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Research Profiles
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.
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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