BME WEEKLY ROUNDTABLE

March 18, 2024

 

INTERIM HEAD’S NOTE

 

Did you enjoy your spring break? Did you watch some basketball? Have you started to analyze the teams and matchups for filling out your brackets?. My daughter and I watched together the Selection Sunday show for both men and women. We had a lot of fun last night talking about the competition between us in the bracket challenge. I am so happy Purdue men’s basketball team again got a no.1 seed. I just hope this team will go all the way.

 

Last week was a relatively quiet week. So I provide a few notes on what is happening around Purdue, just in case you have missed.

 

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES

 

Week of March 18

 

Mon., March 18:  Engineering in Medicine Pediatrics Research Symposium, 10:00 am – 3:00 pm, Joseph E. Walther Hall, R3 C203, 980 W. Walnut St, Indianapolis. The day will include scientific sessions, networking, a poster session and expert panels on industry partnerships, leveraging resources, and success stories. Register by March 7th:  https://redcap.link/nixel8sz   The Symposium is sponsored by Crossroads Pediatric Device Consortium, The Indiana University School of Medicine, and Purdue University College of Engineering.

 

Mon., March 18:  BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Madeline McLaughlin (C. Evans-Molina and F. Huang, co-advisors). Everyone is invited to attend the public presentation beginning at 2:00 pm via Zoom. Research Title: STIM1 Interacts with G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor Signaling to Maintain Beta Cell Identity in Female Mice.

 

Mon., March 18:  Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases Enrichment Seminar Series, 12:00 noon, R4 101 (Indianapolis) and via Zoom. Todd Rideout, PhD, Associate Professor, Department of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences, State University of New York at Buffalo will present “Maternal Programming of Disease Risk in Offspring: Impact and Intervention.” Zoom link: https://click.e.iu/?qs=81ebcde8562275347fe572d2c569827710cd0960320a5f2b1c8f3afbf3277f7a85c0f889c4238f177b5cb4766e72b56ad46dbb17098b9316  This seminar series is sponsored by the Indiana University School of Medicine and the Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases.

 

Tues., March 19:  Abstracts submissions for the 2024 BME Research Symposium: Innovations in Biomedical Engineering are due by March 19th at 11:59pm on the submission portal. All BME-affiliated undergraduate, post-bacs, and graduate students are welcomed to submit an abstract. The submission is open to both West Lafayette and Indianapolis campuses. We encourage all students to apply, and please ensure your abstract follows the directions provided in this email. There will be cash prizes and awards for the top oral and poster presentations! The Symposium will take place on April 16 in the Hall for Discovery Learning, Room 131. If you have any questions, please reach out to Brendan (bbkazu@purdue.edu) or Lizzy (frazie34@purdue.edu) via email. 

 

Wed., March 20:  BME Distinguished Research Seminar Series, 9:30 a.m., MRGN 121 and via Zoom. Jerome Mertz, PhD, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University will present “Fast Volumetric Imaging in Brain Tissue.”

 

MJIS ALERT

 

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — With warmer weather on the horizon, shared Veo bicycles and electric devices on Monday (March 11) returned to the West Lafayette campus.

 

As a new feature, riders will be unable to end a trip and stop charges until the device is parked in a designated area. The Veo app will notify the rider when trying to end the ride if the device is not in an established parking zone based on GPS data, then the individual will be able to identify the nearest approved parking location through the app. Parking zones are denoted with a white “P” in a blue circle icon in the app to help riders plan their trips and properly park. Upon moving the device to an appropriate location, the ride can be ended. As was previously the case, devices may only be parked in bicycle racks or areas that have Veo parking signage posted.

 

See here for the full Purdue Today article:  https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2024/Q1/veo-devices-return-to-campus-with-new-user-and-parking-requirements.html?utm_source=sfmcPT&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=240315PurdueToday&utm_term=Veo+devices+return+to+campus+with+new+user+and+parking+requirements&utm_id=878620

 

WorldHealth Purdue’s Glow Run 5K Charity Event

 

Glow Run 5k is taking place on Friday April 5th. As an event that is aimed at promoting health and wellness, we wanted to specifically reach out to you all, as we thought it might align with your mission and goals. This is a campus and community-driven event, and we believe that your support would really help make this event successful. Proceeds will help the Lafayette Transitional Housing Center! 

