2022 LSUHSC Summer Research Internship Program

Poster Session

 

The Summer Research Internship Program, directed by Dr. Fern Tsien since 2003, has provided research opportunities for medical students, undergraduates, and high school students. Students are matched with mentors from LSU Health Sciences Center, University Medical Center, and the Louisiana Cancer Research Center (LCRC). Program co-directors are Ms. Martha Cuccia, Dr. Allison Augustus-Wallace, Dr. Jovanny Zabaleta, Dr. Hamilton Farris, Dr. Chindo Hicks, and Dr. Kelly Sherman. The Summer Research Internship Program has allowed students to cultivate their interest in pursuing careers in clinical sciences, public health, or basic sciences.

Funding support for the high school and undergraduate summer program was provided by:

• Joe W. and Dorothy Dorsett Brown Foundation
• LSUHSC School of Medicine, Office of the Dean
• National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) Program
• National Institute of Health (NIH) National Cancer Institute (NCI)
• National Institute of Health (NIH) National Institute of Neurological Diseases & Stoke (NINDS)
• Patrick F. Taylor Foundation

 

      

    

  

We extend our special appreciation to mentors, laboratory and administrative personnel, and poster session judges who helped make the Summer Research Internship Program a success! Their assistance with this project affords each student a chance to be part of a bigger, ongoing research project and an opportunity to pursue their career goals. 

High school and undergraduate summer interns are listed alphabetically by last name. To view their Abstracts and Posters, please click on the corresponding links under their individual project title.

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1. Yazmeen A. Allen
Undergraduate
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA

Mentor: Dr. Diedre Devier
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy and Department of Neurology

“How Race Effects Progression of Multiple Sclerosis”

Abstract
Poster

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2. Gabrielle I. Alphonse - 3rd Place Winner (High School Category)
High School
Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy, Avondale, LA

Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Simkin
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Orthopaedics

“Testing the role of Calcitonin Gene Related Peptide (CGRP) in scar formation after
multiple tissue injury”

Abstract
Poster

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3. Luke E. Beckendorf
Undergraduate
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

Mentor: Dr. Daniel Kapusta
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

“The Kappa Opioid Agonist Difelikefalin Reverses Diuretic Resistance to Furosemide”

Abstract
Poster

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4. Catherine M. Daly
Undergraduate
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

Mentor: Dr. Li Shen
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology

“A Comparison of Mutated Versus Wild Type Scc4 Phenotype in Chlamydia
Infected Cells”

Abstract
Poster

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5. Alastair S. Deng 
High School
Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans, LA 

Mentor: Dr. Peter Winsauer
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

“Effects of Shisa7 on GABAA Receptors and Learning”

Abstract
Poster

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6. Ahmed El-Desoky - 3rd Place Winner (Undergraduate Category)
Undergraduate
Xavier University of Lousiana, New Orleans, LA

Mentor: Dr. Hamilton Farris
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Neuroscience Center of Excellence

“Comparison of nocturnal vs. diurnal phototransduction amplification:
Theoretical analysis of frog electroretinograms.”

Abstract
Poster

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7. Marcelle A. Ellis - 2nd Place Winner (Undergraduate Category)
Undergraduate
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA

Mentor: Dr. Casey Murphy
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
School of Medicine

“Vertiflex Outcomes on Lumbar Spinal Stenosis”

Abstract
Poster

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8. Eric P. Fisher - 2nd Place Winner (High School Category)
High School
St. Augustine High School, New Orleans, LA

Mentors: Steve Scahill, Dr. Kelly Jean Sherman, and Dr. Dennis Paul
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

“Exogenous treatment with an inflammatory cytokine, Tumor Necrosis Factor
Alpha, increases invasiveness in highly and weakly metastatic breast cancer cells
MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7”

Abstract
Poster

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9. Laila A. Flores
Undergraduate
Xavier University of Lousiana, New Orleans, LA

Mentor: Dr. Michael Celestin
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
School of Public Health

