mates! Nothing is more important than this in the field of scientific research. Shown in photo above are students Zayda (left), Luke (middle), and Clay (right) from Dr. Linnea Freeman’s Lab making cookies. The cookies are being made in a nutrition lab cleared for preparing foods for consumption.
Marissa Brooks
Junior, USC Aiken
Major/Minor (if any): I’m majoring in Biology with a double concentration in Molecular Biology and Environmental Remediation and Restoration with a minor in Psychology.
About my research: This summer I’m continuing my research in Dr. Jackson’s lab, which is focused on finding a gene therapy approach to curing HIV through apoptosis of infected cells. We have designed an inducible plasmid containing two upregulating and two downregulating sequences from the HIV genome. Expression from this plasmid should be dependent on two HIV regulatory proteins and inhibited by the downregulating sequences in their absence. My project aims to test this hypothesis using firefly luciferase as a reporter gene before we move closer to our goal by testing proapoptotic proteins.
How is SC INBRE helping you reach your research goal(s)?: SC INBRE is helping me reach my research goal by providing the funding I need to continue my research, as well as hosting various workshops and seminars that teach me new skills and help me connect with other researchers in similar areas.
Future goals after graduation: After graduating, I’m not sure exactly where I want to go, but I plan to attend graduate school, where I hope to continue to expand the skills I’ve learned through my SC INBRE research.
Outside of the lab/classroom: I enjoy cooking and baking, riding my horse, painting, crocheting, volunteering at my church, spending time with my chickens and other pets, and caring for my abundance of houseplants. On campus, I enjoy being a part of the PEAK Mentorship program, which partners incoming freshmen with current students to help with the transition to college life.
Anything else you’d like to add? It has been an honor to get to continue my research as an SC INBREan this summer!
Joelle Mariano-Ramos
Junior, USC Upstate
Major/Minor (if any): Biology/American Sign Language
About my research: Peanut allergies are among the most common and severe food allergies, with the Ara h 1, Ara h 2, and Ara h 6 proteins being the primary allergens responsible for allergic reactions. Our research focuses on synthesizing magnetic nanoparticles coated with tannic acid, polyethyleneimine, and the enzyme alcalase to degrade and remove these allergenic proteins. By developing this treatment, we hope to create a practical approach that could reduce the allergenicity of peanuts and make them safer for individuals with peanut allergies.
How is SC INBRE helping you reach your research goal(s)?: SC INBRE has given me the opportunity to participate in research while helping me develop my laboratory, critical thinking, professional, and interpersonal skills. Through the program, I have built meaningful relationships with my faculty mentors, gained valuable hands-on research experience, and strengthened the skills and confidence needed to pursue a career in medicine.
Future goals after graduation: After graduation, I plan to continue my journey toward becoming a physician by attending medical school. I hope to combine my passion for biology and chemistry research with compassionate patient care to become a well-rounded physician who values both science and patient care.
Outside of the lab/classroom: I enjoy being involved in campus activities such as the Health Professionals Club, Science Club, and American Sign Language Club. I also volunteer with Agape Care Group, where I make weekly visits to hospice patients, and I serve as a youth leader at my local church. These experiences have strengthened my communication skills and given me meaningful opportunities to serve both my campus and my community.
Below (left to right): Joelle K Mariano-Ramos, Juliana Mejia, Dr. Anslem Omoike, and Joseph Marshall
Joe Marshall
Junior, USC Upstate
Major: General Biology
About my research: My research focuses on using magnetic nanoparticles to investigate whether peanut allergens can be extracted from peanut butter. This project explores laboratory techniques with potential applications in allergen detection and food safety. Through this research, I have gained experience in experimental design, laboratory methods, and scientific problem-solving while contributing to an exciting area of biomedical research.
How is SC INBRE helping you reach your research goal(s)?: SC INBRE has played a significant role in my academic and professional development by providing hands-on research experience, teaching me valuable laboratory techniques, and helping me build confidence in my ability to conduct scientific research. The opportunity to work alongside experienced mentors has strengthened both my technical skills and my passion for science.
Future goals after graduation: After graduation, I hope to work in a laboratory setting where I can continue developing my scientific skills, expand my knowledge across different areas of research, and build a career in the sciences.
Outside of the lab/classroom: When I'm not in the lab or classroom, I'm an avid outdoorsman who enjoys rafting, traveling, and skiing. I enjoy spending time exploring the outdoors and taking on new adventures whenever I can.
Anything else you’d like to add? I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to conduct research at USC Upstate and for the support provided by SC INBRE. This experience has been invaluable to my growth as a student and aspiring scientist, and I look forward to continuing my journey in research and the sciences.
Below (left to right): Joelle K Mariano-Ramos, Juliana Mejia, Dr. Anslem Omoike, and Joseph Marshall
Juliana Mejia
Sophomore, USC Upstate
Major/Minor (if any): Biology, Concentration: Pre-vet
About my research: Nanoparticles are a versatile tool that can enhance the way we are able to treat peanut butter allergens, in which we can coat them in polymers and enzymes that break down those allergy-inducing proteins and then easily remove them to be recycled and reused.
