Mitochondrial Network Analysis of Multi-Drug Resistant Tumor Cells
Integrated in 3D Hydrogel Matrices
Mitochondria, being more than just the powerhouse of the cell, regulate several processes that are known to be altered in cancer cells, from metabolic stress to apoptosis. In this study, we tried to evaluate the changes in such mitochondrial networks in an ovarian cancer cell line (SKOV-3’s) as a response to stress introduced by overlaying hydrogels with different gradients of thicknesses. The addition of hydrogels makes our model more biomimetic to the varying stresses of the actual tumor microenvironment while remaining biocompatible with the cancer cells. Furthermore, this hydrogel-based model tries to draw parallels with other Hypoxic related work, a condition of low oxygen concentration facilitating reactions within mitochondrial networks that promote tumor survival and progression. Thus, developing an affordable and accessible model by application of hydrogels can help scientists better understand the multidrug resistance nature of tumors.
Presented at:
- Northeastern University Chemical Engineering Research Showcase - 2nd Place Undergraduate Award
- Northeastern University Research Innovation Science and Entrepreneurship Showcase (RISE)
- Society for Biomaterials Regional Symposia
Using Educational Comics to Promote Student Interest in the Breadth and Depth of Chemical Engineering
In this study, an educational comic has been created and distributed to university students to investigate whether career prospects impact student motivation in pursuit of chemical engineering on an institutional level. This educational tool delves into industries such as oil and gas, material science, drug discovery, sustainable energy, environmental preservation, agriculture, and food science. Through the inclusion of these industries, the comic provides a clear but thorough introduction into the breadth of environmental, social, and scientific impact that chemical engineers can have. For a baseline, students were instructed to complete the Felder Soloman Learning Style survey to assess their preference for visual or verbal learning tools. Further survey questions utilized the MUSIC model of student motivation to understand student incentive in pursuing chemical engineering academically and professionally. The results of this study indicate greater student interest in pursuing chemical engineering and showcase the power of expanding educational tools to better showcase the possibilities that await graduates.
Presented at:
- American Institute for Chemical Engineers (AIChE) - 1st Place Undergraduate Award
- American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) - Published Author Presentation
