CALLING IN THE RECRUITS At Concordia St. Paul, students are collaborating with researchers from around the world and gaining unparalleled skills and experience - the exact things they need to vie for limited spots in advanced degree programs. Research is continuing to grow at Concordia, and the stories of students involved are proving that the department’s efforts and dedication are paying off.
AMIEN MASROUJEH (‘16) RESEARCH PROJECT Neuron growth and differentiation on silica-based nanomaterial mimicking the extracellular matrix
LAYMAN’S TERMS
The research is attempting to allow cells to grow on a 3-dimensional silica material (glass). In order for the cells to grow, however, researchers need to find ways to make the surface of the silica allow for cell attachment – cells can’t just grow on glass. Certain proteins are utilized, those that are known to attach to the glass material, and are genetically fused to another protein that allows for cell attachment. Amien is making a DNA recipe of this artificial protein. The DNA recipe is then put into fast-growing bacteria that turns into the desired protein. Finally, chemicals are used to purify the protein from the bacteria to then modify the silica material. From a big picture point of view, Amien is genetically engineering an artificial protein that does not exist in nature but can help cells to ‘sit down’ on a three dimensional glass scaffold and grow. Then, the hope is to further genetically engineer other instructions onto this artificial protein to tell the cell what to do. For example, the artificial protein can help tell a cell that doesn’t have instructions on what to be, to become a neuronal cell, muscle cell or heart cell. In doing so, desired cells or tissues could potentially be created for patients needing replacement due to accidents or degenerative diseases like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or heart disease. Concordia is collaborating with a partner in Taiwan by actively engaging in discussions and sharing materials, proteins, ideas and other resources.
ABOUT AMIEN A graduate of Southwest High School (Minneapolis), Amien knew from an early age that he would end up in a medical field - he wrote a book about cardiology when he was 16. A Concordia PSEO student, Amien planned to attend the University of Minnesota en route to medical school. He had thoroughly scrutinized college options and knew the
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FALL 2015 • CONCORDIA S T. PAUL MAGAZINE
importance of research and the impact it had on getting into medical school. When Dr. Yang ramped up Concordia’s research opportunities his second PSEO year, he decided he would have opportunities at Concordia that he wouldn’t be able to get at the U of M, a thought that has rung true for the Concordia senior. “I have friends at the U (of M) so I know how much harder it is to be in touch with faculty and to get a position where you’re actually doing research. Maybe by your junior or senior year you’ll get involved, but then there’s no time to progress.” Amien has been active with several research projects at Concordia. One of his first opportunities was working with Mayo Clinic’s Dr. Hasadri, a researcher and medical doctor. Amien proved that 9-month-old patient’s protein deficiency disorder was, in fact, genetic and hereditary, and therefore treatment should be covered by insurance. This is the type of research that emphasizes the impact that Concordia’s research has on actual people. Through the experience, Amien’s career goal changed and he plans to earn an MD PhD in neurology. He is driven by the altruistic aspect of an MD PhD, wanting to be able to help patients in the clinic and at the same time help advance science through research. “I will always be indebted to Concordia and the faculty here, nobody could have taught it better. It’s not just that they teach you difficult concepts, they also enhance your understanding of philosophy, ethics, interpersonal skills, leadership and so on. These are things that I’ll need to get into medical school and to best serve patients in my career.”