"The association between COVID-19 and vaping among young adults ages 18 to
24 caused by COVID-19-related stressors"

Abstract
Poster

 

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10. Sarah Frances - 1st Place Winner (Undergraduate Category)
Undergraduate
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA

Mentor: Dr. Xiaoching Li
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Neuroscience Center of Excellence

“The expression of autism gene FOXG1 in the zebra finch brain during
vocal development”

Abstract
Poster

 

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11. Cameron R. Gabriel  
Undergraduate
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

Mentor: Dr. Rajani Maiya
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Physiology

“Investigating the Role of KORs in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis (BNSt) on
Social Stress-Escalated Alcohol Consumption”

Abstract
Poster

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12. Jessye L. Garriet
High School
Warren Easton Charter High School, New Orleans, LA

Mentors: Dr. Peter Winsauer
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

"Effects of NEPE14 on Condition Behavior and Nociception"

Abstract
Poster

 

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13. Kaitlyn A. Hawkins - 2nd Place Winner (Undergraduate Category)
Undergraduate
Xavier University of Lousiana, New Orleans, LA

Mentor: Dr. Fokhrul Hossain
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Deparment of Genetics

“Non- Canonical Notch signaling also regulates the metabolism and proliferation
of CD8 T-cells”

Abstract
Poster

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14. Corrine M. Hutchinson
Undergraduate
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

Mentor: Dr. Shyamal Desai
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

“Exploring the Effects of TBI and Alcohol in Inducing TDP-43 Proteinopathy
in the Lumbar Spinal Cords of Rats”

Abstract
Poster

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15. Camden T. Hyde 
Undergraduate
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

Mentor: Dr. Rinku Majumder
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Biochemistry

“The Effects of Chronic Nicotine Inhalation through Vaping on the Anticoagulant,
Protein S, a Marker of Endothelial Cell Dysfunction, in Mice”  

Abstract
Poster

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16. Farhana Islam - 3rd Place Winner (Undergraduate Category)
Undergraduate
Xavier University of Lousiana, New Orleans, LA

Mentor:Dr. Tekeda Ferguson
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Epidemiology

“Alcohol and Food Environments and Alcohol Misuse among People Living with
HIV (PLWH)”

Abstract
Poster

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17. Ari Li
High School
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies, Metairie, LA

Mentor:Dr. Guoshun Wang
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology

“The Effect of Cystic Fibrosis Innate Immune Cells on Intestinal Transit Time in Mice”

Abstract
Poster
 

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18. Amy H. Liu - 1st Place Winner (High School Category)
High School
Benjamin Franklin High School, New Orleans, LA

Mentor: Dr. Michelle Moore
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Psychiatry 

“Asian American Medical Students Mental Health and Social Support Needs”

Abstract
Poster

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19. Camryn D. McCoy 
Undergraduate
Howard University, Washington, D.C.

Mentors: Dr. Nathan Brown and Dr. Ericka Rajo
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Psychiatry; UMCNO

“The association between burn location and psychological distress among
outpatients with prior burn injury”

Abstract
Poster

 

 

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20. Marc A. Merriman, Jr.  
Undergraduate
Xavier University of Lousiana, New Orleans, LA

Mentor: Dr. Brandon Hedrick
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of  Cell Biology & Anatomy

“A comparative outlook of 2D vs 3D Geometric Morphometrics in the
Virginia Opossum”

Abstract
Poster

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21. Alexandra N. Minnard
Undergraduate
Howard University, Washington, D.C.

