Nanomedicine the focus of new collaboration

When the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP) held its poster exhibition on Aug. 11, it was a culmination not only for the longtime program, but for a newer collaboration known as “NanoSURP.”

As part of the Virginia-Nebraska Alliance, UNMC hosted three students from Hampton University in Hampton, Va., who came to campus specifically to study nanomedicine. The Virginia-Nebraska Alliance is a partnership between UNMC and 11 Virigina area universities. Many are part of the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) network.

LaTrice Montgomery worked in the lab of Howard Gendelman, M.D., and presented a project titled “Mannose Functionalized Nanoformulations for Improved Macrophage Targeting of Antiretroviral Therapy.”

Tia Westmoreland worked in the lab of Tatiana Bronich, Ph.D., and presented a project focused on assessing the characteristics of three different nanogels and their penetration abilities on a 3D tumor spheroid model of BT-474 breast cancer cells.

Bolutito Alade worked in the lab of David Oupicky, Ph.D., and presented a project on “Characterization of Polycation and Hydroxychloroquine Conjugated Polycation for miRNA Delivery Against Colon Cancer.”

Montgomery said her experience was “great.”

“They really wanted us in the labs. I felt very welcome,” she said.

Westmoreland agreed.

“They took time to challenge us this summer,” she said. “They started off just introducing me to research articles and then they slowly eased me into the research aspect of it, which I appreciate because it’s important to have the critical thinking behind the project before you actually dive into it.

“The support system was very helpful and strong,” she said. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Nebraska.”

Alade called the experience phenomenal.

“Since the first day I got here I’ve learned so much,” he said. “I got hands-on experience on things I never would have imagined myself doing. It’s just been an outstanding learning experience — the people I’ve met, the connections I’ve made, especially with my PI, it’s just been extraordinary.”

Director of Recruitment and Student Engagement Channing Bunch called the NanoSURP pilot project a success.

“This is one of the newest projects we’re doing with Virginia, and it went well,” he said. “The students enjoyed themselves and got a different outlook on the city of Omaha and what UNMC offers.”