Cancer Innovation Scholars

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is aggressive, lacking estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors. We synthesized PLGA nanoparticles with EGFR-targeting antibodies and PEG ligands to improve targeted delivery. Using nanoparticle tracking analysis and cross-polarization techniques, we measured size, viscosity, and aggregation behavior. Understanding protein corona formation is crucial as it significantly changes nanoparticle biological makeup and targeting effectiveness. This innovative approach optimizes ligand combinations for improved stability and delivery efficacy in TNBC treatment.

Endometrial cancer affects thousands of women yearly, with disproportionate mortality rates in Black women often due to later-stage diagnosis. We used pre-trained CNNs to distinguish different uterine cancer types and evaluate racial biases in medical imaging. CNNs require less manual preprocessing and can be enhanced through data augmentation. Our study aims to minimize human diagnostic biases using AI/ML, potentially improving care and saving lives by providing more objective cancer diagnosis regardless of patient demographics.

TNBC lacks estrogen, progesterone, and HER2 receptors, rendering conventional therapies ineffective. We developed platinum nanoparticles modified with PEG and PLGA for enhanced circulation and safety, functionalized with EGFR targeting ligands. In vitro studies evaluate uptake efficiency, cytotoxicity, and specificity to TNBC cells. This targeted approach aims to reduce off-target effects, minimize chemotherapy side effects, and address drug resistance, potentially improving patient outcomes through precise therapeutic delivery.

Microfluidic devices using PDMS are expensive and time-consuming to fabricate. We developed a double-layer parafilm microfluidic platform with 20-minute total fabrication time. Using laser cutting to create microchannels, we applied 60°C heat and 20kPa pressure for parafilm adhesion. This glass-parafilm-glass setup provides an inexpensive alternative for disease screening and modeling. Future work involves seeding human mesenchymal stem cells to study endothelial cell differentiation under shear stress conditions.

Traditional peptide synthesizers cost $90,000 and generate hazardous waste. We designed a compact, efficient reactor vessel for miniature peptide synthesis using computational fluid dynamics and 3D design. The project addresses uniform mixing, temperature control, contamination prevention, and structural integrity challenges. Our approach integrates chemical engineering, microfluidics, and materials science to create a cost-effective solution that reduces reagent consumption and waste generation while maintaining synthesis quality.

Breast cancer affects 30% of newly diagnosed cases annually, with younger women facing high mammogram costs. We developed electrospun piezoelectric nanofiber sensors that generate charge from mechanical stress, creating battery-free tumor detection devices. Since breast tumors (10 kPa) and healthy tissue (800 Pa) have different elastic moduli, our sensor correlates output voltage with material stiffness. This portable, affordable screening method enables independent tumor detection, potentially increasing early detection rates and reducing mortality.

Two million people died from toxic chemical exposure in 2019. We developed physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models to study benzene accumulation in bloodstreams during work exposure. Benzene, found in petroleum products and pharmaceuticals, causes haematotoxicity and increased leukemia risk. Our mathematical simulations determine whether work schedules exceed toxic levels and identify effective decontamination methods. This research protects workers in high-exposure environments by optimizing safety protocols and exposure mitigation strategies.

Current biopsy methods face limitations including accuracy issues, human error, and radiation exposure. Healthy and cancerous tissues exhibit different mechanical properties measured by Young's modulus. Our piezoelectric needle device leverages the piezoelectric effect to generate electric charge from mechanical stress, enabling precise tumor tissue targeting. This approach addresses traditional biopsy limitations by providing more accurate, less invasive cancer diagnosis through real-time tissue stiffness measurement during procedures.

Automated peptide synthesizers are expensive, not portable, and produce hazardous waste including DMF and piperidine. We designed a small-scale synthesizer with an efficient waste disposal system using elastic nylon balloons in drawer mechanisms for safe removal. Using AutoCAD and Fusion360, we created a balloon-O-ring system connected to waste valves. This affordable, portable synthesizer addresses current limitations while maintaining synthesis quality and reducing environmental impact through improved waste management.

Early cancer detection is crucial for preventing disease progression. ESSENCE (Electrochemical Sensor that uses a Shear-Enhanced, flow-through Nanoporous Capacitive Electrode) addresses biosensor limitations of sensitivity and selectivity. Our microfluidic channel between microelectrodes offers improved sensitivity,