Academic Abstracts

Biomodulatory Materials Engineering Laboratory (BioMEL)

"Where cells do it better."

BioMEL focuses on engineering the physicochemical properties of biomaterials to directly modulate cell and tissue responses. These novel biomaterials, defined as biomodulatory materials, are used to advance regenerative engineering and immunoengineering.

Core Research Areas:

• Targeted Peptide Delivery: Creating biomodulatory materials capable of therapeutically targeting the immune response to prevent or treat infectious diseases and cancer.
• Immune-Mediated Regeneration: Characterizing and modulating the immune response to materials-based systems to enhance tissue remodeling.
• Complex Tissue Regeneration: Designing multifaceted scaffolds capable of facilitating vascularized and innervated tissue regeneration.

Key Team Members & Collaborators:

• Bret D. Ulery - Professor
• Joshua A. Shelton - MD-PhD Student
• Agustin Barcellona - PhD Student
• Aylin Kalabak - Researcher

Posters Abstracts

Targeting Peptides for Treatment of Hematological Cancers

Aylin Kalabak, Joshua A. Shelton, Bret D. Ulery

Over 1.5 million people in the US are living with hematological cancers, of which the treatment options are often chemotherapy or radiotherapy. Targeted cancer treatments are important in efforts to reduce the adverse side effects observed with existing treatments. CD38 is a ubiquitously expressed surface marker found on many hematological malignancies. In this study, we hypothesized that CD38-targeting peptides could be used to deliver therapeutics specifically to human hematological cancer cell lines.

To evaluate this, I first conducted therapeutic window experiments using only the targeting peptides to assess their cytotoxicity. I then performed binding assays with FAM-labeled targeting peptides to determine their affinity for CD38-expressing cells. My results showed that the CD38-targeting peptide SL022 was not toxic to MM.1S cells and exhibited strong binding affinity. These findings are promising, as they demonstrate that targeting peptides like SL022 can be non-toxic while retaining high specificity and affinity for target cancer cells.

Biology Peer Learning Assistant (PLA)

Facilitating Excellence in Science Education

A Biology Peer Learning Assistant (PLA) is an undergraduate student who, having successfully completed a course, returns to help facilitate active learning and mentor current students. The primary goal is to foster an inclusive, collaborative atmosphere in introductory science classrooms.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Active Learning Support: Guiding student understanding through questioning and facilitating small-group discussions during lectures and labs.
• Bridge to Faculty: Acting as a mediator between students and faculty to make the learning environment more accessible and engaging.
• Instructional Support: Assisting students with complex biological concepts by guiding them toward understanding without directly providing answers.

This role enhances professional development while providing peer support that makes complex science education more engaging for the Mizzou community.

Biology Peer Learning Assistant (PLA)

Facilitating Excellence in Science Education

A Biology Peer Learning Assistant (PLA) is an undergraduate student who, having successfully completed a course, returns to help facilitate active learning and mentor current students. The primary goal is to foster an inclusive, collaborative atmosphere in introductory science classrooms.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Active Learning Support: Guiding student understanding through questioning and facilitating small-group discussions during lectures and labs.
• Bridge to Faculty: Acting as a mediator between students and faculty to make the learning environment more accessible and engaging.
• Instructional Support: Assisting students with complex biological concepts by guiding them toward understanding without directly providing answers.

This role enhances professional development while providing peer support that makes complex science education more engaging for the Mizzou community.

Summer Program for Undergraduate Research in Cancer (SPARCC)

Medical College of Wisconsin Cancer Center

Upcoming Research Engagement (2025 – 2026)

The SPARCC program is a prestigious initiative designed for high-achieving undergraduates to engage in cutting-edge biomedical and clinical cancer research.

Core Program Components:

• Faculty-Mentored Summer Research: Hands-on experience under expert mentors.
• Clinical Practicums: Direct exposure to clinical settings.
• Professional Development: Interactive workshops and scientific seminars.

First-Gen Tigers

Empowering First-Generation College Students at Mizzou

Mission & Impact

At the University of Missouri, being the first in your family to attend college is more than a milestone—it is a point of pride. First-Gen Tigers is an organization dedicated to recognizing and supporting students whose parents or guardians did not complete a bachelor's degree.

Roughly one in four Mizzou students identify as first-generation. While these students often face unique challenges, such as navigating admissions and financial aid without family guidance, they bring diverse stories and invaluable perspectives to the campus community.

First-Gen Tigers works closely with the Mizzou community to ensure every student has the tools to turn their "milestone" into a lifelong success.

Undergraduate Research Ambassador

Representing MU Office of Undergraduate Research

As an Ambassador for the Office of Undergraduate Research, I represent the University of Missouri and the research community at various functions and events, both on and off campus.

Key Responsibilities:

• Workshops & Presentations: Presenting research-focused workshops to student organizations throughout the year.
• Event Support: Facilitating major academic events including Research Days and the Summer Forum.
• Student Engagement: Advising peers during office hours and answering inquiries to guide aspiring student researchers.

University of Missouri Honors College

Learning at the Next Level

The University of Missouri Honors College allows students to enjoy all the advantages of a large research university with the personalized, hands-on experience of a small academic community. It is designed for students who want to dive deeper into their passions and explore interdisciplinary learning.

Core Benefits & Opportunities:

• Advanced Curriculum: Access to unique, customizable courses designed specifically for Honors students, ranging from research practices to interdisciplinary seminars.
• Expert Faculty: Opportunities to take classes with award-winning faculty and participate in world-class academic experiences.
• Research & Development: Access to funded research placements and hands-on learning opportunities.
• Academic Advantages: Priority class registration, one-on-one Honors advising, and eligibility for additional scholarships and awards.