[cid:image003.jpg@01D8428D.45A47F60] BME MONDAY ROUNDTABLE March 28, 2022 HEAD MESSAGE Dear Weldon School, PROTECT PURDUE * Masks protocols changed as of March 14! Check for updates https://protect.purdue.edu/required-covid-19-protocols/ * Vaccines are strongly encouraged (though not required) https://protect.purdue.edu/vaccine-information/ * Updated guidance for research SOPs, etc. and Protect Purdue are coming quickly. Please make sure you are staying current with Purdue guidelines. UPCOMING IMPORTANT DATES Week of March 28 Mon., March 28 – BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Andrew Sivaprakasam (M. Heinz and H. Bharadwaj, co-advisors), 10:00 a.m., LOCATION: LYLE 1028 and also on Zoom via https://iu.zoom.us/j/6883109756 TITLE: Place and Time Processing of Pitch in the Context of Cochlear Dysfunction. Mon., March 28 – BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Nathaniel Smith (G. Hutchins and C. Goergen, co-advisors), 3:00 p.m., LOCATION: R2, E101, Indianapolis, (950 W. Walnut Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202) also on Zoom via https://iu.zoom.us/j/83918937272 TITLE: Quantitative [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET Data Analysis Methods for the Detection of Extraprostatic Cancer Extension and Surgical Planning. Everyone is invited to attend the public presentation beginning at 3:00pm. Mon., March 28 – Mechanical Engineering Distinguished Seminar, Joseph Wang, Department of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, “Micromotors Go In-Vivo: From Test Tubes to Live Animals,” Lecture: 3:00 p.m. https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/98952925154 Q & A and Social: 4:00 PM, https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/98952925154 Wed., March 30 – BME Seminar, 9:30 a.m., MJIS 1001 and via Zoom. Presenter: Youngjae Chun, Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering, University of Pittsburgh. Title: “Translational Research on Innovative Endovascular Devices in New Areas.” Zoom link: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/95150439811?pwd=a3hOK0o0bmpkS3poTVBCbVhDNU9FZz0... Wed., March 30 – BME Special Seminar, 10:30 a.m., MRGN 121 and via Zoom. Presenter: Dr. Martin Booth, Deputy Head and Professor of Engineering Science, University of Oxford. Title: “Adaptive optics for high-resolution microscopy and fabrication: Going faster, smaller and deeper.” Zoom link: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/97722569531 Wed., March 30 – BME Bytes Seminar, “Preclinical Biomolecule Distribution and Transport After Subcutaneous Injection,” 1:30 pm, MJIS 1083. Presenter: Mazin Hakim. Open to all undergraduate and graduate researchers. Lunch will be provided. Thurs., March 31 – Deadline for applications for Purdue’s College of Engineering (COE) Student Entrepreneur Incubator Program. (Program runs from May 16 – August 5). Details below and at https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eEtZdQ7E4Jsvao6 Fri., Apr. 1 – BRAG Session, 12:30 p.m., MJIS 2001. Dr. Loran Solorio, Product Research Engineering Manager at Cook Biotech in West Lafayette will host a Q&A entitled “Breaking into Industry R&D: Tips from a Former Postdoc.” Fri., Apr. 1 – Basic Medical Sciences Faculty Candidate Seminar, 1:00 p.m.; Research Chalk Talk, 2:00 p.m., Ranjie Xu, PhD, “Tackling the Down Syndrome and Associated Alzheimer’s Disease via Neuro-Immune Lens: Harnessing the Power of Chimeric Mouse Models Integrated with Human Neuron and Microglia.” Zoom link: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/94887816042 Upcoming important deadlines and info. Mon., April 4 – Friday, April 8 – Grad Student Appreciation Week. Wed., April 6 – BME Bytes Seminar, 1:30 pm, Location TBD. Presenter: Tommy Jenkins. Open to all undergraduate and graduate researchers. Lunch will be provided. Thurs., April 7 – BME PhD Defense Announcement for Xiaoyu Xu (R. Main, Advisor), 9:00 a.m. via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3440069641?pwd=cER6cVBnalp0cXdaUnpLWkZXc0xzZz09 Title: “Investigating the in vivo role of osteocyte estrogen receptor β (Ot-ERβ) in skeletal biology and structure and validation of a novel three-dimensional (3D) in vitro system for studying osteocyte biology” Fri., Apr. 8: Coffee Chat with Faculty: 11:00 am -12:00 pm, Location LYLE (Room TBM). Faculty hosts: Mike Heinz and Hari Bharadwaj. Potential discussion topics: writing grants (fellowships), talking to a lay audience, open science, academic job interviews/negotiating Fri., Apr. 8 – Applications due for 2022 Graduate School Mentoring Award for Postdoctoral Scholars. See below for