THE PRISE POST Issue # 6 Jan – Mar 2018

Exposure to science and explore career directions

…Because science! Summer research programs help you further understand the scientific process- from experimental design and applying techniques to

collecting data and analyzing results. Students also participate in lab meetings, scientific literature reviews, seminars, workshops and symposia held at the

host university.

…Because career! Exposure to an area of research early on undeniably helps students explore different science fields and careers. The sooner you

become involved in research, the more experience you gain to make informed decisions about pursuing a research career after graduation…or not.

…Because competitiveness! If you are considering research as a career, experience in a research setting is practically a requirement. It will increase

your chances of being admitted into graduate school and becoming a successful researcher in the future. Students considering careers in a clinical or

health-related field, like medicine or pharmacy, can also benefit greatly from summer research. Many medical schools value research experience for

admissions. Most importantly, a solid base in research will enhance your understanding of both the medical curriculum and medical literature.

Participating in summer research can stimulate a scientific interest that might lead you to find the science (and career) that you are passionate about.

Build transferable skills and enhance your resume No matter what career you plan to pursue, regardless if it requires research or not, a

summer research internship is an amazing experience! Not only will you learn how scientific research really works, but it will also teach you how to think

critically in a real-world setting. The skills you will obtain from working in a research team will prepare you to excel in any career pathway you choose.

Critical analysis, attention to detail, creativity, time management, problem solving and troubleshooting, collaboration, and communication are the type of

skills that employers look for in graduates. You will gain experience and a competitive edge by acquiring them as an undergraduate through summer

research.

Networking and collaborative opportunity Participating in a summer research program will expand your professional and peer network by

introducing you to new mentors and potential collaborators. You will also be surrounded by peers with similar interests who will become your support

network, creating a sense of belonging and motivation. Program directors and principal investigators provide strong recommendation letters since they can

attest to your skills and abilities in a practical setting, not just academically. They also have a lot of knowledge about opportunities available to

underrepresented students, such as funding, internships, and fellowships. You will also be able to present your summer research project at national

scientific meetings. As a member of a research team, everyone inputs ideas on a problem and contributes to the project. The results or outcomes of the

project may also produce peer-reviewed abstracts and publications, which you become a part of.

Contribute to scientific knowledge and impact the science world By presenting your summer project at scientific conferences or

contributing to a published scientific article, you are disseminating science. When you share your findings, you get to experience the joy of discovery and

creation and you contribute to the advancement of science. This is a pretty big deal!

THE PRISE POST | Issue # 6 2

Travel and get paid $ Typically, summer research programs are 8 to 10 weeks long. Offers vary, but most summer programs will pay for your travel,

lodging, meals and even award you a stipend (salary). This is a great opportunity to travel, visit another state, and explore a university campus. In addition

to research, students travel the local city and engage in social activities.

2018 UPR-PRISE SUMMER RESEARCH INTERNSHIPS (U.S.)

Adriana Hernandez Santini University of Texas, El Paso, TX

Angel Alvarado Toro University of Wisconsin-Madison, WI

Angel Leon Rodriguez Ohio State University, Columbus, OH

Armando Ruiz- Justiz George Washington School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Washington, D.C.

Daniel Acevedo Roman University of Massachusetts, Worcester, MA

Dianise Rodriguez Garcia Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX

Dormarie Rivera Rodríguez University of Texas, EL Paso, TX

Elaine Camacho Hernandez Harvard University, Boston, MA

Eric Rodriguez Lopez University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA

Gerardo Arroyo Martinez Cornell University, Ithaca, NY

Ismael Lugo Rodriguez Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX

Kevin O. Cruz Colon Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX

Luis Padilla Santiago The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA

Valerie Rodríguez Irizarry Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX

Xavier Rodriguez Lopez Northwestern University, Chicago, IL

Abdon Lopez Torres (former PRISE) M.D. program at Saint George’s University, Grenada

Maria Figueroa Rosado (former PRISE adjunct) Ph.D. in Biomolecular Sciences at Boise State University Idaho

Mayra Gonzalez (former PRISE) M.D. program at San Juan Bautista School of Medicine Caguas, PR

The UPR-PRISE program is remarkably proud of the following former PRISE students who received acceptances to graduate programs, medical schools and post baccalaureate programs- important milestones toward achieving their future goals. We look forward to tracking the progress of all former PRISE students and wish them much success in this new step of their journey.