 

This year, we will be having raffles and prizes for all participants, and those who have more referrals get extra entries. We will also have medals for those who place. Details about this can be found on our website:  https://worldhealthpurdue.wixsite.com/worldhealth-purdue-g and on the attached flyer.

 

2024 BME Research Symposium: Innovations in Biomedical Engineering

 

BMEGSA is excited to announce the 2024 BME Research Symposium to be held on April 16th, 2024 in the Hall for Discovery Learning Research (DLR) in Room 131 from 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

 

Abstracts submissions are now open! All BME-affiliated undergraduate, post-bacs, and graduate students are welcomed to submit an abstract. The submission is open to both West Lafayette and Indianapolis campus. All abstract submissions are due by March 19th at 11:59pm on the submission portal. We encourage all students to apply, and please ensure your abstract follows the directions provided in this email. There will be cash prizes and awards for the top oral and poster presentations!

 

For all attendees, please complete the registration form for the BME Symposium, which can be found here. There is no cost to register for the symposium. 

 

If you have any questions, please reach out to Brendan (bbkazu@purdue.edu) or Lizzy (frazie34@purdue.edu) via email. 

 

Upcoming important deadlines and information

 

Mon., March 25: BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Bibek Raut (M. Verma, advisor), 10:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m., LYLE 1150. Research Title: Integrating molecular diagnostics and behavioral monitoring tools for animal health.

 

Tues., March 26:  Celebrating Our Associate Professors, 11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., STEW 279. Leaving no good deed unknown, the College of Engineering is pleased to present its Spring 2024 Celebrating Our Associate Professors lunch sessions. Each event in the series features recently tenured Associate Professors making brief presentations on aspects of their teaching/learning, research and/or engagement activities and reflecting on the paths and decisions they took toward their success. There will also be opportunities to have conversations about the presented work with colleagues in attendance. BME’s own Yunjie Tong will be celebrated on March 26th. Register here:  https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_9ytEE0HwCqPig0S?_ga=2.125908997.903406085.1707744210-678665806.1706901767&utm_source=delivra&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=COAP%20-%20Spring%202024%20-%20March&utm_id=45880097

 

Tues., March 26:  BME PhD Defense Announcement for Luke Schepers (C. Goergen, advisor). Everyone is welcome to attend the public presentation starting at 12:00pm in MJIS 2001 and via Zoom. Title: Photocurable Sealant Development for Hemostasis and Aortic Aneurysm Thrombus Characterization with Ultrasound, Histology, and Microscopy.

 

Wed., March 27: BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Seungbin Park (M. Dadarlat, advisor). Everyone is invited to attend the public presentation beginning at 10:00 a.m. in DLR 221. Title: Decoding multi-limb trajectories of a running mouse from calcium imaging using deep learning.

 

Wed., March 27: BME PhD Defense Announcement for Alexis Hoerter (E. Pienaar, advisor), 11:00 a.m. in MJIS 2001 and via Zoom. Title: Agent-Based Modeling of Infectious Disease Dynamics: Insights into Tuberculosis, Pediatric HIV, and Tuberculosis-HIV Coinfection.

 

Wed., March 27: AntiMicrobial Resistance Seminar, 12:00 p.m., Drug Discovery Facility, Lobby Conference Room and via Zoom. Dr. Ed Greenfield, Indiana University, will present “The novel antibiotic halicin retains antibacterials activity against biofilms.” According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration, 2.8 million antibiotic-resistant infections occur annually in the US, resulting in 35,000 deaths. Combating AMR requires multifaceted efforts in both the healthcare and veterinary sectors. In response to this critical public health threat, scientists at Purdue University are working together to increase awareness and discover solutions for advanced diagnostics, treatment, and prevention.

Zoom link: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/92721706646?pwd=Y3VncExzUmFQQk9MS3Q2TUlLeE1Ldz09  

AMR Website: https://vet.purdue.edu/amr/#seminars  

AMR Conference https://vet.purdue.edu/amr/conference/

About us: https://vet.purdue.edu/amr/seminars/about.php

 

Thurs., April 4:  19th Annual Garnet E. Peck Symposium, France A. Cordova Recreational Sports Center. Registration now open: www.purdue.edu/conferences/Peck2024 . The Peck Symposium will showcase the digital transformations occurring in the pharmaceutical industry. Presentations include the latest developments in discovery, data analysis, process development and the application of AI in the pharmaceutical industry, as well as a poster session and 3-minute student thesis competition. Chaired by Dr. Nathaniel Milton, Professor of Practice. Questions? Email Cindy Everhart, IMPH Communications & Events Coordinator, ceverha1@purdue.edu

 

Sat., April 6:  E-Waste Day, 8:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m., Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds (1190 Teal Road, Lafayette). Our bi-annual e-waste event is back on April 6th from 8am-2pm at the Tippecanoe County Fairgrounds! This event includes FREE electronics recycling, paper shredding, and medicine disposal for Tippecanoe County residents!