details. Fri., Apr. 8 – Grant requests due: NIH Grant Supplements to Recognize Excellence in Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Mentorship<https://grants.nih.gov/grants/guide/notice-files/NOT-OD-22-057.html> are available for up to $250,000 Wed., April 20 – BME Bytes Seminar, 1:30 pm, Location TBD. Presenter: Apekshya Chhetri. Open to all undergraduate and graduate researchers. Lunch will be provided. Wed., April 27 – Engineering Solutions in Pediatric Healthcare, 1:00-4:30 p.m., MJIS 2001 and via Zoom. Interested in developing solutions to help infants and children? Join BME faculty, IUSM/Riley physicians, and Cook Medical at BME’s half-day symposium. Watch for an invitation soon! Thurs., April 28-Fri., Apr. 29: Vanderbilt University will be hosting the annual Vanderbilt Integrative Training Alliance (VITA) Symposium, a conference focused on biomedical sciences graduate students. Attendees have a unique opportunity to connect with the Vanderbilt community, obtain a long-term mentoring relationship with a Vanderbilt faculty member, and gain training in scientific communication. The event will also feature a keynote address from Vanderbilt postdoc alumna, Dr. Shaneda Anderson<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https*3A*2F*2Fwww.linkedin.com*2Fin*2Fshaneda-warren-andersen-aa325a9*2F&data=04*7C01*7Cantentor.o.hinton.jr*40Vanderbilt.Edu*7Cd8254bcaa3be433e69f208d9ecd30986*7Cba5a7f39e3be4ab3b45067fa80faecad*7C0*7C0*7C637801213412161461*7CUnknown*7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0*3D*7C3000&sdata=HV5DYcZZMmzzDIM1TlxNzlxpHzXKHPtWCFYszb1okuU*3D&reserved=0__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!DZ3fjg!rG8QpuaxM8E6N902gtFSqdyIMeS_hydEGE2bNu8rFsXus048ORLn1s6XT-FEU8PG5WU$>. This year the conference will be virtual. Details below. Thurs., May 5: Coffee Chat with Faculty: 11:00 am -12:00 pm, Location LYLE (Room TBM). Faculty host: Alexandria Volkening. Potential discussion topics: website development, public science and outreach, social media, academic job materials (with an interdisciplinary perspective) SPRING 2022 BME Faculty Meetings All faculty meetings will begin at 11:30 a.m. in MJIS 2001 Fri., April 22 SPRING 2022 BME Primary Committee Meetings Fri., April 15, 10:00-5:00, MJIS 2001 (LONG meeting!) Committee Updates Academic Programs Update Resources regarding academic integrity: https://www.purdue.edu/odos/osrr/academic-integrity/faculty-staff.html https://cm.maxient.com/reportingform.php?PurdueUniv&layout_id=10 Graduate Programs Update Brief update on status of Weldon Grad Program Update Process: * Themes: Three themes have emerged from our gathering of data from stakeholders in Weldon and from other BME programs across the nation. Our updated Grad Program needs to have: * Consistent mentoring from start to finish * Flexibility in milestone timing given the diversity of entering students’ experience * More formal writing courses * Mission: Our update efforts have coalesced around the mission to create a Grad Program that is: * Mentor‐focused, with rigorous evaluation * Input: We want to thank everyone for their input to date, and to make sure everyone knows that this input is extremely valuable and we are discussing all input we receive * We spent the entire GC meeting on Feb 16th reviewing item by item 23 Qualtrix feedback entries received from faculty and the BMEGSA Exec board * We also spent first part of our meeting on Mar 23rd discussing the issues brought up in the Faculty Open Forum we held on March 2nd * And we are preparing a report of all feedback received and how we have factored it into our plans * Thanks to all who have provided feedback in one way or another. * Current Plans: We are now working to solidify specific details/logistics/scope for the Qualifying exam, written and oral components, and will be doing the same for the Preliminary Exam. And we will continue to solicit any input you have. * Thank you again for your support and input on this important process BME Graduate Committee ********************* DEI Committee Update Spring Undergraduate Open Forum is Wednesday, March 30th at 6pm in MJIS 1083 BME undergraduate students are encouraged to complete the anonymous Qualtrics survey to provide feedback on courses, resources, and professional development within the Weldon School before the meeting. Faculty and Staff representatives will be at the meeting to discuss concerns and questions with students. https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5gQ0TZjZ4j3Dc3A Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging Workshop – “Speaking Up: How Bystanders Can Change the Conversation about Social Bias<https://www.purdue.edu/newsroom/purduetoday/releases/2022/Q1/office-of-diversity,-inclusion-and-belonging-sponsoring-social-bias-workshops.html>” Sessions available via Zoom: Register online<https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_envUgAXILN6C3SS?