BME WEEKLY ROUNDTABLE

June 10, 2024

 

INTERIM HEAD’S NOTE

 

Dear all, I hope you all have enjoyed your summer break so far. Some of you came back from Maymester study abroad. I heard nothing but exciting and rewarding experiences from our students. Some of you had conferences (e.g., 5th Biomedical Education Summit and Big 10 Neuroscience Annual Meeting) or will have conferences (e.g., the 2024 Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering, and Biotransport Conference) domestically and internationally. Travel safely and enjoy!

 

Rhonda provided the following update. To update the research section of the department website, she has received information from the 5 areas. Thanks all the area co-chairs and whoever made it happen in a timely manner. Another big-ticket item on her plate is the merge of the IUPUI website information with ours. 

 

Sofia Valla, research scientist and project manager in the Linnes Lab in BME, took the lead on mapping out the relevant processes in our BME organization and identifying tools to speed up the various processes. The task force also includes Jacqueline Linnes, Susan Hardy, Pamela Lamb, Rhonda Jones, Jo Gelfand. The team has functioned so well and made good progress so far. A draft proposal has been developed with recommendations. 

 

We will not have weekly roundtables in the reminder of June. I will write my final note on 7/1 to provide a summary of the past year me being the Interim Head.

 

UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES

 

Week of June 10

 

Thurs., June 13:  BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Julio Rivera-De Jesus (J. Linnes, advisor). Everyone is invited to attend the public presentation beginning at 1:30 pm in MJIS 2001 and via Zoom. Title: Applications of Microfluidics for Biomedical Applications: From Diagnostics to Single-Cell Manipulation

 

IMPORTANT MJIS ALERTS

 

ALERT:  Our incredibly hard working service workers will be revitalizing the 1st floor areas this week. This includes the Atrium! Please note that specific entrances/hallways may not be available on a day-to-day basis, so you’ll need to seek alternate entrances/exits. Please remember that they’re working as hard as they can, and will try to get the floors done in a very timely manner.  If areas are blocked off (with signage), PLEASE do not ignore the signs and enter anyway. Their goal is to keep MJIS beautiful, but they need your help!

 

Also, if you get a chance, stop and introduce yourself to our new 1st floor service worker, Danielle (Danny) Santos. She comes to us with over 12 years of cleaning experience. We were very fortunate to get her as part of our Weldon family!

 

In case you missed this in “Purdue Today”: Nursing and Pharmacy Education Building: Construction on the new Nursing and Pharmacy Education Building, also south of Mitch Daniels Boulevard and along South Russell Street, is scheduled to begin in July. The same traffic patterns for the Life Science Ranges Phenotyping Greenhouse Building will remain in place from July through February 2025. The sidewalk and street parking along the west side of South Russell Street will also close in July and remain closed off through November 2026. The parking lot located at the southwest corner of Mitch Daniels Boulevard and Russell Street will permanently close July 22. The “parking lot located at the southwest corner of Mitch Daniels….” Is the one behind MJIS/HERL.

 

GRADING DEADLINES

 

Summer Grades for Second Eight Weeks (June 10-August 2), Third Four Weeks (July 8-August 4) and Full Summer Session (May 13-August 2)
Grade entry begins at 8 a.m. July 26 and ends at 5 p.m. August 6. This includes all students (both graduate and undergraduate) doing research.  Faculty not meeting the submission deadline for their reporting window will be required to submit via the Grade change workflow found in their myPurdue portal.

 

UNIVERSITY REMINDERS

 

New research security training and certification. As we continue working to safeguard Purdue-led research against inappropriate interference by foreign entities, we have introduced a new online learning module for research security training that addresses contemporary issues and satisfies new federal requirements. We ask that all researchers within the colleges of agriculture, engineering and science and the Purdue Polytechnic Institute complete this training by Sept. 1, 2024. Read more.

