2022 Undergraduate Student Pelotonia Scholars

Major: Microbiology

Project: Investigating the novel role of miR-140/SLC29A4 signaling in drug-resistant NSCLC.

Mentor: Ramesh Ganju, PhD

Idea Inspiration: After my own family’s battle with cancer, if I can make the smallest impact that is a chance I’ll take.

Major: Biomedical Science

Project: Investigating if novel fusion genes contribute to biologic health disparities among black acute myeloid leukemia patients.

Mentor: Ann-Kathrin Eisfeld, MD

Idea Inspiration: Ignited by chance, I am pursuing change that will improve the lives of cancer survivors in my family and yours.

Major: Biomedical Science

Project: Investigation of LP-118, a novel bcl-2 inhibitor and tuned bcl-XL inhibitor, in acute myeloid leukemia.

Mentor: Rosa Lapalombella, PhD and Kristin Koenig, MD

Idea Inspiration: Cancer has impacted my family and friends, and I want to help make a difference.

Major: Biomedical Science

Project: Investigation of RALA and RALB function in triple negative breast cancer through genetically engineered mouse models.

Mentor: Steven Sizemore, PhD

Idea Inspiration: I wanted to join Ohio State and play a role in revolutionizing the way we view and treat cancer.

Major: Pharmaceutical Sciences

Project: Developing tools to enhance the study of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 37.

Mentor: Matthew Summers, PhD

Idea Inspiration: I know how painful it is to see your close ones affected by cancer, and I hope to contribute in studies to fight it.

Major: Pharmaceutical Sciences

Project: Delivery of DNA origami vaccine using alginate particles.

Mentor: Carlos Castro, PhD

Idea Inspiration: I am inspired by my brother's fight against cancer.

Major: Human Development and Family Science; Global Public Health (Minor)

Project: An intersectional perspective on race, sexual orientation, and gender identity in cancer survivorship.

Mentor: Elizabeth Arthur, PhD; Electra Paskett, PhD; James Fisher, PhD; and CCHE Cabinet (Co-Mentors)

Idea Inspiration: Cancer has affected every generation in my family. Cancer research often fails to consider the unique needs and experiences of Black and Brown LGBTQ+ people.

Major: Biomedical Science

Project: The effect of CD200 on indoleamine-2-3-dioxygenase regulation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Mentor: Thomas Mace, PhD

Idea Inspiration: I want to commit to finding a cure by exploring novel treatment avenues and expanding my intellectual horizons.

Major: Neuroscience

Project: Psychosocial determinants of immunity and hospital utilization in post-transplant multiple myeloma.

Mentor: Janice Kiecolt-Glaser, PhD

Idea Inspiration: Cancer impacts the lives of countless individuals, leaving a heavy toll on patients' and their loved ones' physical and mental health. I seek to leave an impact, no matter how big or small, in the lived experiences of these individuals, especially those within impoverished communities.

Major: Biomedical Science

Project: Exploring the functional role of the novel MYPT2 gene in invasive lobular carcinoma of the breast.

Mentor: Bhuvaneswari Ramaswamy, MD

Idea Inspiration: Invasive lobular carcinomas (ILC) are heavily understudied despite poor long-term patient outcomes. Understanding the molecular interactions in ILCs may inspire the development of necessary novel solutions.

Major: Biomedical Science

Project: Chromosomal re-arrangements as drivers of cellular immortalization and cancer evolution

Mentor: Ruben C. Petreaca, PhD and Golkroh Mirzaei, PhD

Idea Inspiration: I have the potential to help develop effective and efficient detection and therapeutic methods for cancer to help save the lives of family members, friends and other loved ones.

Major: Microbiology and Medical Anthropology

Project: Studying the effect of the microbiome on cancer treatment outcomes.

Mentor: Dan Spakowicz, PhD

Idea Inspiration: Having lost my grandfather to cancer before I was born, I hope to improve patient outcomes through my research.

Major: Biology and Spanish

Project: Mouse mammary tumor virus integration at sites of DNA damage.

Mentor: Kristine Yoder, PhD

Idea Inspiration: Many families, including mine, have been affected by cancer. I hope to make a positive impact on cancer research for them.

Major: Biology

Project: Investigating the inhibition of PRMT5 through biochemical and computational approaches.

Mentor: Renee Bouley, PhD and Ryan Yoder, PhD

Idea Inspiration: I'm inspired by loved ones who've fought cancer. I intend to honor their struggles through my research towards eliminating cancer and its pervasive effects.

Major: Biomedical Engineering

Project: Engineered microvessel for studying capillary lymphatics in cancer metastasis.

Mentor: Jonathon Song, PhD

Idea Inspiration: I chose to research cancer as a way to honor my grandmother who beat throat cancer.