_ga=2.247244493.838997892.1648069761-1133163822.1644415858> Tuesday March 29: 9 a.m.-noon ET, or 2-5 p.m. ET Friday April 1: 9 a.m.-noon ET, or 2-5 p.m. ET Thursday, March 31 is Trans Day of Visibility Please see posters around the building about How to be an Ally. MJIS has one gender-neutral bathroom next to room 2095. Events around campus: Networking Reception for 2022 College of Engineering First Generation Graduates Thursday April 7, from 5-7pm in Stewart Center Rm 306 (snacks and drinks for all, and free gifts for 1st gen students!) Butler Center’s Work Climate Series - Enabling Equitable Allocation of Service and Teaching: Sharing from an exercise in progress Friday April 1, 3:00pm-4:30pm, Dauch Alumni Center This and other Butler Center events: https://www.purdue.edu/butler/events-programs/spring-2022/index.php Butler Center’s Workshop - Gender bias and intersectionality (Basic Module) Friday April 8, 10:00am-12:00pm, Virtual and Live (Location TBA) This and other Butler Center events: https://www.purdue.edu/butler/events-programs/spring-2022/index.php (Registration does not open until 10 days before the event) Remaining Graduate Peer Mentoring meeting days are: 11-1pm on April 8th, May 13th Resources, attachments, further information BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Andrew Sivaprakasam (M. Heinz and H. Bharadwaj, co-advisors), Mon., March 28, 10:00 a.m., LOCATION: LYLE 1028 and also on Zoom via https://iu.zoom.us/j/6883109756 TITLE: Place and Time Processing of Pitch in the Context of Cochlear Dysfunction. Advisory Committee: Michael G. Heinz, Co-Chair; Hari M. Bharadwaj, Co-Chair; Edward L. Bartlett; Andrew J. Oxenham; Rick F. Nelson Abstract: Sensorineural hearing loss occurs in 15% of American adults and current treatment protocols are often guided by limited and archaic diagnostics. Not all types of sensorineural hearing loss are identical in physiology and a major priority of current auditory research is to innovate in the space of precision auditory diagnostics and treatments. Understanding how specific patterns of damage to the cochlea or auditory nerve variably impair the perception of different sound features is critical to improve treatments for hearing-impaired individuals. While the history of auditory research has led to considerable insight as to how anatomic components of the auditory periphery, namely inner hair cells (IHCs), outer hair cells (OHCs), and the cochlear synapse function together to transduce, amplify, and code simple sounds, there exists considerable knowledge to be gained in how these peripheral components are responsible for maintaining the fidelity of more complex auditory phenomena and perception. Pitch, the perceived “highness” or “lowness” of a given sound, is an example of a complex psychoacoustic phenomenon. Pitch cues are used to listen to and compose music and to process vowels, identify talkers, and convey emotion. Without intact pitch perception, conversation becomes emotionless, a symphony becomes a cacophony. While pitch has been extensively studied perceptually, our knowledge of the underlying neurophysiology of pitch remains mostly hypothetical. Three categories of pitch theories attempted to explain pitch coding in terms of the tonotopic organization of our auditory system (place), the temporal information present in neural firing (time), or a combination of these (place-time). We plan to assess these theories in the context of hearing loss pathologies that are expected to differentially alter place and timing cues, hence developing a more comprehensive understanding of pitch. Based on the literature, our central hypothesis is that deficits in time and place coding both affect the neural coding and perception of pitch, but with distorted place coding playing a stronger role. We will test this by using animal models of OHC, IHC, and cochlear synapse damage and Distorted Tonotopy to investigate pitch-related electrophysiology (Aim 1). OHC damage primarily disrupts place cues, while IHC and cochlear synapse damage alter timing cues (with IHC causing more severe reductions in nerve firing). We will then compare this electrophysiology to identical measures in humans with normal and impaired hearing, evaluating the implications on behavioral pitch discrimination (Aim 2). Finally, we will develop a model to identify how variations