 

Daily rental vehicle reservations officially transition to Enterprise on June 30

Daily and long-term rental vehicle reservations for university travelers have been transitioning from Purdue’s Transportation Services department to Enterprise over the past few years, and the transition will be completed on June 30. For additional, detailed information:  https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/purduetoday/releases/2024/Q2/daily-rental-vehicle-reservations-officially-transition-to-enterprise-on-june-30.html?utm_source=sfmcPT&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=240528PurdueToday&utm_term=Daily+rental+vehicle+reservations+officially+transition+to+Enterprise+on+June+30&utm_id=910202

 

 

Upcoming important deadlines and information

 

Tues., June 18: Abstract Submission Deadline for 10th Annual Diabetes Symposium to be held August 9, 2024 on the IU School of Medicine’s Indianapolis campus. Abstract submissions are included as part of the online registration form. Please refer to the document "Guidelines for Writing an Abstract" for recommendations on how to write an abstract. Additional instructions about formatting and submitting your abstract can be found in the general information file

 

Thurs., June 20: BME PhD Defense Announcement for Emilee Madsen (J. Linnes, advisor). Everyone is invited to attend the public presentation beginning at 3:00 pm in MJIS 2001 and via Zoom. Title: A Hydrogel Microneedle Platform for Electrochemical Sensing of Analytes in Interstitial Fluid

 

Fri., July 19:  Online Registration Deadline for 10th Annual Diabetes Symposium to be held August 9, 2024 on the IU School of Medicine’s Indianapolis campus. The registration deadline to receive breakfast and lunch is Friday, July 19, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. EST. After the online registration deadline, only on-site registration the day of the Symposium will be available, and lunch will not be included for on-site registrants. Register at: https://redcap.uits.iu.edu/surveys/?s=8KMTKFPHKXCKAJK4

 

Sun., June 30:  2024-2025 Engineering Fellows Nominations Due. Nominations for the College of Engineering's highest undergraduate honor, the Purdue Engineering Fellows, are now open. Purdue Engineering Fellows recognizes the accomplishments, contributions and potential of seven outstanding seniors who make a difference in the College and in the lives of others by bringing creative thinking to their academic activities, demonstrating distinctive problem-solving abilities, and are respected by their peers and faculty. Purdue Engineering Fellows will be students who demonstrate impressive abilities to think creatively and to develop innovative solutions to problems—whether in the classroom, in student life, or in the community. We are now asking our faculty and staff to submit nominations through the Qualtrics provided below by June 30th. Students must be in their senior year and graduating in May of 2025 (December grads are not permitted). Upon graduation each recipient will receive $25,000. A nomination letter and copy of the student’s resume are required for full consideration. If you have any questions regarding the Purdue Engineering Fellows nomination process, please contact Stephen Stewart at stewarsr@purdue.edu. 

https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7Vcx2NmqB9AxGe2

 

Tues., Oct. 8:  12th Diabetes & Obesity Research Day (Focus: Diabetes, Obesity & the Brain), 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., University of Illinois Chicago and via Zoom. Information and registration available at https://go.uic.edu/DiabetesObesityDay2024

 

Fri., May 16 – Sun., May 18:  Purdue Spring Commencement Ceremonies.

 

Resources and further information

 

Thurs., June 13:  BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Julio Rivera-De Jesus (J. Linnes, advisor). Everyone is invited to attend the public presentation beginning at 1:30 pm in MJIS 2001 and via Zoom. Title: Applications of Microfluidics for Biomedical Applications: From Diagnostics to Single-Cell Manipulation

Committee: Dr. Jacqueline Linnes (chair), Dr. Estelle Sunghee Park, Dr. Melinda Lake, Dr. Chopra Gaurav

Abstract: From its origins, microfluidic devices small size and liquid volumes have enabled cutting-edge technologies to innovate in the biomedical community. Due to the wide variety of materials and methods available for fabrication, microfluidic devices enable top-tier research in many fields, from diagnostics to single-cell lipidomics. However, these platforms have remaining challenges that must be overcome in optical detection, sample volume, and implementing multistep processes on chips. Here, I address these challenges in three unique platforms. Utilizing particle diffusometry loop-mediated isothermal amplification (PD-LAMP) to measure the Brownian motion of LAMP amplicons tagged with fluorescent particles, we evaluate cyclic olefin polymer (COP) microfluidic chips bonded through different methods. Here, we integrate COP for optical detection through PD-LAMP and address whether fabrication/bonding processes hinder optical clearance or viability of the assay. However, the low volume requirements for this assay often stand as a limitation for other applications. Notably, the detection of Vibrio cholerae in environmental water samples requires larger volumes due to the low concentration at which this pathogen is found. To accurately detect the pathogen, it is necessary to concentrate a larger volume of fluid incompatible with vessels at the microscale. To address this, we design and develop a paper fluidic platform that precisely filters, amplifies, and detect V. cholerae in environmental water samples at the point-of-care (POC). Using paper, we can accommodate larger volumes based on the device's geometry while enriching the sample to overcome low concentrations. Lastly, we aim to aid the development of research in single-cell lipidomics. In this research field, experiments often require multiple-step sample handling and preparation. Current physical/chemical manipulation methods are highly limited in terms of throughput and single-cell resolution. Here, we will engage in the design of an integrated microfluidic chip capable of achieving cell isolation, cell lysis, and chemical conjugation. In summary, microfluidic technology holds great potential to improve upon healthcare and research. The versatility provided from substrate, to flow mechanism and quantifiable manipulation make a substantial case for cutting-edge applications. Through this work, we will evaluate these design parameters to enable biomedical research.

