Meet the Trainees
SUMMER-2020 Virtual Undergraduate Cancer Training
Gaddis, Kira
Florida A&M University
Summer 2020 (REC@FAMU)
Career Interest: “ As a future healthcare professional, my duty is to serve as an advocate for patients in ensuring that they are receiving the best possible care. I also have a role to be well informed about the condition, as well as medications, and any treatments that will mitigate the situation for the patients and allow them to live quality lives. As a black woman from the south who lived in a community that one could term a “food desert”, I am well aware of the fact that health disparities are a prominent issue that should be addressed.”
Project: “Correlations between County Health Indicators and COVID-19 Deaths in Florida”
Conference Presentation: AACR 2020 Miami, Florida (Virtual)
Belony, Nadine
Florida A&M University
Summer 2020 (REC@FAMU)
Career Interest: “There is a severe need for minority representation in medicine. Multiple studies have confirmed how this disparity is affecting minority patient access and public health outcomes. As a woman, a minority, and a descendant of immigrants, I will not only help bring diversity to the medical profession but also help inspire those who come from the same background as myself and who have the same desires and aspirations.”
Project: “The Design and Synthesis of Tetrahydroisoquinolines as Anti-breast Cancer Agents”
Conference Presentation: ABRCMS-2020, San Antonio, Texas (Virtual)
Rambaram, Anya
Florida A&M University
Summer 2020 (REC@FAMU)
Career Interest: “Unfortunately, the health/medical industry holds biases whether recognized or not, towards the treatments of minorities. These minorities can be separated by finances, religious affiliations, and most of all race. African American, Hispanics and Native Americans hold some of the highest incident rates for certain cancer types. By diversifying the workforce in cancer research, we create a more comprehensive research team. Also, we can combat the prejudices that infiltrate and setback our efforts to eradicate this disease. A career in cancer as a minority myself, will allow me to help provide equal care and effort to people of all backgrounds. As an oncology research nurse, I can study cancer in minorities that are at higher risk for certain cancer types just as well.”
Project: “Systematic Literature Review on the Association of Genomic Testing of Chromosome 8q24 with Prostate Cancer Risk among African American Men.”
Conference Presentation: ABRCMS-2020, San Antonio, Texas (Virtual)
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Winner of ePoster presentation in Undergraduate Junior level Cancer Biology Division
Mensah-Mamfo, Justin
Florida A&M University
Summer 2020 (REC@FAMU)
Career Interest: “ I understood the complexities in cancer research and appreciated the time and effort researchers around the world invest in improving the quality of cancer treatments. My goal is to establish a healthcare facility that would offer quality healthcare without hassles and inconveniences associated with the public healthcare system. As a doctor, I can exponentially grow my passion and contribute to the betterment of society.”
Project: “Flavonoids: Molecular Properties and Interaction of Fisetin Analogues with Estrogen-alpha receptor as Potential Chemotherapeutics for Breast Cancer.”
ABRCMS-2020, San Antonio, Texas (Virtual)
Edwards, Tierah
Florida A&M University
Summer 2020 (REC@FAMU)
Career Interest: “I plan to graduate from FAMU in the spring of 2022 with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Following graduation, I would like to attend graduate school to major in Public Health, with hopes of learning more about communities and ways to positively impact their health and well-being. I especially would like to get rid of the health disparities in cancer as it relates to African Americans, as they have a higher mortality rate than their white counterparts experiencing the same disease. After finishing school, I intend to work as a nurse in a long-term care facility that specializes in pediatric cancer research.”
Project: “Colorectal cancer Screening Systemic Review”
Gideon, Valerie
Florida A&M University
Summer 2020 (REC@FAMU)
Career Interest: “I started my career path in high school becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse. This program exposed me to the basic materials needed for nursing and has given me real world experience. It allowed me to go to clinicals, work with patients and shadow nurses in different fields. My plan is to complete my Bachelor of Science in Nursing and pursue a career as a registered nurse and continuing on to get my Masters. I envision myself becoming part of the Peace Corps and helping third world countries combat diseases and aid in the lack of health resources around the world. After gaining much knowledge in my field I hope to return to graduate school and get my Doctor of Science in Nursing. With my Ph.D., I hope to not only do research but also teach nursing to the future generation.”
Project: “Racial/Ethnic Differences in COVID-19 Hospitalization and Mortality in Miami-Dade County, Florida.”