in pitch discrimination are predicted by non-invasive assays of hearing loss and our electrophysiological measures (Aim 3). This cross-species approach moves the field forward by testing well-established theoretical knowledge and by opening doors to better identifying the functional consequences of individual variations in hearing ability. BME PhD Preliminary Exam Announcement for Nathaniel Smith (G. Hutchins and C. Goergen, co-advisors), March 28, 3:00 p.m., LOCATION: R2, E101, Indianapolis, (950 W. Walnut Street, Indianapolis, IN 46202) also on Zoom via https://iu.zoom.us/j/83918937272 TITLE: Quantitative [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET Data Analysis Methods for the Detection of Extraprostatic Cancer Extension and Surgical Planning. Everyone is invited to attend the public presentation beginning at 3:00pm. COMMITTEE MEMBERS: Gary Hutchins, PhD (major professor), Craig Goergen, PhD, Sherry Harbin, PhD, Lauren Christopher, PhD, Jason Parker, PhD, DABR ABSTRACT: Globally, prostate cancer will be diagnosed in one out of every ten men. Most commonly, the disease course is indolent and does not significantly impact a patient’s quality-of-life or lifespan. However, metastatic prostate cancer poses a much greater risk, as 5-year survival rates are approximately 30%. High-risk prostate cancers are therefore treated aggressively with prostatectomy and radiation therapy to prevent cancer from extending outside the prostatic capsule. These aggressive treatment plans have led to declining rates of metastatic prostate cancer over the last 30 years, but have also increased the rate of treatment-related side effects, including urinary incontinence and erectile dysfunction. Thus, there is a critical need to balance cancer mitigation with preservation of patient quality-of-life. Clinically significant or high-grade prostate cancers are challenging because they are difficult to fully characterize on conventional imaging modalities like multi-parametric MRI (mpMRI), and microscopic extension outside the prostate is invisible to the surgeon. However, there is increasing evidence that molecular imaging strategies such as [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET will distinguish high-grade prostate cancer from normal tissue with high sensitivity and specificity. Regional kinetic modeling of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET images, coupled with deep learning analysis, may improve the detection and diagnostic localization of high-grade prostate cancer. This hypothesis will be examined by creating multi-parametric [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT imaging tools and establishing standards for estimating the probability of intra- versus extra-prostatic cancer distribution. The tools will be validated through retrospective analysis of a pre-surgical PSMA-11 PET/CT image dataset and whole-mount pathology. Raising A Resilient Scientist Workshop Series (Message from Sharon Milgram, Director, NIH Office of Intramural Training & Education): Over the last year I have interacted with many trainees across the U.S. as part of the NIH Becoming a Resilient Scientist series<https://www.training.nih.gov/nih_becoming_a_resilient_scientist_series>. After carefully considering input from students, postdocs, faculty and program administrators who participated in the program, I have decided to offer a series, RAISING A RESILIENT SCIENTIST<https://www.training.nih.gov/workshops_and_trainings_for_extramural_principal_investigators>, for faculty and administrators who mentor students and postdoctoral fellows in the biomedical, behavioral, and social sciences. The goal of the Raising a Resilient Scientist series is to promote the mental health and well-being of the academic research community by supporting faculty and administrators to develop self-management, relationship-management, and mentoring skills. A variety of topics will be covered with a specific focus on communication and shared problem-solving to help trainees deal with the inevitable setbacks experienced in high knowledge environments. There will be five units in the series; each unit will consist of a 75-minute lecture, which can be watched in real-time or asynchronously, followed by a 1-hour facilitated discussion with peers. There will be two opportunities for participation in the small groups following each webinar. There is no charge for participation, but advanced registration is required. For more information, and to register, please visit our webpage<https://www.training.nih.gov/workshops_and_trainings_for_extramural_principal_investigators>. I do not anticipate