Mentor: Dr. Jorgelina Calandria
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Neuroscience Center of Excellence

“Microglia conversion M1 to M2 by DHA derivatives in Models of
Parkinson’s Disease"

Abstract
Poster

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22. Farzeen Nafees
High School
Haynes Academy for Advanced Studies, Metairie, LA

Mentor: Dr. Chindo Hicks
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Genetics

“Determining the biological differences in the impact of COVID-19 on smoking and
nonsmoking lung cancer patients”

Abstract
Poster

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23. Theresa T. Nguyen
High School
Thomas Jefferson High School, Gretna, LA

Mentors: Dr. Kelly Jean Sherman and Dr. Dennis Paul
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics

“In Vitro Characterization of Proteins Associated with Cell Migration and
Invasiveness in a Murine Model of Cancerous Progression”

Abstract
Poster

 

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24. Firdaous B. Ningbinnin 
Undergraduate
Xavier University of Lousiana, New Orleans, LA

Mentor: Dr. Michael Celestin
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
School of Public Health

"When cessation of smoking must occur in order to improve impaired female
fertility caused by tobacco use"

Abstract
Poster

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25. Macy E. Owens - 1st Place Winner (Undergraduate Category)
Undergraduate
University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 

Mentor: Dr. Dean Smith 
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
School of Public Health 

“Measuring Cost of Care for Patients with Heart Failure”

Abstract
Poster

 

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26. Hinali B. Patel - 3rd Place Winner (Undergraduate Category)
Undergraduate
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA

Mentor: Dr. Francesca Peruzzi
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Hematology/Oncology

“Assessment of metabolic profile in monocytes from PLWH and role of
cART in increasing mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis”

Abstract
Poster

 

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27. Rankin S. Payne
Undergraduate
Rhodes College, Memphis, TN

Mentor: Dr. Ludmila Belayev
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Neuroscience Center of Excellence

“Long-lasting neuroprotection and neurological improvement by PAF-receptor
antagonist plus a lipid mediator in transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats”

Abstract
Poster

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28. Madison E. Priestley - 2nd Place Winner (Undergraduate Category)
Undergraduate
New York University, New York, NY

Mentor: Dr. Amy Dickson
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Psychiatry

"Effects of Parental Allegation Type on the Length of a Parental Foster Care
Case Until Reunification"

Abstract
Poster

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29. Luke T. Pruett
Undergraduate
Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA

Mentor: Dr. Brandon Hedrick
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy

“The Effects of Cranial Asymmetry on Bite Force in the Green Anole
(Anolis carolinensis)”

Abstract
Poster

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30. Amna K. Rathor - 3rd Place Winner (High School Category)
High School
Patrick F. Taylor Science and Technology Academy, Westwego, LA

Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Cameron
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology

“HPV Oncogenes E6/E7 Promote Cervical Dysplasia Progression Through
Suppression of miR-4488 and Activation of Wnt Signaling”

Abstract
Poster

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31. Charlotte E. Raymond - 1st Place Winner (High School Category)
High School
St. Mary's Dominican High School, New Orleans, LA

Mentor: Dr. Jennifer Simkin
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Orthopaedics

Discovering Which Macrophage Subtypes Are Involved in Regeneration” 

Abstract
Poster

 

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32. Tate E. Robertson
Undergraduate
Dillard University, New Orleans, LA

Mentor: Dr. Li Shen
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology

“Creation of a translational fusion of IncV-β-lactamase as a reporter to Improve the
Study of Chlamydial type III Secretion System in situ”

Abstract
Poster

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33. Brooke E. Scardino
Undergraduate
Mississippi State University, Starkville, MS

Mentor: Dr. Claudia Leonardi
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
School of Public Health

“Is there an association between scholarly productivity and Residency type:
a medical student match?”

Abstract
Poster

 

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34. Kaleah J. Smith
High School
Abramson Sci Academy, New Orleans, LA

Mentor: Dr. Ben Kelly
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Parasitology

“Temperature-dependent regulation of cytochrome c oxidase subunit
expression in Leishmania”

Abstract
Poster

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35. Natalie A. Thayer - 2nd Place Winner (High School Category)
High School
St. Paul's School, Concord, NH

Mentor: Dr. Diedre Devier
Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center,
Department of  Cell Biology & Anatomy

“Saccadic Eye Movements in Parkinson’s Disease” 

Abstract
Poster

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