Details on E-waste Recycling: Tippecanoe County residents may bring in electric and electronic devices such as TVs, computers, laptops, vacuum cleaners, printers, etc. for recycling at no charge. We will NOT accept items with refrigerant such as AC units, refrigerators, dehumidifiers, or freezers. We will NOT accept large appliances such as washing machines or stoves. Those can be recycled at Oscar Winski Scrap Metal at 2407 N 9th St. All attendees must show proof of Tippecanoe County residency to receive free service.
Details on paper shredding: A paper shredding truck will be on-site to accept up to two banker boxes of paper to shred and recycle from each car. Just pull up, dump your box in the bin, and that's it! Paper clips, staples, folders, and file tabs are A-OK! Please remove binders and alligator clips.
Details on medicine take-back: The Tippecanoe County Sheriff's Department will also be here to accept any unused or expired medicines. Over-the-counter and prescription (including controlled substances) are accepted. It will be dumped out onsite, so bring it loose if possible! All of your medicines will be destroyed and disposed of safely. We will not take liquids, needles of any kind, insulin, or powders.
We will have volunteers on hand to unload your electronics. Please have them packed in your vehicle in an easy-to-unload manner so that we can keep the line of cars moving.

 

Wed., April 10:  Purdue Engineering Distinguished Lecture Series. Jeffrey Dean, Google Senior Fellow and SVP of Google Research and Google Health, Google Research will present “Machine Learning, AI and Applications of AI.” This seminar is hosted by the College of Engineering, and Elmore Family School of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Register at bit.ly/pedls-dean

 

Fri., June 7:  Indiana Human-Centered Design for Health Seminar Series, 12:00 p.m. via Zoom. Lean about research and best practices in HCD and health, promote the diverse HCD expertise in Indiana, and build a community of HCD researchers and practitioners focused on health, in Indiana and beyond. The speaker will be Youngbok Hon, Professor, Herron School of Art and Design, IUPUI. Register and learn about upcoming seminars at healthtechquitylab.org/hcd-seminar

 

Resources and further information

 

Mon., March 18:  BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Madeline McLaughlin (C. Evans-Molina and F. Huang, co-advisors). Everyone is invited to attend the public presentation beginning at 2:00 pm via Zoom. Research Title: STIM1 Interacts with G Protein-Coupled Estrogen Receptor Signaling to Maintain Beta Cell Identity in Female Mice.

Committee Members: Dr. Carmella Evans-Molina (Co-Chair), Dr. Fang Huang (Co-Chair), Dr. Sherry Harbin, and Dr. Qing Deng

Abstract: Type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a global health pandemic resulting from a combination of defective insulin secretion and impaired insulin action in peripheral tissues; however, genetic and physiologic data suggest that inadequate insulin secretion from the b cell is the chief determinant predicting T2D development. Studies have identified b cell dedifferentiation as one potential mechanism leading to b cell failure. During dedifferentiation, b cells lose expression of key identity markers and insulin secretory function and may differentiate into other endocrine cell types.  At present, the molecular mechanisms leading to b cell dedifferentiation are not well understood. Calcium (Ca2+) plays a vital role in regulating b cell health and function, and the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) serves as the dominant Ca2+ store. ER Ca2+ depletion triggers the rescue mechanism store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) which replenishes ER Ca2+ stores through the ER-localized Ca2+ sensor stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1). Our laboratory recently found that obese female mice with reduced SOCE due to b cell-specific genetic deletion of STIM1 had evidence of b cell dedifferentiation and reduced G protein coupled estrogen receptor (GPER) expression, suggesting an interaction between SOCE, GPER signaling, and b cell identity. Therefore, we hypothesize that decreased SOCE leads to reduced GPER signaling and loss of b cell identity and function, thereby contributing to the pathophysiology of T2D in females. We propose using an ovariectomy mouse model and novel imaging methods to test this hypothesis and identify a novel mechanism linking SOCE and GPER signaling to b cell failure during T2D.