offering this series again in the future; participation in the entire series is recommended but is not required. Please do not hesitate to email me if you have any questions. Current scheduled workshop dates are March 29, April 26 and May 24. BME Seminar, Wed., March 30, 9:30 a.m., MJIS 1001 and via Zoom. Presenter: Youngjae Chun, Associate Professor of Industrial Engineering, University of Pittsburgh. Title: “Translational Research on Innovative Endovascular Devices in New Areas.” Zoom link: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/95150439811?pwd=a3hOK0o0bmpkS3poTVBCbVhDNU9FZz0... Abstract: Recent advances shown in the minimally invasive endovascular applications include a lower-profile structure, multifunctional capability, improved biocompatibility, and hybrid design of the various biomaterials. New endovascular devices such as stents, cardiac valves, shunts, and micro sensors require new structure produced via rigorous design process. Numerical analysis, computational structural modeling, and experimental validation are used to optimize the device design considering multiple parameters, including hemodynamics, tissue mechanics, device migration and radial force, collapsibility and deployment, pulsation of blood flow, and so on. This presentation shows recent outcomes on translational medical device research for minimally invasive procedure and interrelated design/manufacturing efforts. Three novel endovascular devices will be introduced; (1) a stent graft to control noncompressible hemorrhage in torso, (2) an organ perfusion stent graft for successful flow separation in donation after cardiac death, and (3) an electronic stent to monitor in-stent restenosis progression. These newly developed devices could provide a significant impact on patients and their quality of life, as well as on the decrease of the healthcare dollars spent for the disease and injury treatment. Bio: Dr. Youngjae Chun is an Associate Professor, Dept. of Industrial Engineering with a secondary appointment in Bioengineering Dept. at the University of Pittsburgh. Dr. Chun obtained his PhD in Mechanical Engineering at UCLA in June 2009 working on the development of endovascular devices to treat vascular diseases using smart materials through minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Chun’s current research interests include designing/manufacturing the metallic medical devices, investigating biocompatibility, analyzing the mechanical and physical behaviors, and testing biomedical devices. In current research, Dr. Chun combines the comprehensive knowledge from diverse fields such as material processing, MEMS/Nano fabrication, biomedical science, and surface engineering that is crucially important to successfully fulfill the goal of interdisciplinary projects of metallic biomaterial-based medical devices for vascular repair. ~BME Faculty Host: Dr. Hugh Lee ~ BME Special Seminar, Wed., March 30, 10:30 a.m., MRGN 121 and via Zoom. Presenter: Dr. Martin Booth, Deputy Head and Professor of Engineering Science, University of Oxford. Title: “Adaptive optics for high-resolution microscopy and fabrication: Going faster, smaller and deeper.” Zoom link: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/97722569531 Abstract: I will review recent work on using dynamic optical elements, such as deformable mirrors and spatial light modulators, to increase the capabilities of laser micro fabrication and optical microscopy. In particular, I will show how adaptive aberration correction and dynamic parallelisation can improve precision and reliability and increase the accessible volume and speed of these systems. Applications of our laser writing technology range from quantum optics, through radiation sensing to security marking of diamond gemstones. Our imaging methods include applications in cell biology, neuroscience and super-resolution microscopy. Bio: Prof Booth is Professor of Engineering Science at the University of Oxford. His research group is based in the Department of Engineering Science and has many collaborations in other departments across Oxford. His research involves the development and application of adaptive optical methods in microscopy, laser-based materials processing and biomedical science. He has held Royal Academy of Engineering and EPSRC Research Fellowships and in 2016 received an Advanced Grant from the European Research Council. He was appointed Professor of Engineering Science in 2014. In 2012 Prof Booth was awarded the “Young Researcher Award in Optical Technologies” from the Erlangen School of Advanced Optical Technologies at the University of Erlangen-Nürnberg, Germany, and