Amalia Rivera Reyes (PRISE adjunct) PREP Program at University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC

Marta Pérez Vázquez (PRISE adjunct) M.S. & BRIDGES Program at Towson University, Baltimore, MD

Valeria Flores Malavet (former PRISE adjunct) Ph.D. Biomedical Sciences at University of Central Florida

THE PRISE POST | Issue # 6 3

Congratulations to our 2018 graduates!

As the 2017/2018 academic year ends, we say goodbye to four (4) UPR-PRISE official members who completed the requirements for the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a major in Biomedical Sciences. We are proud of their achievements and look forward to seeing them succeed in their future endeavors. UPR-PRISE is honored to have been a part of their professional and scientific development and wish them all the best in the next step of their journey.

Alexandra Maldonado Lopez, PRISE member since 2014

Honor Roll and Dean’s List

Studied the role of macrophages and ovarian cancer under the mentorship of Dr. Guillermo Armaiz, Assistant Professor, at Ponce Health Sciences University and the role of the Protease Activated Receptor-2 in asthma under the mentorship of Dr. Edu Suarez.

Completed summer research internships at University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University.

Presented research projects at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students and Experimental Biology.

Accepted to the Cell and Molecular Biology PhD program at University of Pennsylvania.

Faviola Bernard Vázquez, PRISE member since 2014

Awardee for outstanding poster presentation in the cancer biology section at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students held in Phoenix, AZ for her research conducted at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.

Honorable mention awardee for poster presentation at Experimental Biology 2016 held in Seattle, WA for work conducted at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center under the mentorship of Dr. Kenneth Westover.

Co-authored 2 papers; one published in the February 2018 issue of the Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research for work conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Edu Suarez, Professor at UPR-Ponce and another in the

Journal of Bioorganic & Medicinal Chemistry in December 2016.

Accepted to the Biomedical Sciences PhD program at the University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center.

Kevin Cintron Arroyo, PRISE member since 2013

Studied neuroHIV at Ponce Health Sciences University under the mentorship of Dr. Richard Noel

Presented research Nef Expression in Astrocytes Promotes Astrogliosis and Synaptic Dysfunction at the Society on Neuroimmune Pharmacology Annual Meeting held in Philadelphia, PA.

Conducted summer research at SCRIPPS Research Institute in San Diego, the University of Michigan and Albert Einstein University in New York.

Presented research projects at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students and Experimental Biology.

Accepted to the SCRIPPS Research Institute PREP (post-baccalaureate) Program in San Diego, CA

Yoheilly Velázquez Gonzalez, PRISE member since 2014

Honor Roll and Dean’s List

Studied fear extinction (neurosciences) in the lab of Dr. James Porter, Associate Professor, at Ponce Health Sciences University.

Conducted summer research at the University of Pennsylvania on the Structural Plasticity Analysis of Drosophila Sleep Circuit After Thermogenetic Sleep Deprivation and at New York University on the Immunohistochemical Analysis of C- and N-terminally Truncated Amyloid-β Species.

Presented research projects at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students and Experimental Biology.

Accepted to the Biomedical Sciences PhD program at the University of Texas-Southwestern Medical Center.

“Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined.” -Henry David Thorea

THE PRISE POST | Issue # 6 4

Have you heard?!

Roberto Morales Silva, former PRISE member and current

PhD student at Ponce Health Sciences University, co-

authored the manuscript Neurogenesis during abstinence is

necessary for context-driven methamphetamine-related

memory published in the February 2018 issue of the Journal

of Neuroscience. This work was a result of research conducted in the

summer research program at the SCRIPPS Research Institute in San

Diego, CA under the mentorship of Dr. Chitra D. Mandyam.

Lysmarie Figueroa Rios, former PRISE member and

current PhD student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison,

received the Spring 2018 Honored Instructor Award for her

outstanding contribution to student learning in the field of

Mechanical Engineering. This award is a student-initiated

distinction given to students who make a positive impact on

the educational experience of others.

