Two outstanding PhD candidates were recognized for their research as co-recipients of the seventh annual Songer Research Award for Human Health.
Xinqian Chen, majoring in Integrative Physiology, received the award for her project, “Exploring the role of brain-derived extracellular vesicles in salt-sensitive hypertension.” Biological Sciences major Vaishali Sharma received the award for her project titled, “Antiviral efficacy of amino acid-based surfactants: A proposal for advancing human health by breaking the chain of viral infection.”
“Chen and Sharma proposed innovative, medically oriented research projects in human health,” said College of Sciences and Arts (CSA) Dean LaReesa Wolfenbarger. “Their projects are exciting, with the potential to improve human life and health outcomes. I look forward to learning more about their findings in the coming months.”
Xinqian Chen Focuses on Hypertension Research
Chen’s research focuses on brain extracellular vesicles (EVs), lipid layers that are released by cells and carry proteins, nucleic acids and metabolites to transmit signals between cells. Chen’s proposal exhibits promising connections to human health. Her hypothesis is that injection of EVs collected from rats with salt-sensitive hypertension will result in hypertension with neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in cardiovascular control regions of otherwise healthy rats.
Strong preliminary data isolating and characterizing brain EVs and their influence in cultured cells and in cardiovascular control regions of the brain demonstrate a high likelihood of success. Jenny Shan, professor in Kinesiology and Integrative Physiology serves as Chen’s advisor.
Vaishali Sharma Seeks to Eliminate Harsh Chemicals
Sharma’s research aims to identify sustainable and effective amino acid-based antiviral surfactants that have minimal negative effects on human health and the environment. Her proposal has the potential to lead to a more ecologically friendly surface disinfectant. Stephen Techtmann, associate professor of Biological Sciences, and Caryn Heldt, chemical engineering professor and director of Michigan Tech’s Health Research Institute, serve as Sharma’s advisors.
Sharma also participated in a recent US-Africa Frontiers Fellowship, partnering with visiting research biologist Bellicia Kamwanya on vaccine production.
Watch a video of Vaishali Sharma’s work on the collaborative project, which took place in summer 2024.
Xinqianchen Chen working in the lab
Vaishali Sharma working in the lab
About the Songer Research Award
Biological sciences alumni Matthew Songer ’79 and Laura Songer ’80 have supported the competition in support of innovative student-led research projects that center on human health for seven years. The Songer Research Award for Human Health provides two $6,000 graduate awards that make it possible for students to pursue their projects in consultation with College-affiliated faculty researchers. Any student interested in exploring a medically related question were able to apply by submitting a research project statement.
The Songers, who recall their own excitement to engage in research, established the award to stimulate and encourage opportunities for original research by current Michigan Tech students. “I appreciate the generosity of the Songers for making these research opportunities possible for our exceptional graduate students,” said Dean Wolfenbarger.
About the College of Sciences and Arts
The College of Sciences and Arts is a global center of academic excellence in the sciences, humanities, and arts for a technological world. Our teacher-scholar model is a foundation for experiential learning, innovative research and scholarship, and civic leadership. The College offers 33 bachelor’s degrees in biological sciences, chemistry, humanities, kinesiology and Integrative physiology, mathematical sciences, physics, psychology and human factors, social sciences, and visual and performing arts. We are home to Michigan Tech’s pre-health professions and ROTC programs. The College offers 24 graduate degrees and certificates. We conduct approximately $12 million in externally funded research in health and wellness, sustainability and resiliency, and the human-technology frontier.
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