a visiting professorship at the university. In 2014 he was awarded the International Commission for Optics Prize. He has over 150 publications in peer-reviewed journals, over 25 patents, and has co-founded two spin-off companies, Aurox Ltd and Opsydia Ltd. ~BME Host: Fang Huang ~ BME Bytes Seminar, “Preclinical Biomolecule Distribution and Transport After Subcutaneous Injection,” Wed., March 30, 1:30 pm, MJIS 1083. Presenter: Mazin Hakim. Open to all undergraduate and graduate researchers. Lunch will be provided. Subcutaneous (SC) injectable monoclonal antibody therapeutics represent a treatment paradigm that has seen growing application in human disease. For these lifesaving treatments to reach human use, they must undergo lengthy, specialized, and expensive preclinical evaluations that often do not translate clinically. Therefore, there is a critical need for the a priori assessment of clinical drug performance. We hypothesize that a novel ex vivo and in vitro workstream for evaluation of drug transport and injection distribution can support the rational design of therapeutics prior to costly in vivo preclinical efforts. We first will establish an in vitro collagen and hyaluronic acid (ColHA) tissue model as a drug transport ranking platform. Next, we will compare drug distribution for different contrast agents using a novel radiological imaging workstream in ex vivo porcine tissue. Lastly, injection plume shapes will be quantified as a function of injection volume and anatomic location for optimization of drug distribution. About BME Bytes: BME Bytes is designed to help introduce undergraduate Purdue students to the breakthrough research happening at the Weldon School as well as help graduate students develop their professional portfolio by giving invited talks. Purdue’s College of Engineering (COE) Student Entrepreneur Incubator Program is an award to guide an Engineering student (undergraduate or graduate) to move the student's startups to market. The primary purpose of this program is to build a minimum viable product (MVP) for demonstration after the completion of this program and become ready to raise seed funds. Applications for 2022 Spring semester are accepted from now until the program is full or March 31, 2022. The program begins May 16 and ends on August 5. The winners will receive $5,000 award from COE for the full participation of the program. More information: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eEtZdQ7E4Jsvao6 Basic Medical Sciences Faculty Candidate Seminar, Fri., Apr. 1, 1:00 p.m.; Research Chalk Talk, 2:00 p.m., Ranjie Xu, PhD, “Tackling the Down Syndrome and Associated Alzheimer’s Disease via Neuro-Immune Lens: Harnessing the Power of Chimeric Mouse Models Integrated with Human Neuron and Microglia.” Zoom link: https://purdue-edu.zoom.us/j/94887816042 Abstract: Down Syndrome is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, affecting about every 1 in 700 babies born. Additionally, Down Syndrome adults often develop early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Traditional animal models are limited in modeling polygenic human neurological disorders, including Down syndrome. Recently, we have successfully established a unique human-induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-based disease modeling system, including human-mouse chimeric mouse brain models and brain organoid models, This human-cell centric modeling system allows the study of human neurons, microglia, and their interactions with high fidelity, and also serves as a drug screening platform. By leveraging this modeling system, we have investigated human neuronal and microglial function in Down Syndrom brain development and associated Alzheimer’s disease. For information on this search, please contact the Search Chair: Dr. Susan Mendrysa: mendrysa@purdue.edu<mailto:mendrysa@purdue.edu> BME PhD Defense Announcement for Xiaoyu Xu (R. Main, Advisor), Thurs., April 7, 9:00 a.m. via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3440069641?pwd=cER6cVBnalp0cXdaUnpLWkZXc0xzZz09 Title: “Investigating the in vivo role of osteocyte estrogen receptor β (Ot-ERβ) in skeletal biology and structure and validation of a novel three-dimensional (3D) in vitro system for studying osteocyte biology” Committee: Dr. Russell Main (Chair and host) Dr. Dianne Little Dr. Eric A. Nauman Dr. Haisheng Yang Dr. Sherry L. Harbin Abstract: Osteoporosis causes over two million skeletal fractures in the United States every year in people over 50 years of age. Age-related bone loss results from imbalanced bone turnover mainly caused by decreases in sex hormones and