Zoom Link: https://iu.zoom.us/j/8318926012

 

Wed., March 20:  BME Distinguished Research Seminar Series, 9:30 a.m., MRGN 121 and via Zoom. Jerome Mertz, PhD, Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University will present “Fast Volumetric Imaging in Brain Tissue.”

Abstract: Obtaining high resolution images in scattering tissue has been a long-standing challenge in microscopy. This challenge is exacerbated when high frame rates are required, or when 3D imaging is required over extended volumes. I will present several tools we have developed to address this challenge. These can be applied to a variety of microscopy modalities ranging from multiplane imaging with speckle, to multi-focus confocal imaging with targeted illumination, and finally to multiphoton imaging. Our main applications are in-vivo imaging in the mouse brain, where we demonstrate high contrast kHz-rate imaging of neuronal electrical activity and blood flow deep in tissue.

Biography:  Jerome Mertz received an AB in physics from Princeton University in 1984, and a PhD in quantum optics from UC Santa Barbara and the University of Paris VI in 1991. Following postdoctoral studies at the University of Konstanz and at Cornell University, he became a CNRS research director at the Ecole Supérieure de Physique et de Chimie Industrielle in Paris. He is currently professor of Biomedical Engineering at Boston University. His interests are in the development and applications of novel optical microscopy techniques for biological imaging. He is also author of a textbook titled "Introduction to Optical Microscopy, 2nd Ed". https://sites.bu.edu/biomicroscopy/

~ BME Host: Krishna Jayant ~

ZOOM LINK https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/95124789878?pwd=S0x0VW5Vd3VaMVc1LytlL0NJU1FYUT09#success

*Students registered for the seminar are expected to attend in-person.

 

Mon., March 25: BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Bibek Raut (M. Verma, advisor), 10:00 a.m. -- 12:00 p.m., LYLE 1150. Research Title: Integrating molecular diagnostics and behavioral monitoring tools for animal health.

Thesis Committee: Dr. Mohit Verma (Advisor), Dr. Jacqueline Linnes, Dr. Jonathan A. Paternak, Dr. Young Kim

Abstract: The global increase in demand for animal-based food products has led to an increase in factory farms, necessitating effective measures to monitor animal health and wellbeing, and to prevent disease outbreaks and economic losses. The scale and density of industrial animal farms make it challenging for farm staff to monitor the animals around the clock. Most farms still have to send samples to centralized labs even if a farmer or veterinarian detects a symptom; the turnaround time for results might be a few days to weeks, during which time there is a risk of disease spreading rapidly throughout the farm. Therefore, for successful disease control, there should be on-farm diagnostics to identify specific disease causative agents as well as a round-the-clock animal health monitoring system to keep an eye on abnormal behavioral changes and symptoms in animals. My research approach is to combine these two forms of disease monitoring and detection. The first part focuses on developing an AI-assisted low-cost camera-based surveillance system, while the second part focuses on developing portable heater and imager instruments that will allow me to run loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) based molecular tests on the farm itself and get results in less than an hour. Additionally, these tests use disposable paper pads and plastic cartridges that cost between 1-5 dollars making them more affordable for farmers. This integrated approach promises significant potential in early disease detection on farms, thereby helping to prevent outbreaks and substantial economic losses to animal farmers.

 

Tues., March 26:  BME PhD Defense Announcement for Luke Schepers (C. Goergen, advisor). Everyone is welcome to attend the public presentation starting at 12:00pm in MJIS 2001 and via Zoom. Title: Photocurable Sealant Development for Hemostasis and Aortic Aneurysm Thrombus Characterization with Ultrasound, Histology, and Microscopy.

Thesis Committee: Craig J. Goergen, Chair; Vitaliy L. Rayz; Andrew Otte; Jonathan D. Tune