Gordon, David
Florida A&M University
Summer 2020 (REC@FAMU)
Career Interest: ”Research indicates African American women are more likely to die from breast cancer than any other racial group. The study of breast cancer is important to me because it is especially personal. As a Black man, this statistic is startling and concerning, not only for myself, but for Black women everywhere. I am committed to making strides toward mitigating this health care disparity in the future. My career interest involve playing an integral role in the study of the genomes of Black women with breast cancer. I plan to assist in improving clinical outcomes by developing targeted drug therapies for minority cancer patients.”
Project: “RNA-Seq Analysis for Undergraduates: Where to Start _A Computer Science Perspective.”
Smith, Daija
Florida A&M University
Summer 2020 (REC@FAMU)
Career Interest: “My aspiration in life is to become a medical doctor and ultimately utilize my knowledge and passion to impact the lives of everyone, especially the underrepresented. Although the medical field aims to treat those who are ill, I advocate for prevention methods that will keep everyone holistically healthy from youth to adulthood.”
Project: “Molecular Modeling and Drug-likeness Studies of Resveratrol Analogues as Anticancer Agents.”
Hills, Alexis
Florida A&M University
Summer 2020 (REC@FAMU)
Project: “Comparative Analysis of Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) In Black and White Women: Is It the Same Disease?”
Career Interest: “…… As a Black woman, I am at high risk for developing breast cancer within my lifetime; if not me maybe my mother or some other family member. For these reasons, my life goal is to one day own a research facility that is committed to solving one of the most significant healthcare disparities of our time: why certain cancers primarily affect minority demographics. By employing the techniques of the newly explored field of Pharmacogenomics, I plan to study the unique genetic sequence of African Americans and discover why breast cancer treatments are less effective in black women as compared to our counterparts.”
Rondaisha Brown
Florida A&M University
Summer 2020 (REC@FAMU)
Career Interest: “My career goal is to become a neonatal nurse. This career path has interested me for a long time due to recent experiences people close to me have faced. I want to be capable to save the life of a baby who has not even been able to open their eyes to see the world or least to be able to try. In my mind, babies are the most precious thing that exist; they are the future of the world. Being able to take care of an infant when they are first born, or if they are born with defects really fulfills my heart. The attributes that I have to fulfill this career is I am a very passionate, and a self-motivated person. I take the initiative to do things that my peers would not ordinarily do. Preparing myself for my career from the start of college has opened my eyes to overcome a variety of roadblocks and challenges.”
Williams, Kimberly
Florida A&M University
Summer 2020 (REC@FAMU)
Project: “Molecular Properties, Bioactivity Scores and Molecular Docking Studies of Piplartine Analogues as Estrogen Receptor-a Inhibitors.”
Career Interest: “…. I am very interested in pursuing a career in cancer research. After graduating college, I am hopeful to gain acceptance into an MD-PhD program. I will use this program to conduct research into cancers that specifically affect the African American community in disproportionate mortality numbers.”
SUMMER 2019 Undergraduate Cancer Research Training
Haile, Schtwanice
Florida A&M University
Summer 2019 (REC@FAMU)
Project Title: Molecular Modeling Studies of Piplartine as Anticancer Agent
Project Summary: The goal of my project is to determine if the physico-chemical properties of a drug/molecule are within a good range to determine its safety as postulated by Lipinski (Lipinski’s rule of 5). Apart from physico-chemical properties, some biochemical properties are also important to estimate. I must continue to do research to estimate the properties of this drug (Piperlongumine) to determine if it should be synthesized.
King, Tiara
Florida A&M University
Summer 2019 (REC@FAMU)
Career Interest: “I am Tiara King, a fourth-year nursing study from Fort Pierce, Florida. During the summer of 2019 I was able to be apart of CaRE2 and engage in my very first research experience. I was given the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone and dive into something different than my nursing background. I now have a great interest in conducting cancer research.”
Project Title: “Evaluation of Cytotoxcity Effects of Modified Gemicitabine Nanoparticles Against Pancreatic Cancer Cells”
ABRCMS 2019, Poster #D-066, Anaheim, California
Laurent, Hens
Florida A&M University
Summer 2019 (REC@FAMU)
Career Interest: “My name is HENS LAURENT, third year chemistry major at the Florida A & M University. I was born I Haiti and spent the first 16 years of my life there. I came to the U.S.A to pursue my dreams and goals. I have been very blessed to connect with so many amazing people and be part of excellent programs like CARE2 Health Equity Center, FGLSAMP, and many more. Which allow me to make great progress towards my goals. I am very determined, intelligent, patient, and optimistic. I have always considered these my greatest assets because of the things I was able to accomplish so far professionally and educationally. As a chemistry major, I would love to attend graduate school and earn a PhD in medicinal Chemistry and drug developing. I am currently working under Dr. Kinfe K. Redda in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at FAMU in Medicinal Chemistry research with the goal of developing cancer drugs, most specifically, potential drugs that can be used to treat breast cancer.