skeletal mechanobiology. Estrogen receptor β (ERβ) in osteocytes (Ot) has been proposed to mediate skeletal structural adaptations in response to estrogen and mechanical stimuli. However, direct in vivo studies on Ot-ERβ are lacking, and relevant in vitro studies are mostly made in two-dimensional (2D) culture models, whose cellular environment restricts Ot morphology and biology. To better understand the mechanisms of estrogen-ERs in age-related bone loss, it is important to investigate the role of Ot-ERβ in skeletal turnover in response to sex hormonal and mechanical cues and develop a novel 3D culture model that can reproduce Ot morphology for future in vitro ER studies. The role of Ot-ERβ in bone turnover and skeletal adaptive response to mechanical load were examined in male and female mice at 12wk and 30wk old. Ot-ERβ shows age- and sex-dependent effects on bone morphology. Young male mice with Ot-ERβ deletion (ERβ-dOT) showed increased vertebral cancellous bone, whereas decreased cortical and cancellous vertebral bone mass appeared in adult male ERβ-dOT mice. No difference in bone mass occurred in female mice between genotypes. Ot-ERβ mediates tibial mechanoadaptation in cortical but not cancellous in young and adult male mice but plays an inhibitory role in young female mice during cortical mechanoadaptation. Gonadectomy studies on young adult mice revealed that deletion of Ot-ERβ inhibits the sex hormone withdrawal-induced decreases in bone mass and skeletal strength for male mice but did not play a major role for female mice. Lastly, a novel 3D in vitro culture system was developed using collagen-mineral composites for investigating culture mineralization, osteocyte biology, and osteocyte-osteoblast interaction. Cell viability and cellular differentiation were validated after 3 days and 56 days of culture. Optimal PSC-HA culture conditions were determined based on osteocyte differentiation, gene expression analyses, and tissue mineralization. Overall, this work takes novel steps to demonstrate the in vivo role osteocyte-ERβ plays in skeletal morphology and mechanobiology and develops a novel in vitro 3D culture using PSC-HA composites. These advances will contribute to future mechanistic studies of sex hormone receptors in osteoblasts and osteocytes in age-related bone loss using controlled in vitro environments. 2022 Graduate School Mentoring Award for Postdoctoral Scholars (applications due Friday, April 8) The Graduate School wants to acknowledge the essential role postdoctoral trainees play in our research, teaching, and engagement missions here at Purdue University. If you work with a postdoc that has made a difference in your academic career and models the attributes of what we think great mentors should be, please consider nominating them for this inaugural award. Postdocs dedicate a great deal of time and energy in mentoring other postdocs, graduate students, and undergraduates whether this is in the lab, field, or classroom. Anyone can nominate a postdoc for this award (i.e., graduate students, undergraduates, staff, faculty, or other postdocs). Please notice that the process for the postdoc award is different from the graduate student award. Please follow all directions given below. If you would like to nominate someone, write a nomination letter that gives an example (or many) of how this postdoc has impacted you or others as a mentor. Mentoring can be related to research design and analysis, career and professional advice, or personal guidance. Please include the department(s) along with the program, lab group, or center in which they work. Submissions should be in a letter of 250-500 words and can be submitted by students, postdocs, faculty or staff. Collaboration on letters is welcome. The nominated postdoc will be required to submit a mentorship statement that that describes their roles and commitment to serving as a mentor in 500 words or less, which can be sent to Lisa at lnielse@purdue or submitted along with the nomination letter before the nomination deadline. Nominations are not complete without the mentorship statement from the nominee. Please visit the following link to submit the nomination letter and mentorship statement: https://purdue.