Thesis Thursday

Asma El Ouni and is a Research Scientist at the Environmental Science Department of University of Arizona. She works at the Contaminant Transport Lab group of Dr. Mark Brusseau. Besides work, Asma loves art, music, and most of all she enjoys a family reunion and a delicious Mediterranean food.

Hi! My name is Karina Gonzalez and I am a senior at the University of Arizona studying Physiology and Medical Sciences with a minor in Spanish. I am part of the Lu Lab in the R. Ken Coit College of Pharmacy where we study and develop cancer chemotherapeutics through the use of medicinal chemistry and nanotechnology. Our goal is to increase the overall effectiveness of combination cancer nano-therapies that can both reduce systemic toxicities and prevent tumor recurrence. Currently, I am testing the cytotoxicity of the nano-therapeutics that we have created, which are liposomes that we package with our chemo-drug to determine the most efficient yet safest amount of this combo-therapy for treatment use per type of cancer. At the end of my undergraduate career, I hope to have gained profound insight into the complex-nature of such a prevalent disease as cancer and the functionality of various forms of chemotherapeutics in order to utilize what I have learned to help my future patients one day in my pursuit of a career as a Nurse Practitioner. In my free time, I am involved in medical-related clubs across campus and volunteer for local organizations including Clínica Amistad and Z-Mansion that provide resources and healthcare to the underserved homeless and minority populations both in Tucson and Mexico. I also enjoy playing basketball, hiking, and pursuing my new-found love for goat yoga!

Ma’in Alghzawi, a PhD student in the Environmental Science Department at The University of Arizona supervised by Dr. Jon Chorover. He joined Dr. Chorover’s group to investigate the environmental controls on the bioavailability of toxic metal/oids in mine tailings. Presently, Alghzawi is working to increase his experience in the environmental chemistry field and to complete the geochemical analysis needed to quantify the distribution of toxic metal/oids in mining sites.

Hello, my name is Marquel Begay and I am proud member of the Navajo tribe. I am a third year PhD student in the Ecology, Management, and Rangeland Restoration program at the University of Arizona. My research focuses on using natural and social sciences to inform community-based ecological restoration planning and management for degraded rangeland ecosystems on the Navajo Nation.

My name is Sydney Cleavenger and I am a graduate (M.S.) student in the Environmental Science program at the University of Arizona. My research focus is soil microbial ecology, specifically, the effect of land use on microbial composition and function in the soil and vegetation associated with the mesquite (Prosopis velutina).

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Hello! My name is Cynthia Ge. I am a junior majoring in Biomedical Engineering and Molecular and Cellular Biology. I am currently an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Minkyu Kim’s Lab. We are working to develop a method to produce keratin proteins using the E. coli bacteria. The manufactured keratin will be used for percutaneous osseo-integrated prosthetic devices and other biomedical purposes.

Outside of the lab I am involved in various clubs and organizations on campus. I am currently a part of Tau Beta Pi, the Medical Devices Club, and the Society of Women Engineers. I also enjoy drawing, crocheting stuffed animals, and baking.

This episode of Thesis Thursday was recorded hosted and produced by Bridgitte Thum.

Music is from Crowander, “Your Eyes”

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Ali Yaylali is a Ph.D. candidate in the Teaching, Learning, and Sociocultural Studies Department at the University of Arizona. He is a former English and Turkish language teacher. Currently, he studies second language teaching and writing with a particular interest in scientific writing in secondary schools.

My name is Bhumika Phanindra. I am a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Neuroscience and Cognitive Science (NSCS) with a minor in Biochemistry. I have been working with Dr. Melissa Halpern for the past two years to study the effects of secondary bile acids on Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a disease that is characterized by the necrotic inflammation in the colon. I am particularly interested to study the effects of secondary bile acids on tight junctions and if it increases susceptibility to NEC. Moving forward, I aspire to become a physician and contribute my efforts in a clinical setting. Aside from academics, I enjoy spending time with my friends, dancing and painting!

The music for Thesis Thursday is from Crowander, the name of this track is “Your Eyes”

This episode originally aired 3/19/2020

Victoria Howard is a junior at the University of Arizona double majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and Natural Resources with an emphasis in Wildlife Conservation. After having the opportunity to intern at a State Park in high school, she was inspired to pursue a career in invasive species management. On-campus Victoria is a member of the Ecological Restoration Club and a trip leader for the Honors Alternative Spring Break to Whiteriver, AZ where students get the opportunity to complete a service project related to sustainable agriculture and tribal sovereignty. Victoria is also active within the Residence Hall Association, sitting on its executive board as the Director of Programming. In her free time, she enjoys yoga, hiking the Sonoran Desert landscape, and watercolor painting.

I’m a senior this year, double majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology and Neuroscience and Cognitive Science. I’ve been working in the Charest Lab for almost 2 years, studying the role of the Ras-mTOR pathway, specifically the protein mTORC2. Our research focuses on chemotaxis, and how these gradients are involved in the metastasis of breast cancer cells.

Aside from school and lab, I’m very involved in the Tucson community. I started my own political organization with some of my friends called Stand Up, Fight Back Tucson, organizing protests and rallies to fight for civil rights. Our org. works with other local mutual aide and civil rights organizations as well! I also love music, and I’m a jazz singer, singing around Tucson with different jazz bands.