How is SC INBRE helping you reach your research goal(s)?: Research experience is crucial for fostering critical thinking skills and a scientific mindset. Technical laboratory skills are especially vital in graduate school, and being able to hone those skills with SC INBRE is exceptional opportunity that advances my career goals.
Future goals after graduation: I wish to attend a veterinary graduate school to continue my academics and earn my doctorate.
Outside of the lab/classroom: I particularly enjoy doing animal technician work at a kennel, working hands on with all types of pets, and taking time to hike with my dogs. I enjoy being outdoors and sharing that space with all others sorts of critters and specimens.
Below (left to right): Joelle K Mariano-Ramos, Juliana Mejia, Dr. Anslem Omoike, and Joseph Marshall
Olivia Omoike
Sophomore, USC Upstate
Major: Chemistry
About my research: My summer research involves synthesizing a therapeutic porphyrin that will be carried by a chitosan copolymer nanogel that will gradually degrade and release the porphyrin to microbes. The porphyrin will then generate reactive oxygen species upon introduction to a stimulus which will render the microbes inactive. This approach will help combat the ongoing rise of antimicrobial resistance infections.
How is SC INBRE helping you reach your research goal(s)?: My primary goals for this summer are to synthesize and purify the porphyrin component of the project (i.e., 5-(4-aminophenyl)-10,15,20-(triphenyl)porphyrin) and characterize the compound by NMR analysis. SC INBRE has helped me reach my goal by providing the funding possible to propel my goal to fruition.
Future goals after graduation: After graduation, I plan on going to medical school to become a physician. Although my future profession will be focused primarily on clinical care rather than laboratory research, I still find my summer research relevant to the medical field. This research has provided insight on the careful thinking, planning, and application in the chemistry lab that directly goes into medical treatments that physicians use, which has made me further appreciate the biomedical sciences immensely. In addition to this insight, I will apply the time management, communication, and practical skills I learned all throughout the ER(Up)T summer program to my professional school journey in order to become an efficient and compassionate physician.
Outside of the lab/classroom: In my free time, I enjoy volunteer work, especially performing chemistry demonstrations to school-age children with the USC Upstate Chemistry Club. I also find interest in reading and drawing when I find the time to relax.
Anything else you’d like to add? I appreciate SC INBRE’s contribution to the ER(Up)T program because without it, so many other students and I wouldn’t be able to truly delve into the science field one-on-one with their mentors and take what we learned in the classroom to the next level. (Fun/Interesting fact: Olivia is the daughter of one of USC Upstate’s SC INBRE faculty, Dr. Anslem Omoike.)
Below (left to right): Olivia Omoike, Dr. Astrid Rosario, Dr. Joshua Ruppel, and Emery Prindle
Emery Aden Prindle
Junior, USC Upstate
Major/Minor (if any): BS in Biology
About my research: Our research project is looking into creating a porphyrin-chitosan compound with antimicrobial applications. The vision we have is to create this compound as an alternative means of fighting pathogens. The mechanism by which the porphyrin-chitosan compound would attack pathogens is different than antibiotics, and the success of this research project can provide the ability to fight against the growing problem of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
How is SC INBRE helping you reach your research goal(s)?: SC INBRE has enabled my team and I to have the necessities to run our experiments, allowing us to make progress in our research project. Without SC INBRE, compounds and equipment would no longer be as accessible, and we would no longer have as great an ability to make our contribution to science.
Future goals after graduation: Post graduation, I am looking to work in environmental conservation. This research experience allows me to experience and see a possible route I may take in environmental conservation. Perhaps as a field researcher.
Outside of the lab/classroom: Outside of the professional setting, I am studying Japanese and Spanish, going to the gym, running, playing music, and going to metal and hardcore shows.
Anything else you’d like to add? ER(Up)T has been a wonderful experience for me, and I am thankful for the opportunity to work in a research lab at the University of South Carolina Upstate.
Below (left to right): Olivia Omoike, Dr. Astrid Rosario, Dr. Joshua Ruppel, and Emery Prindle
Richard Ugland and Mea De Wet
Seniors, USC Upstate
Major(s): Chemistry (Ugland), Biology (De Wet)
About our research: Studying the antimicrobial activity of photosensitized silver-doped titanium dioxide nanocomposite particles by testing their effectiveness against bacteria isolated from wastewater samples.
How is SC INBRE helping you reach your research goal(s)?: SC INBRE has helped us reach our research goals by providing valuable hands-on research experience and opportunities to develop important laboratory, analytical, and problem-solving skills. We have gained greater confidence in conducting experiments, working collaboratively, interpreting results, and communicating our research.
Future goals after graduation:
De Wet: I plan to pursue a career in clinical laboratory science and contribute to accurate patient testing and diagnosis.
Ugland: I plan to pursue a career in research by pursuing a post grad degree in inorganic chemistry
Outside of the lab/classroom:
De Wet: Outside of the lab and classroom, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, dancing, and cooking.
Ugland: I enjoy playing golf, hiking, and rooting for The Cleveland Browns.
Anything else you’d like to add? We are thankful for the opportunity to participate in SC INBRE and for the experience, skills, and support we have gained through the program.
Below (left to right): (left to right): Mea De Wet, Dr. Mahesh Dawadi, and Richard Ugland
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