Abstract: Hemorrhage and aortic aneurysms result from external or internal damage to a vessel wall and can be lethal if timely interventions are not made. Blood clotting and thrombus sometimes have a negative connotation in the medical community, but the coagulation cascade is a vital response to hemorrhage and disease. For hemorrhage, the coagulation cascade forms a plug at the injury site providing potentially life-saving hemostasis. In aortic aneurysms, blood coagulates inside the vessel or vessel wall to form intraluminal or intramural thrombus.  The role of intraluminal and intramural thrombus in aneurysm rupture remains poorly understood, but past research suggests it may protect against further vessel damage dependent on its location and time of deposition. My dissertation focuses on application of a new photocurable sealant that surrounds a wound and aids in the coagulation cascade during hemorrhage, and analysis of the intramural and intraluminal thrombus that forms in aortic dissections and abdominal aortic aneurysms, respectively. We used volumetric and pulsed-wave Doppler ultrasound to detect changes in hemodynamics, vessel morphology, aneurysm thrombus deposition, and tracked the photocurable sealant’s performance and degradation in vivo. We used novel scanning electron microscopy analysis techniques in aortic aneurysm studies to uncover and quantify new information about thrombus structure. Our characterization and in vivo feasibility study with the photocurable sealant can serve as evidence for translation to future use in humans, and our techniques and findings in murine aneurysm models can potentially be used to elucidate the role and structure of thrombus in human aortic aneurysms.

Zoom link: https://purdueedu.zoom.us/j/96249556476pwd=UXh0SnBnVVNyK0xQbk4wTTdxNUZCZz09

 

Wed., March 27: BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Seungbin Park (M. Dadarlat, advisor). Everyone is invited to attend the public presentation beginning at 10:00 a.m. in DLR 221. Title: Decoding multi-limb trajectories of a running mouse from calcium imaging using deep learning.

Advisory committee: Maria Dadarlat (Advisor, BME), Eugenio Culurciello (BME), Young Kim (BME), Joseph Makin (ECE) 

Abstract: Decoding neural activity into behaviorally-relevant variables such as speech or movement is an essential step in the development of brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) and can be used to clarify the role of distinct brain areas in relation to behavior. Two-photon (2p) calcium imaging provides access to thousands of neurons with single-cell resolution and therefore is a promising tool for next-generation optical BMIs. However, decoding 2p calcium imaging recordings into behavioral variables for use in real-time applications has traditionally been challenging due to the low sampling rate of the signal as well as the indirect and non-linear relationship between the underlying neural activity and the slow fluorescent signal. Here, I aim to decode the continuous multi-limb trajectories of running mice from neural recordings made with 2p calcium imaging over the primary somatosensory cortex and primary motor cortex in a single hemisphere using deep learning. The work demonstrates the feasibility of using deep learning methods to identify and characterize populations of neurons that encode behaviorally-relevant variables. This approach will be critical in the future implementation of neural decoding for next-generation optical BMIs that will improve the lives of patients suffering from neurological injury and disease.

 

Wed., March 27: BME PhD Defense Announcement for Alexis Hoerter (E. Pienaar, advisor), 11:00 a.m. in MJIS 2001 and via Zoom. Title: Agent-Based Modeling of Infectious Disease Dynamics: Insights into Tuberculosis, Pediatric HIV, and Tuberculosis-HIV Coinfection.

Advisory Committee: Elsje Pienaar (Chair), Larry S. Schlesinger, Alexandria Volkening, Qing Deng

Abstract: Tuberculosis (TB), caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), and human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV) are major public health concerns, individually and in combination. The status of the host immune system, previous Mtb infection and HIV-mediated T cell exhaustion, can have significant impacts on immune dynamics during reinfection. Individuals with asymptomatic latent TB infection (LTBI) may be protected against Mtb reinfection, as demonstrated by animal and in vitro studies. However, the underlying dynamics and protective mechanisms of LTBI are poorly understood. In HIV, long-term infection in children and associated T cell exhaustion leads to weakened immune responses to HIV reinfection. The complexity of these infections, particularly in the context of the heightened vulnerability of HIV+ individuals to TB, underscores the need for novel investigative approaches to study host-pathogen and pathogen-pathogen interactions. To this, we have developed an agent-based model (ABM) as a mechanistic computational tool to simulate the immune response to Mtb and HIV, separately and during coinfection. Our ABM integrates clinical and experimental data; simulates immune cell dynamics between macrophages, CD4+ and CD8+ T cells; and produces emergent granuloma-like structures – a critical response to Mtb. This in silico approach allows us to efficiently explore host-pathogen interactions and their clinical implications. By unraveling the complex interplay of immune cell activation, T cell exhaustion, and pathogen dynamics, our model offers insights that could guide the development of targeted therapies. By quantifying the multifaceted nature of these diseases and their interactions, we highlight the potential of computational approaches in understanding and treating complex diseases, individually and in combination.

