NIH Biotechnology Research Training
External Advisory Committee

David Anderson, CEO and Chairman of the Board of  MithraGen, Chairman of the Board of  Nanospectra Biosciences, Inc., and Chairman of  PLx Pharma, Inc.
Jacqueline R. Northcut, President and CEO of  BioHouston, Inc.
Jason Moore, Vice President of  PLx Pharma, Inc.
Dr. Sunil Chada, Associate Vice President of  Introgen Therapeutics, Inc.
Dr. Carol Farhangfar, Director, Research Planning & Development, Division of Cancer Medicine,  M.D. Anderson Cancer Center

NIH Biotechnology Research Training
Steering Committee

George N. Bennett, Professor of Biochemistry and Cell Biology 
Janet Braam, Professor of Biochemistry and Cell Biology and Chair
Seiichi P.T. Matsuda, E. Dell Butcher Professor of Chemistry and Chair, Professor of Biochemistry and Cell Biology
Antonios G. Mikos, John W. Cox Professor of  Bioengineering and Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering
Rebecca Richards-Kortum, Stanley C. Moore Professor of Bioengineering and Director of Rice 360, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor 
Ka-Yiu San, E.D. Butcher Professor of Bioengineering and Professor of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering      
Jennifer L. West, Isabel C. Cameron Professor and Chair of Bioengineering, Howard Hughes Medical Institute Professor

NIH Biotechnology Research Training
Participating Students 07/01/09-06/30/10

NIH Trainees (from left to right, front row: Cara Bovet, Dena Wiltz, Erica Levorson; second row: Kelsey Rosbach, Emily Burdett, Hubert Tseng; third row: B.J. Gill, Justin Judd; fourth row: Matthew Zimmerman, Joseph Hoffmann)

Cara Bovet 
Colorado College - 2002 BA Chemistry
2nd Year Graduate Student
Department:  Chemistry
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Zachary Ball 
Ext./Lab: x2066, GRB E227
Email: Cara.L.Bovet@rice.edu
Research Summary:  
Certain peptides bind to and activate pro- and anti-apoptotic proteins, and binding affinity of the peptide-protein complexes is dependent on the helicity of the peptide. Dirhodium has been shown to stabilize the alpha-helix of small peptides. My research focuses on the interaction between dirhodium-stabilized alpha-helical peptide complexes and proteins, particularly those whose function involves the regulation of apoptosis. Our hope is to gain better control over the regulation of cell death through the use of dirhodium-stabilized peptides with the eventual goal of new drug design. 

 
Emily Burdett
University of Oklahoma - 2007 BS Chemical Engineering
3rd Year Graduate Student
Department:  Bioengineering
Faculty Advisor:   Dr. Antonios Mikos
Ext./Lab: x3009, E114A GRB
Email: emilyburdett@rice.edu
Research Summary: 
My project is a collaboration between Dr. Tony Mikos' lab at Rice in the Bioengineering Department and Dr. Joseph Ludwig's lab at M.D.Anderson Cancer Center in the Department of Sarcoma Medical Oncology. I am working to develop an in vitro 3-D tumor model that accurately mimics the cancer cell growth and signaling seen in vivo by adapting some of the 3-D cell culture systems that are currently used in tissue engineering. Our hope is that this model will reflect tumor drug response more accurately than current preclinical models, and allow for a more predictive and efficient preclinical screening process. After completing my PhD, I plan to pursue an academic career, where I hope to continue applying tissue engineering strategies within the field of cancer medicine.      

B.J. Gill
University of Southern California - 2006, BS Chemical Engineering
2nd Year Graduate Student
Department:  Bioengineering
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jennifer West
Ext./Lab: x2100, BRC 440
Email: bjg1@rice.edu 
Research Summary:
My work focuses on the combination effects of matrix elasticity and cell shape on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) differentiation. Using poly(ethylene glycol) hydrogels (PEG) synthesized over a range of physiologic stiffness, I pattern restricted areas of cell adhesive ligand and investigate the effect of both tunable factors on MSC lineage-specificity. Ultimately, I will investigate MSC differentiation in hydrogels patterned in three dimensions and introduce additional growth factors patterned into the matrix.

Joseph Hoffmann
University of Texas at Austin - 2008 BS Biomedical Engineering
2nd Year Graduate Student
Department:  Bioengineering
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jennifer West
Email: jch3@rice.edu 
Research Summary:
My research focus centers on the use of two photon laser scanning lithography to three dimensionally pattern biomolecules in poly (ethylene glycol) based hydrogels. Specifically, I am developing methods to control cell migration and cell phenotype based on three dimensionally patterned adhesive ligands and growth factors. Ultimately, I plan to utilize these biomolecular patterns to control vessel-like tubule formation for tissue engineering applications. 

 
Justin Judd
University of California, Davis - 2005 BS Neurobiology, Physiology & Behavior (magna cum laude)
2nd Year Graduate Student
Department:  Bioengineering
Faculty Advisor:   Dr. Junghae Suh
Ext./Lab: x2848, Keck 119
Email: jhj2@rice.edu
Research Summary: 
The exploitation of Adeno-associated Virus (AAV) as a genetically-encoded nanoparticle platform is of interest for applications including, but not limited to gene therapy, tissue engineering, and biosensors. Techniques in rational protein design and directed evolution are being developed and employed to construct novel biomaterials, devices and useful gene/protein libraries. Future career goals may involve the pursuit of an academic appointment and/or the industrial translation of engineered technology. 

