Alabama State University News July 31, 2014 Students Return to U.S. after Summer Research Abroad Students in Alabama State University’s Center for NanoBiotechnology (CNBR) ​have returned to the United States after participating in a summer research program that allowed them to work in France, the United Kingdom and Malaysia. Courtnee Bell, a Ph.D. student in microbiology, conducted a 10-week scientific research project as part of the France Summer Exchange Program. She was selected through ASU’s research partnership with the University of Pennsylvania. Bell worked at the renowned Micro and Nanotechnologies Innovation Campus (MINATEC) in Grenoble, France, as part of a collaborative research exchange program in the CNBR. Her research focused on "Peptidoglycan Hydrolase Pmp23: Roles in Septum Formation and Streptococcus pneumoniae Resistance.” Streptococcus pneumoniae is among the most significant causes of bacterial disease in humans, including pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis and acute sinusitis. Through her research, Bell aims to develop a potential source of new antimicrobial therapies against pneumococcus, significantly reducing the number of deaths and health care costs attributed to S. pneumoniae infections. This gateway to do this level of research is priceless, said Bell, whose research is conducted in the CNBR under the supervision of Dr. Shreekumar Pillai, professor of biology. “Apart from the adventures and once-in-a-lifetime memories that I have now, my learning experiences abroad have been nothing short of phenomenal. This remarkable opportunity to live and work abroad has enabled me to see the world beyond my home in Montgomery, Ala. I have gained a new global perspective that is invaluable to me in my quest for higher education,” Bell said. Brandi Barlow, an undergraduate biology major and HBCU-UP STEM scholar, ​spent eight weeks engaged in exciting scientific research at Aston University in Birmingham, UK. “Through the HBCU-UP program, I have gained the opportunity to study abroad for the second time during my college experience, and it has been an astounding summer so far,” said Barlow. “As I continue to expand my experiences in research, I adhere to this famous quote wholeheartedly: ‘Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world. ― Nelson Mandela’” Barlow​ studied "liposomes," tiny bubbles (vesicles) made out of the same materials as cell membranes, during her research experience in the UK. Barlow ​used​ the unique properties of liposomes as a vehicle delivery system to encapsulate protein and to deliver drugs to respective sites of the body. This project will benefit science in various ways such as using cancer, AIDS and even aging drugs in a similar fashion. Barlow’s undergraduate research is supervised in the CNBR by Dr. Komal Vig, associate professor of biology. Brandi Bethune, a chemistry major and HBCU-UP STEM scholar, conducted a six-week summer research study in Serdang, Malaysia, at Putra University. Bethune’s research involved molecular techniques in developing technologies that will have potential for genetically improving fish breed for farmers and food industries globally. “My opportunity to study abroad allowed me to experience the academic system of another country, participate in the day-to-day life of a new locale and gain a firsthand understanding and new appreciation of the culture. I embraced the opportunity,” said Bethune. Bethune’s undergraduate research is supervised in the CNBR by Elijah Nyairo, instructor of chemistry. “We hope to continue to motivate students to participate in international summer research internships in other countries,” said Dr. Shree R. Singh, director of the CNBR. Currently, ASU has existing agreements for student exchanges in several countries, including Argentina, China, United Kingdom, Ethiopia, India, Armenia and South Korea. A Memorandum of Understanding for a partnership between Aston University and ASU was signed in April of 2013. For more information, please visit the Center for NanoBiotechnology Research website<http://www.alasu.edu/crest>. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children. Register now http://www.hbculibraries.org/html/2014meeting-form.html for the October 26-28, 2014 HBCU Library Alliance 6th Membership Meeting in Atlanta GA!