Zoom: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/97670276836?pwd=QXBGVncyRkxPTEU4R1JEN0x5ZW41UT09

 

Email from Associate Dean Ali Shakouri re: ARPA-H

I wanted to share new details from ARPA-H. The agency just announced that they are restructuring the Open BAA after the 3/14 deadline to create four funding opportunities within the mission offices they have established thus far (they’re calling them Mission Office-specific Innovation Solutions Openings (ISOs)).  Each ISO has a targeted area of interest, but they still seem broad enough to provide some leeway with proposals. 

The targeted areas are:

More information can be found here: https://sam.gov/opp/0f71794fda5b47b68ee28139c2468fdb/view

 

These opportunities not only restructure what was the Open BAA, but will likely be the structure for ARPA-H moving forward. These opportunities have an abstract due date of March 2025.

It is important to note that the agency still has authority to spend money and is still fully funded through FY 2025. They will also continue to introduce specific programs to tackle particular issues, some of which will provide upwards of $100 million in awards.  

 

BME Distinguished Seminar Series, 9:30 a.m., MRGN 121 (NOTE LOCATION CHANGE) or via Zoom.

Zoom link:  https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/5593290378?pwd=eFBOZFlNTU50ZDA2S2gwcnpyOWIwUT09

Note: Students registered for the seminar are expected to attend in-person.

 

Week #

Date

Speaker

Title

Host

Website

10

3/20/2024

Jerome Mertz

Professor, Biomedical Engineering, Boston University

Krishna Jayant

https://www.bu.edu/csn/profile/jerome-mertz/

11

3/27/2024

Mikhail G. Shaprio

Professor of Chemical Engineering, Caltech

Krishna Jayant

https://cce.caltech.edu/people/mikhail-g-shapiro

12

4/3/2024

Jennifer Linderman

Pamela Raymond Collegiate Professor of Engineering, University of Michigan

Kinzer-Ursem

Pienaar

https://che.engin.umich.edu/people/linderman-jennifer/

13

4/10/2024

Victor Barocas

Professor, Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota

Deva Chan

https://cse.umn.edu/bme/victor-barocas

14

4/17/2024

Kim “Avrama” Blackwell

Professor and DEO of Roy J. Carver Department of Biomedical Engineering

Kinzer-Ursem

https://ibi.gmu.edu/faculty-directory/kim-avrama-blackwell/

15

4/24/2024

Stacey Finley

Nichole A. and Thuan Q. Pham Professor and Associate Professor of Biomedical Engineering, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, and Quantitative and Computational Biology, USC

Kinzer-Ursem

Pienaar

https://viterbi.usc.edu/directory/faculty/Finley/Stacey

 

A close-up of a register Description automatically generated

 

 

Postdoctoral Fellow Opportunity – IUSM Emergency Medicine

 

The laboratory of Dr. Nathan J. Alves, PhD, within the Department of Emergency Medicine at the Indiana University School of Medicine (IUSM), is seeking a highly motivated and independent post-doctoral research fellow. Dr. Alves is a Chemical and Biomolecular Engineer, Associate Professor and the Director of Translational Research for the Department of Emergency Medicine in addition to having an affiliate faculty appointment at Purdue University in Biomedical Engineering. The Alves Lab explores highly interdisciplinary research interests applying engineering and biophysical principles and designs to create translational technologies and treatments in the area of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis. The primary focus of research in the laboratory is to develop targeted clot digesting therapeutic agents to more safely digest clinically relevant blood clots to treat pulmonary embolism (PE, blood clots in the lungs), deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and ischemic stroke. This interdisciplinary research utilizes diverse enzyme assays, chemical synthesis, blood clot formation and digestion assays under shear, and other novel testing/delivery platforms that include multivalent branched molecules and nanoparticle drug delivery systems. Projects Include: (1) Leveraging multivalency to modulate enzyme activity and improve inhibitor selectivity (nanoparticle drug delivery and targeting). (2) Ex-vivo flowing models of clot digestion under shear using in-vivo like fluorescently labeled blood clots from human whole blood. (3) Development of novel fibrinolytic diagnostics tools to assess coagulation state. (4) Mouse models of clot formation/targeting/digestion utilizing intravital microscopy. (5) Study the effects of environmental microplastic exposure on coagulation/fibrinolysis. Projects are funded both externally and internally.

For additional information and to apply, go to: https://indiana.peopleadmin.com/postings/19651

 

Attachments:

BME_Symposium_Flyer

2024 03 18 EiM symposium flyer

WorldHealth Purdue Glow 5k Flyer