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_emoVzNlZyXM7Qou. The Council of Graduate Schools defines mentoring as: “… a more senior individual who provides career and psychosocial support to a junior member of a given organization. Recently, mentors have been found to exist laterally, virtually, among peers, and with individuals outside of the professional context. Mentorships center on an emotional commitment, which focuses on the protégé’s personal and professional growth. “ Nominations are due by 5 pm on Friday, April 8, 2022. The winner will be announced on April 15 and they will be recognized at the Graduate School Awards Banquet on May 11th. The winner will receive an award of $1,500. Winners will be notified by email and posted to the Graduate School Website. Questions? Ask the Postdoc Office Director, Dr. Lisa Nielsen (lnielse@purdue.edu). Vanderbilt Integrative Training Alliance (VITA) Symposium, April 28-29: On April 28-29th, Vanderbilt University will be hosting the annual Vanderbilt Integrative Training Alliance (VITA) Symposium, a conference focused on biomedical sciences graduate students. Attendees have a unique opportunity to connect with the Vanderbilt community, obtain a long-term mentoring relationship with a Vanderbilt faculty member, and gain training in scientific communication. The event will also feature a keynote address from Vanderbilt postdoc alumna, Dr. Shaneda Anderson<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https*3A*2F*2Fwww.linkedin.com*2Fin*2Fshaneda-warren-andersen-aa325a9*2F&data=04*7C01*7Cantentor.o.hinton.jr*40Vanderbilt.Edu*7Cd8254bcaa3be433e69f208d9ecd30986*7Cba5a7f39e3be4ab3b45067fa80faecad*7C0*7C0*7C637801213412161461*7CUnknown*7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0*3D*7C3000&sdata=HV5DYcZZMmzzDIM1TlxNzlxpHzXKHPtWCFYszb1okuU*3D&reserved=0__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJQ!!DZ3fjg!rG8QpuaxM8E6N902gtFSqdyIMeS_hydEGE2bNu8rFsXus048ORLn1s6XT-FEU8PG5WU$>. This year the conference will be virtual. The complete two day schedule can be found here<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/nam04.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https*3A*2F*2Fmedschool.vanderbilt.edu*2Fbret*2Fvanderbilt-integrated-training-alliance*2F2022-vita-scholar-symposium*2F&data=04*7C01*7Cantentor.o.hinton.jr*40Vanderbilt.Edu*7Cd8254bcaa3be433e69f208d9ecd30986*7Cba5a7f39e3be4ab3b45067fa80faecad*7C0*7C0*7C637801213412161461*7CUnknown*7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJWIjoiMC4wLjAwMDAiLCJQIjoiV2luMzIiLCJBTiI6Ik1haWwiLCJXVCI6Mn0*3D*7C3000&sdata=Wf4dD7q2M*2F3S8A4PI5FJsGYVr8oupzGzEpjm9kyD2rY*3D&reserved=0__;JSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUlJSUl!!DZ3fjg!rG8QpuaxM8E6N902gtFSqdyIMeS_hydEGE2bNu8rFsXus048ORLn1s6XT-FEqAZEzAg$>. While the symposium is open to all, we particularly encourage individuals from backgrounds underrepresented in academia to apply, including but not limited to those who identify as Black, African-American, Latino, Hispanic, Native American, or Pacific Islander, those who have a disability, first generation college-goers, those from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds, and those underrepresented on the basis of gender identity or expression or sexual orientation. I am hoping that we will have representation from every Big 10 school (University of Illinois, Indiana University, University of Iowa, University of Maryland, University of Michigan, Michigan State University, University of Minnesota, University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Northwestern University, Ohio State University, Pennsylvania State University, Purdue University, Rutgers University-New Brunswick, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison). Do you know of any students who would be interested in applying? If so, please respond to antentor.o.hinton.jr@Vanderbilt.Edu<mailto:antentor.o.hinton.jr@Vanderbilt.Edu> with their name and email and a member of our team will reach out. Thank you for your consideration, Antentor Othrell Hinton, Jr., Ph.D. Pronouns: He/Him/His Twitter: @phdgprotein86 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/biogeek26/<https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/www.linkedin.com/in/biogeek26/__;!!DZ3fjg!rG8QpuaxM8E6N902gtFSqdyIMeS_hydEGE2bNu8rFsXus048ORLn1s6XT-FEZ9_oZQE$> Lab Twitter: @AtHinton EE Just Faculty Scholar (UNCF award) Assistant Professor Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics Vanderbilt School of Medicine Basic Sciences The Vanderbilt Diabetes Research and Training Center Poster Submission Application and Details<https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/oigp/events/spring-reception/submission.html> Award Application and Details<https://www.purdue.edu/gradschool/oigp/events/spring-reception/award-application.html> Attachments Academic Integrity -Faculty and Staff (Fall 2020 COVID) -- Bmeroundtable-list mailing list Bmeroundtable-list@ecn.purdue.edu https://engineering.purdue.edu/ECN/mailman/listinfo/bmeroundtable-list