Elaine Camacho Hernandez, PRISE member, earned the

John C. Johnson Award for best scientific poster

presentation at the Beta Beta Beta National Biology Honor

Society 65th Regional Convention held at the University of

Puerto Rico, Rio Piedras on March 24, 2018. Her

presentation was a result of research conducted in the

summer research program at New York University. The Zeta Kappa student

chapter of the University of Puerto Rico in Ponce also received the

Outstanding Chapter Award, 1st Place Album, and 2nd place Boyd B. Palmer

Award.

PRISE student

Nicole de la

Rosa González

presided this

year’s student

chapter.

Do you like biomedical research? Do you enjoy experimenting in the lab? Would you like to explore research further? Are you interested in graduate studies? Do you envision a career in science? Would you like to contribute to the prevention and treatment of human diseases through research? If so, we can help you achieve your goals!

SPACES CURRENTLY AVAILABLE IN THE UPR-PRISE PROGRAM

Check out the requirements and benefits of PRISE and apply online at http://prise.uprp.edu/. Interviews will take place in July. Program begins in August. For more information, contact the PRISE Program Office at 787-844-8181 x 3085, 2652 or email: rise.ponce@upr.edu.

Science needs diversity. Science needs you!

Congratulations the Biology students who

earned this honorable distinction in 2018;

most especially to our PRISE team! We

acknowledge their achievements and are

proud to be a part of their academic,

professional, and scientific development.

Ballester Rosado, Mayrobis

Bernard Vázquez, Faviola

Guzmán Ponce de León, Norman

Lugo Rodríguez, Ismael

Martínez Candelario, Sahayra

Olán García, Grace

Rivera Rodríguez, Dormarie

Rodríguez García, Dianisse

Rodríguez Irizarry, Valerie

Rodríguez López, Eric

Rodríguez López, Xavier

Velázquez González, Yoheilly

Hernández Santini, Adriana

Malavé Padilla, Xavier

Padilla Santiago, Luis

THE PRISE POST | Issue # 6 5

Attending scientific conferences is an important component for the development of young scientists and an integral part of the UPR-PRISE program’s event calendar. Scientific conferences are ideal forums for researchers and students to present and discuss their work, learn about new developments in science, gain experience presenting, obtain feedback on their projects, and build a network of contacts. Particularly for undergraduate students, meetings are also excellent opportunities to explore graduate studies, summer internships, professional organizations, and specific fields of science.

Experimental Biology

Every year the UPR-PRISE program attends Experimental Biology, the annual meeting of six professional scientific societies comprised of more than 14,000 scientists. Primary focus areas include anatomy, biochemistry and molecular biology, investigative pathology, nutrition, pharmacology, and physiology. This multidisciplinary, scientific meeting which took place in San Diego, CA on April 21- 25, 2018, features plenary and award lectures, workshops, oral and posters presentations, on-site career services, and a multitude of exhibits. UPR-PRISE students presented a total 18 posters and 1 oral presentation. The abstracts are also published in the FASEB journal.

Networking, presentations and professional development

Daniel Acevedo Roman Estrogens Are Necessary for Expression of Cocaine Seeking in Male

Rats

Gerardo Arroyo Effects of Resveratrol in Cell Migration and Invasion by Studying the CXCR4-

CXCL12 Axis in Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Faviola Bernard Rasg12d Causes More Proliferation Than RasG12V in Drosophila Pancreatic

Cancer Models

Elaine Camacho-Hernández Evaluating the effects of HIPK2 Inhibition on Castration-Resistant

Prostate Cancer Cells

Kevin Cintron Arroyo Estrogen Related Receptor α Is Required for Efficient Arenavirus

Multiplication

Kevin O. Cruz Colon Resveratrol and CXCR4 Mediated Migration of Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Nicole de la Rosa Gonzalez Behavioral Assessment of Mice with Mitochondrial CaMKII

Inhibition

Maryangie Martinez Casillas (TRAVEL AWARD WINNER) The Effect of Resveratrol in the

Proliferation and Autophagy of Breast Cancer Cell Lines

Angely Ortiz Rosado Identifying KEAP1-Interacting Coxiella burnetii Proteins

THE PRISE POST | Issue # 6 6

Junior Technical and Puerto Rico Interdisciplinary Scientific Meeting

The Puerto Rico chapter of the American Chemistry Society and the Puerto Rico Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program hold a joint meeting every year bringing together students and faculty from the University of Puerto Rico System, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ana G. Méndez System, and the Resource Center for Science and Engineering of the University of Puerto Rico. The 2018 Junior Technical Meeting (JTM) and the Puerto Rico Interdisciplinary Scientific Meeting (PRISM) is the island’s largest annual scientific forum for undergraduate and graduate STEM students to present their research projects to peers and faculty members. This year, JTM/PRISM took place on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at Universidad del Turabo. UPR-PRISE had another successful participation with 14 oral scientific presentations and 1 poster.