Erica Levorson
University of Nebraska - 2008 BS, Biological Systems Engineering (with Highest Distinction)
2nd Year Graduate Student
Department:  Bioengineering
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Antonios Mikos
Ext./Lab: x3025, BRC 602
Email: elevorson@rice.edu
Research Summary: 
My research focuses on developing a system to generate a cellular, bioactive scaffolds to be used for the repair of articular cartilage injuries. I am using electrospun fibrous mats of a biodegradable polymer, poly(ε-caprolactone), with the application of flow perfusion bioreactor culture of MSCs to fabricate the bioactive polymer/ECM hybrid constructs. Once decellularized, these hybrid constructs will contain chondrogenic properties which will ultimately induce host progenitor cells to differentiate into chondrocytes upon implantation and regenerate damaged cartillage.

Kelsey Rosbach
Georgia Institute of Technology - 2006 BS/Biomedical Engineering
3rd Year Graduate Student
Department:  Bioengineering
Faculty Advisor:   Dr. Rebecca Richards-Kortum
Ext./Lab: x3022 & 3005, BRC 530
Email: Kelsey.J.Rosbach@rice.edu
Research Summary: 
My research involves the development and validation of contrast agents to enhance the optical detection of oral cancer and its precursors. Using optical contrast agents targeted to characteristics of oral cancer such as increased metabolism and epidermal growth factor receptor expression, we can detect potentially malignant oral lesions. Wide-field imaging, high-resolution imaging, and spectroscopy are used to detect oral lesions in freshly resected surgical specimens ex vivo once the contrast agents are topically applied. Similar contrast agents are also used in exfoliated cells obtained from oral cancer patients.

Hubert Tseng
Johns Hopkins University - 2007 BS Engineering Mechanics, Applied Mathematics & Statistics
2nd Year Graduate Student
Department:  Bioengineering
Faculty Advisor:   Dr. K. Jane Grande-Allen
Ext./Lab: x3006/3707, BRC 603/620
Email: hubert.tseng@rice.edu
Research Summary: 
My research investigates the structure-function relationship of the aortic valve. The aortic valve is observed as a layered structure but often modeled as a single membrane, despite different extracellular matrices and mechanical properties. Using histology, immunohistochemistry, mechanical testing, and finite element analysis, I will characterize the microstructure of the aortic valve and rationalize aortic valve mechanics. In particular, I am interested in the spongiosa, the innermost layer of the aortic valve leaflet, of which little is understood. My hope is that my research will help optimize aortic valve modeling and form a rational basis for heart valve tissue engineering. 

Dena Wiltz
Tulane University - 2007, BSE
3rd Year Graduate Student
Department:  Bioengineering
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Jane Grande-Allen
Ext./Lab: x3006, BRC 620
Email: Dena.C.Wiltz@rice.edu
Research Summary:
My research focuses on various aspects of Calcified Aortic Valve Disease (CAVD). In particular, I am investigating the differences between the mitral and aortic valve. In addition, I will take a look into various regions of calcified valves for distinctions that may be present within the tissue. Investigating these areas may elucidate properties of the aortic valve that predispose this tissue to calcification and may give rise to possible areas for engineering in an effort to prevent CAVD. 

Matthew Zimmerman
University of Colorado - 2001, B.S. Chemical Engineering
Rice University - 2007, Master in Bioengineering
3rd Year Ph.D. Student
Department:  Bioengineering
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Michael Diehl
Ext./Lab: x3050, BRC 520
Email: Matthew.W.Zimmerman@rice.edu
Research Summary: 
Aberrant microtubule-dependent motor transport has been implicated in several neuronal disorders. Researching motor dynamics such as dynein-dependent transport will hopefully provide insight and potential therapies. My research currently examines the influence intracellular cargo structure-functional relationships exhibit on force-dependency and transport parameters involved in dynein-mediated motility. I have developed an engineered molecular system with systematically tunable parameters that selectively targets optical probes to dynein-dependent intracellular transport pathways. Single-particle tracking allows for investigation of cargo/motor dynamics with nanometer spatial resolution. Future research will elucidate the intracellular spatial and temporal organization of dynein-transported cargo subject to a variety of modified intrinsic and extrinsic factors.

Supply Funds:   Each trainee receives $4,200 for supplies per budget year (this budget year is 7/l/09-6/30/10).  These funds are to be used to purchase laboratory supplies for your research.  All supply monies must be spend by 6/15/10.     Faculty advisors must approval all orders for supplies.  To order supplies, please complete an NIH Biotech Purchase Requisition Form (copy attached), have your advisor approve it and send or bring it to Dyani Banda (x5961; dbanda@rice.edu) in W200K GRB Hall.  Dyani will place the orders for you and will notify you to pick up your packages in W200K GRB Hall when your order is received.

Travel Funds:  Each trainee receives $300 per budget year to be used to attend a scientific meeting.  All travel must be completed and paid for by 6/15/09.  Faculty advisors must approve all requests for travel.  Prior to your trip, obtain a travel envelope from Dyani Banda.  Appropriate receipts must be submitted as proof of expenses.  Be sure to save the flight pass or a copy of the official ticket.