Zoom Link: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/my/jriverad?omn=92653539005

 

Thurs., June 20: BME PhD Defense Announcement for Emilee Madsen (J. Linnes, advisor). Everyone is invited to attend the public presentation beginning at 3:00 pm in MJIS 2001 and via Zoom. Title: A Hydrogel Microneedle Platform for Electrochemical Sensing of Analytes in Interstitial Fluid

Committee: Dr. Jacqueline Linnes (chair), Dr. Tamara Kinzer-Ursem, Dr. Luis Solorio, Dr. Lia Stanciu

Abstract: Depression affects over 20 million adults in the US every year. It has been shown that depression is correlated with dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, resulting in elevated cortisol levels which return to normal following successful treatment. Tracking cortisol as a physiological biomarker of depression could be used to complement traditional diagnosis and treatment monitoring. In this work, I aim to develop a minimally invasive method of measuring cortisol concentrations at the point of care. The two main goals of this research are to implement a simple, painless sample collection method via hydrogel microneedles, and develop an electrochemical biosensor to measure and track cortisol concentrations. Interstitial fluid is a rich source of biomarkers, including cortisol, found just beneath the surface of the skin. Hydrogel microneedles are used to painlessly sample interstitial fluid, but typically require sample processing to isolate the biomarker for measurement. Here, a rapid swelling methacrylated hyaluronic acid hydrogel microneedle platform is used to passively sample interstitial fluid from skin. Single-use gold leaf electrodes are functionalized with an aptamer to measure cortisol concentration directly from the hydrogel matrix without the need for sample processing. Together, these platforms for interstitial fluid sampling and cortisol measurement will provide a minimally invasive, user friendly tool for monitoring depression throughout the course of treatment that can benefit the millions of people affected by depression.

 

Fri., August 9:  10th Annual Diabetes Symposium, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on the IU School of Medicine’s Indianapolis campus, sponsored by the Indiana University School of Medicine’s Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases. Registration and abstract submissions are now open! The annual Diabetes Symposium of the Center for Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases presents unique opportunities to learn from nationally recognized experts, discuss the recent scientific breakthroughs and forge relationships with potential collaborators. 

The 2024 Symposium will be held on Friday, August 9, on the IU School of Medicine's Indianapolis campus. We invite everyone in our CDMD community to register and participate. This year's keynote speakers are Raghu Mirmira, MD, PhD, professor of medicine, vice chair for research and co-director of the Diabetes Research and Training Center at the University of Chicago, and Annemarie Hirsch, MPH, PhD, associate professor and co-director of the Environmental Health Institute in the department of population health sciences at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.


In celebration of the Symposium's 10th anniversary this year, we’re also pleased to present a special lecture by Corinne M. Silva, PhD, program director of the division of diabetes, endocrinology and metabolic diseases at the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) of the National Institutes of Health.

In addition, there will once again be Oral Abstract Presentation sessions by trainees. Please check the general information file for details on how to participate. There will be four simultaneous sessions that will include 4-5 presentations based on topic. Topics are listed in the abstract submission form, and the category can be selected from the list during submission. For those who do not wish to present orally, abstracts can also be submitted to be presented as posters. Please make sure you check the correct box when you submit your abstract. We would like to encourage all trainees to submit an abstract. The main goal is to discuss your project and ideas and get feedback from colleagues. Any existing data is welcome, even if the study has just started and/or is incomplete.
All trainees are invited to join one of our guest speakers for breakfast and junior faculty are also invited to attend a special afternoon session with Dr. Corinne Silva. These will be great opportunities to discuss your science, and we anticipate that you will enjoy interacting with these outstanding researchers. Please let us know if you are interested in participating in this activity when you register, and select the speaker you would like to talk to.

Please note that access to sessions will be limited to official registrants of the Symposium.

We hope that you will join us, share your research, and make this year’s milestone Symposium an incredible one!

 

Additional details about the Symposium's agenda and logistics will be shared before the event. Please contact Shari Parker (shupchur@iu.edu) if you have additional questions or concerns.

 

 

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

DORD Notice 0422