I want to be someone others can look up to or call when help is needed. I am the first in my family to go to college and I do not want to be the last. I want to be an example for those that follow. And make the best out of my career through serving and caring for others in the US. Especially the less unfortunates.”
Project Title: “Synthesis of Tetrahydroisoquinolines (THIQs) as Anti-Breast Cancer Agents”
ABRCMS 2019: Poster # D-066, Anaheim, California
Maduka, Bianca
Florida A&M University
Summer 2019 (REC@FAMU)
Project Title: Separation of The Enantiomers of CSV-1-51, a 5-HT7 Receptor Ligand
Project Summary: Schizophrenia is a severe mental disorder that affects how a person behaves, feels, and thinks. Individuals with this disorder can sometimes feel like they have lost touch with reality. Positive symptoms of this disorder include hallucinations, delusions, and confused thoughts. Negative effects include lack of pleasure, trouble with speech, and withdrawal. Cognitive effects include inability to sustain attention and working memory problems. The 5-HT 7 receptor may be involved in the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. A ligand binding to this receptor may improve these symptoms. Antagonism of the 5-HT 7 receptor may help the negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. CSV-1-51, a chiral molecule, had an excellent binding to the 5-HT 7 receptor. HYPOTHESIS: One enantiomer of CSV-1-51 may result in an even better binding at the 5-HT 7 receptor than the racemate, and maybe better counter the negative and/or cognitive effects of schizophrenia. It is proposed that the Chiralpak AD-H HPLC column may be able to separate the enantiomers, after optimization of the mobile phase. RESULTS: The optimum HPLC mobile phase for chiral separation of CSV-1-51 was found to be 85:15:0.1 // Hx:EtOH:DEA at 1 mg/mL on an analytical Chiralpak AD-H HPLC column. Scaling up to a larger, semi-prep sized column at 4.7 mL/min allowed the separation and collection of Peak 1 (P1) & Peak 2 (P2) enantiomers. P1 had 100% enantiomeric purity. P2 had 100% enantiomeric purity. CONCLUSION: The Chiralpak AD-H HPLC column with 85:15:0.1 // Hx:EtOH:DEA can separate enantiomers of CSV-1-51.
Malcolm, Daniella
Florida A&M University
Summer 2019 (REC@FAMU)
Project Title: “Evaluation of Mutations in HSP 40 GENES in Cancer”
Project Summary: Cells are under constant stress, both endogenous and/or exogenous. Some of these stresses result in toxic damage to proteins which causes loss of protein native conformation that may lead to protein aggregation. Misfolded proteins trigger the induction of the Heat-Shock Response resulting in the expression of several heat-shock proteins which will bind to the unfolded protein, and refold them back to native conformation in an ATP-dependent reaction. Cancer chemotherapy uses agents that cause toxic stress to cancer cells. Many cancer chemotherapeutic agents result in oxidative stress and direct damage to proteins in the cancer cells. In fact, cancer cells present an activated Heat-Shock Response to protect themselves from endogenous stress, as well as the stress resulting from cytotoxic chemotherapy. Our lab is interested in investigating the role of the Heat-Shock Proteins 40 (HSP40) in the response to cytotoxic chemotherapy in cancer cells. We have identified two specific HSP40s (DNAJA1 and DNAJA2) that play a role in protecting cells from chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin, a common anthracycline antibiotic used in cancer treatment. When these factors are deleted, the cells become >100-fold more sensitive to doxorubicin, and when over expressed, they become resistant. The goal of this project is to evaluate the different mutations in these genes in cancer cell, with the purpose of determining the cell sensitivity/resistance to cytotoxic chemotherapy. The results of this project may have therapeutic implications.
ABRCMS 2019: Poster Number: F-013; Anaheim, California
Marshall, Tanaia
Florida A&M University
Summer 2019(REC@UF/FAMU
Career Interest: “ Greetings and humble salutations I am Tanaia Marshall, a fourth year Nursing scholar from New Orleans, Louisiana. I have always envisioned myself in a career as someone who loves helping and caring for people as well as, conducting research that would positively affect the lives of others. I am a highly motivated individual with a strong work ethic and an optimistic mindset with any and everything that I do. I am warm hearted, empathetic and compassionate. Over the summer of 2019 I had the pleasure of working with my mentor Dr. Diana Wilkie. I was granted this great opportunity through the University of Florida to be involved with the Center for Palliative Care Research and Education, and specifically a pain management study of hospice patients with cancer. This study sample of 264 patients and their caregivers included about 50% African Americans and 15% Hispanic, which is somewhat unusual for hospice studies. I also prepared an abstract that was submitted and accepted for presentation at the American Association of Cancer Research Health Disparities meeting in San Francisco, CA. With that being said my overall goal is to continue conducting research, educate, and pursue my nursing career.”
