Bridges to the Doctorate

Current BTD Scholars

Elizabeth Diamond (Cohort 2)
Undergraduate institution: The University of Connecticut
Major: B.S. Medical Technology (American Society of Clinical Pathologists)
BTD Research mentor: Dr. Yeoheung Yun
Research description: Advancing research of neuronal vascularization in an organoid-based microfluidic device for organ repair and regeneration
Research interests: Biomedical engineering for organ/tissue regeneration

Marc Duchatelier (Cohort 1)
Undergraduate institution: North Carolina Central University
Major: B.S. Physics, Master of Science in Environmental Earth and Geo-Spatial Sciences
Research mentor: Dr. Kristen Rhinehardt
Research description: Determine the feasibility of large collagen modeling using molecular modeling.
Research interests: Bioinformatics/Bioengineering, Machine Learning, Deep Learning

Mudasar Khan (Cohort 2)
Undergraduate institution: University of North Carolina at Greensboro
Major: B.S. Biochemistry with a minor in Biology
Research mentor: Dr. Debasish Kuila
Research description: Examining the loadings of the mono/bimetallic metals to enhance the catalytic activity by inserting them into the novel mesoporous carbon support to improve hydrogen production and reduce the carbon monoxide in methanol steam reforming. Hydrogen has become a valuable clean alternative energy source for fuel cell applications.
Research interests: Bioenergy/Biofuels, Polymer Chemistry, Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Inorganic/Organic

Terrence Everett (Cohort 2)
Undergraduate institution: Virginia Commonwealth University
Major: B.S. in Humanities and Sciences
Research mentor: Dr. Checo Rorie
Research description: Elucidating the effect of AO/PI stain on Triple Negative Breast Cancer cells stained with Doxorubicin. Doxorubicin's mechanism of action is intercalation into the base pairs of the TNBC cell's DNA, which is the same location where Acridine Orange and Propidium Iodine stains to test for cell viability. The purpose of the project is to assess if AO/PI staining will lead to an increase, decrease, or stagnation in cell viability.
Research interests: Immunology, Microbiology, Cancer Biology, Genetics, Virology

Program Alumni

Meagan Bridges (Cohort 1, MS Biology, Spring 2020)
Undergraduate institution: Savannah State University
Major: B.S. Biology
Research mentor: Dr. Radiah Minor (N.C. A&T, Animal Sciences), Dr. Ian Carroll (UNC Chapel Hill)
Research description: Inclusion of Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and Whole Ground Oat into Feed of Weaned Piglet Results in Limited Changes to Gut Microbial Populations.
Research interests: Bioinformatics, Nutrition Research, Microbiology
PhD Program: UNC Chapel Hill, BBSP, starting Fall 2020