Luis Padilla Santiago Resveratrol-induced DNA Damage on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells

Through NER Pathway

Amalia Rivera Reyes Effect of Calcium Sulfide Nanoclusters in the Migration of Non-Small

Cell Lung Adenocarcinoma Cell Line HCC827

Dormarie Rivera Rodriguez Gene Expression of Host Restriction Factors in HIV-1 Infected

Monocyte-Derived Macrophages

Eric Rodríguez-López Characterization of s1289 in Biofilm Formation and Infection in S.

flexneri

Xavier Rodriguez Lopez Immunohistochemical study of the epithelial-tomesenchymal

transition phenotype in non-small cell lung cancer

Valerie Rodriguez Irizarry Determination of Apoptotic Stage of HCC827 Lung

Adenocarcinoma Cell Line, Following Calcium Sulfide Nanoclusters Treatment

Rafael Torres-Strubbe Quantification of Total HIV-1 DNA in Seminal and Blood Samples in

Men Under Cart

Jaydie M. Valles Ortiz (TRAVEL AWARD WINNER) Astrogliosis and Downregulation of

EAAT2 in Rats Infused with Nef Transfected Astrocytes

Yoheilly Velazquez Structural Plasticity Analysis of Drosophila Sleep Circuit After

Thermogenetic Sleep Deprivation

THE PRISE POST | Issue # 6 7

Ponce Health Sciences University 14th Annual Scientific Conference

On Saturday, May 12, 2018, five (5) UPR-PRISE students presented their research at the 14th Annual Scientific Conference of the Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) –Ponce Research Institute. Students, faculty, and residents from the academic community and affiliate institutions presented research projects in oral and poster formats in the areas of biomedical sciences, clinical sciences/medicine, behavioral sciences and public health with the purpose of increasing awareness of research conducted at PHSU. Awards were given to the top three poster and oral presentations in each category, which included graduate and undergraduate students, lab technicians and faculty.

UPR-PRISE is exceptionally proud of 2nd year biology student Luis Padilla Santiago for earning first place poster presentation in the Basic Sciences category for his project Resveratrol-induced DNA damage on MCF-7 Breast Cancer Cells through NER pathway conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Jaime Matta, Professor at PHSU.

A job well done to all the presenters!

Angely Ortiz Rosado PAR-2 Activation in Asthmatic and Non-Asthmatic Airway Primary Cells (Dr. Edu Suarez/PHSU-UPR) Dormarie Rivera Rodríguez Gene Expression of Host Restriction Factors in HIV-1 Infected Monocyte derived macrophages (Dr. Martin Hill/PHSU) Faviola Bernard Vázquez E2F Overexpression Increase Clonogenicity in MCF10A Cells (Dr. Harold Saavedra/PHSU) Xavier Rodríguez López Rb Hyperphosphorylation Leads to an Impaired Cell-Cell Adhesion in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cells (Dr. Pedro Santiago/PHSU

Q U O T A B L E Q U O T E S

Science never solves a problem without creating ten more. – George Bernard Shaw

'Impossible' is not a scientific term. –Vanna Bonta

Science is much more than a body of knowledge. It is a way of thinking.

– Carl Sagan

The scientist is not a person who gives the right answers; but the one who asks the right questions. – Claude Levi-Strauss In the field of observation, chance favors only the prepared mind. – Louis Pasteur

Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number R25GM096955. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health.

Please send questions, suggestions or contributions for The PRISE Post to Wendy Pacheco at rise.ponce@upr.edu or call 787-8444-8181 ext 3085, 2652. For more information about the PRISE program, please visit our website at http://prise.uprp.edu/.