AACR 2019: San Francisco, California
Noel, Jessi
Florida A&M University
Summer 2019 (REC@FAMU).
Career Interest: “I have an overflowing awareness of the value of an education and I won’t rest till I conquer my dreams of becoming a cancer anesthesiologist. Not only do I want to help myself, I want to help those that are forgotten about, neglected, or voiceless, who were in the same position I was in. One of the main challenges is that there’s a seed that’s planted in many minorities’ minds that they can’t thrive. Although it subtly affects some, it can wreak havoc on a person’s confidence especially when they don’t have the tools to achieve their full potential.”
Project Title: Synthesis, Spectroscopic and In Silico Studies of Piplartine Analogues Bearing 1,3,4-oxadiazoles as Potential Anticancer Agents”
ABRCMS-2019 : Poster #D-137, Anaheim, California
Okwo, Chukwuemelie
Florida A&M University
Summer 2019 (REC@FAMU)
Career Interest: “ My research interests include most topics under the realm of biological studies, because these research areas coincide with subjects which have intrigued me the most so far in my undergraduate studies. However, cancer-based research specifically has peaked my interest, because there is still so much to learn about the diseases. The health disparity issue that comes along with certain cancer types and why some disproportionately affect specific minority groups, further sparked my interest. The research I have conducted so far focused on the breast and prostate cancers, which both heavily affect African American women and men, respectively. Hopefully by conducting more cancer research I will gain higher insight into the inner workings of these cancers and what exactly makes each type so difficult to treat for certain groups of people.” Emelie became a CaRE2 Postbac!
Project Title: “Design, Synthesis & Spectral Studies of Piplartine Analogues Carrying Pyrazole, Pyrrole & 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Moieties as Anticancer Agents with Anti-inflammatory Effects”
ABRCMS 2019; Poster # B-129, Anaheim, California
Qaiyum, Taliah
Florida A&M University
Summer 2019 (REC@FAMU/USC
Mitochondrial RNA Purity and Integrity in FFPE Tumors of African American Prostate Cancer Patients
BACKGROUND: Prostate cancer mortality rates continue to be the highest among African American (AA) men in the United States. The reasons for disparities in prostate cancer include differences in access to healthcare, a delayed disease diagnosis, tumor biological differences, high fat diets and socioeconomic status. PROBLEM/NEED: In this age of next generation sequencing there is a complete absence of RNA Sequencing studies on cancers in underrepresented minority men, specifically in Black men/men of African descent. RNA sequencing provides information on differences in gene expression, identity variants and gene fusions in each of the 30,000 genes that make up the human genome. HYPOTHESIS: A better understanding of the genetics that drive aggressive prostate tumors in Black men can be gained by conducting RNA Seq studies. However, another problem is the scarcity of AA prostate tumor tissues in public repositories. This study seeks to determine if high quality RNA required for RNA Seq studies can be isolated from archival formalin fixed paraffin embedded (FFPE) prostate tumor tissues. METHODS: Archival FFPE tissues were obtained from residual tissue repository at USC. The Beckman Coulter “FormaPure Total” reagents and protocol were used to isolate total RNA and DNA from FFPE samples. The quality of the total RNA was first assessed by determining the A260/A280 ratio using the DeNovix 11 FX+ Nanodrop spectrophotometer. The integrity and size were then assessed by determining the RIN and dv200 using the Agilent 4200 Tapestation system. Finally, for rigor, we converted RNA to cDNA and studied the replication of two housekeeping genes (B-Actin and K-Alpha 1) and two mitochondrial genes (MT-COI and MT-CYB) using RT-PCR. RESULTS: We were successful at isolating substantial yields of quality RNA from FFPE prostate tumor as judged by the A260/A280 ratios that ranged from 1.8 to 1.5 on the Nanodrop spectrophotometer. Subsequently, we conducted dv200 evaluation with RNA Screentape assays and showed that in most samples, 30 to 49% of RNA was larger than 200 nucleotides with respect to total RNA. Finally, we found that both MT-COI and MT-CYB genes replicated in the cDNA. Expression of both were decreased by 6.5 and 2.4 fold, respectively, in tumor samples relative to non-tumor. CONCLUSION: It was possible to isolate high quality and substantial amounts of RNA from archival FFPE prostate tumor/nontumor tissue. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate the replication of mitochondrial genes and conclude that the RNA isolated is suitable for immediate RNA Seq analysis.
Training at USC-CaRE2 Center
Pierre, Reneisha
Florida A&M University
Summer 2019 (REC@ UF/FAMU
Career Interest: By the time I graduate in Spring of 2021, some of my career goals is to attain a leadership position in the field of Nursing, have new experiences in the medical field, and increasing my knowledge in the science aspect. In graduate school, I want to specialize in Clinical Nursing so that I can further advance my studies in Nurse Oncology and be able to treat others for their overgrowth of cells. Over a decade ago, I received open heart surgery because of a valve that was too narrow and my life expectancy was very low. The reason why I am alive today is because of the amazing nurses that took great care of me. This surgery inspired me so much to become a nurse because I want to take care of people and save many lives. I believe attaining a Registered Nurse position will allow me to get a step closer out the door of what I want to become. Once I receive my training as a Registered Nurse, I aspire to become an Oncology Nurse because I love to do research and learn new things and I also hope to put an end to cancer itself. Sometimes life can be too short for those who have cancer and I want to put an end to this illness. It saddens me to see children and adults fight for their lives to an illness that has no cure of just yet. My goal is to work extremely hard to make this dream come true so that cancer will vanish completely. What motivates me is looking back at the scar on my chest and waking up from surgery with loved ones surrounding me and realizing that I can do just the same as the doctors and nurses did. I believe that I have the potential to become an Oncology Nurse because of my dedication, hard drive, and willingness to work hard no matter what obstacle comes before me. I am the type of student that will continue to work hard on something until the deed is done. My specialty in Nurse Oncology will feel very fulfilling and rewarding in the end because of how much interaction time I will have with a patient and seeing their health grow.
Williamson, Elijah
Florida A&M University
Summer 2019 REC@UF/FAMU
Career Interest: I wanted to deal with peoples mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders from a biological standpoint. I want to be able to diagnose, prevent, and treat disorders that affect peoples mind. To me this is important because the mind is where everything comes from. Your thoughts, your actions, everything. And if I could have the ability to help someone be healthy mentally then that would mean the world to me. My father always told me that you can have everything in the world but if your mind is not right you will never be happy enough to enjoy it. My objective is to be able to one day bring more awareness about mental health to minority communities and bridge the gap between them and mental health care. I want to be able to show people that just because you seek therapy doesn’t mean that you are categorized as “crazy”. Personally, I want to become a Psychiatrist because I am a caring person. I genuinely believe that people should have someone that they feel comfortable talking to about their problems and what they are feeling. I am compassionate and a good listener. I like to sit back and listen to what people have to say before I form an opinion. I also like to engage with people one-on-one. I am very determined, and result driven. If there is anything I can do to help someone I will do everything in my power to make it happen. I am a hard worker and patient. Most of all I am understanding and not judgmental. What motivates me are my parents who have pushed me to do better and also other people who seek therapy but don’t because they are afraid people will see them differently. What motivates me are the communities of people who are not aware that mental health is an important thing. What motivates me are the people yearning to be helped but don’t know how to go about it or can’t simply afford it.
Balogun, Aliyah
Florida A&M University
Summer 2019 REC@UF/FAMU
Career Interest: I read that African American women die from breast cancer 40% more than Caucasian women. I began to think to myself “why are black women more likely to die of breast cancer?” I also began to ponder on what needed to be done to change that statistic, and also what I, as a future industrial pharmacist, could do to decrease the mortality rate. I then evaluated my aspirations and what I saw myself doing in the future. I tailored my aspirations so that I could positively impact not only my community, but communities around the world. After obtaining a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, along with a Master of Public Health, I aspire to be working towards closing the breast cancer disparity gap. I specifically would like to work in the pharmaceutical industry to research innovative techniques and also host informational sessions about mammograms and selfbreast exams. Unfortunately, there is a stigma within the African American community about breast cancer, there is a lack of knowledge about cancer, and there are also socioeconomic barriers that stop women from seeking medical attention. Consequently, my career in cancer research will be tailored to putting an end not to only breast cancer disparities, but all forms of cancer disparities.
Project Title: “Investigating The Underlying Inflammatory Gene Signature of Prostate Cancer in African American Men”
Career Interest:
