2007 Internship Booklet - To download the pdf file click here

SCIENTIFIC ABSTRACTS & PERSONAL STATEMENTS

Bryan M. Brandon

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo 
   Major: Biomedical Engineering

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Bruce Lyeth, Ph.D., Professor of Neurological Surgery, 
                   Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, UC Davis. 

   Secondary Mentors: Gene Gurkoff, Ph.D. (post-doc) 
		      Justin Beller (grad student)
  
   Laboratory: Center for Neuroscience, UC Davis, Davis, CA and   
               Oak Park Research, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
   
   Internship: 11 weeks

Scientific Abstract

 
The Centers of Disease Control reports that over 1.4 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually in the United States. One consequence of TBI is the disruption of cellular homeostasis. Following injury, concentrations of excitatory amino acids, such as glutamate, are elevated to pathophysiologic levels which can lead to neuronal and glial death. We hypothesize that increases in post-injury extracellular glutamate are directly linked to cell viability. One way to decrease glutamate levels is to increase extracellular potassium concentrations.  In theory, increased potassium will reduce post-injury neuronal activation (reducing glutamate release) therefore increasing cell viability. Utilizing an in vitro 1 mM excitotoxic concentration of glutamate, we found that increasing the extracellular concentration of potassium reduced cell death by over 50% (p < .01) in mixed cultures. An alternative is to increase glutamate uptake by pharmacologically manipulating levels of glutamate transporters such as GLT-1 and GLAST. Initial data suggests that mechanical injury reduced GLAST expression in pure astrocyte cultures.  This reduction likely leads to the accumulation of extracellular glutamate. The expression of GLAST is modulated through the action of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) located on astrocytes, therefore the expression of mGluRs will be determined. The goal of these studies is to reduce cell death caused by pathophysiological increases in levels of extracellular glutamate. Preliminary data suggests content of the extracellular space post-injury is directly linked to cell viability.  By better understanding the post-traumatic pathophysiologic changes in the extracellular space, we hope to design better therapies to treat TBI.


Personal Statement

My summer could not have been spent any better. My summer internship with the Center for Biophotonics was an invaluable experience and I feel both honored and privileged to have been able to participate in such a great program. The internship was very well organized, from the first week intensive that helped the interns prepare for working in a lab environment to the wonderful retreat that allowed us to network and see what others are doing in the field of biophotonics.
    I thoroughly enjoyed my time working in my lab. Everyone was kind and always willing to take time out of their schedules to help me. In our weekly meetings, I was always asked how my work was progressing, and that was because my primary mentor, Dr. Bruce Lyeth, had a genuine interest in my learning experience. I worked under Dr. Gene Gurkoff and Justin Beller, who were both amazing mentors. Together, they taught me many concepts and lab techniques in the field of neurotrauma. They were always providing me with new opportunities to learn something new.
    This internship has opened many new doors for me and has provided me many opportunities that I never thought I could have. Already, as I return back to school, I can see how much this internship has helped me. The people I met and the things that I learned this summer are undoubtedly going to help me immeasurably as I pursue my career goals. This internship truly helped me grow as an individual and has given me the tools I need to succeed in what I do.

Elenor Castillo 

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   Mills College, Oakland, CA 
   Major: Biology

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Susan Spiller Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Biology
   
   Laboratory: Mills College, Oakland, CA
   
   Internship: 12 weeks

Scientific Abstract

Certain cyanobacterial genes share sequence homology with plant phytochromes. Alignments of the genes reveal common features of the domains, which describe GAF, PHY, PAS, PAC, HAMP, MCPsignal, CBS, GGDEF, EAL, HisKA, HATPase_c in both plants and cyanobacteria.  We are studying one of five genes, the tlr0924, and their protein gene products in the Thermosynechoccocus elongatus, a cyanobacteria from the hot springs of Bebbu, Japan.   The  T. elongatus  was chosen to study because of its homology with Cph1N514.  The Cph1N514 shows conventional phytochrome/chromophore binding absorbance in the 630nm, red photon area.  The T. elongatus tlr0924 shows unconventional phytochrome absorbance in the 435 to 540nm, green/blue photon area.  A mutation of T. elongatus in the GAF domain (the chromophore binding domain) creates a conformational change to the protein and creates differentiation within the conjugated system of the tetrapyrrole chromophore molecule.  The analysis of T. elongatus tlr0924 gene shows the phytochrome is photoreversible. The photoreversibility is unlike the conventional Cph1N514 phytochrome.  We have completed PCR from genomic DNA, ligation into pBAD plasmid, transformation of E. coli for expression and purified the phytochrome using nickel columns.  The purified protein was analyzed using photospectroscopy.  The tlr0924 phytochrome appears yellow and absorbs in the 435nm region.  After excitation at 540nm the protein photoreverses absorbing blue photons and appears pink.  Moving forward, the characterization and evaluation of the protein will be performed by spectral analysis, SDS page gels for purity, zinc blot for determination of covalent bonding and spectrometry for size conformation. 
 
Personal Statement

It was a great honor to be part of the CBST Internship Program.  The entire experience was one that I will never forget.  I worked primarily at the Mills College Research Lab in Oakland under Dr. Susan Spiller and also, with Dr. Clark Lagarias at UC Davis.   My research involved mastering the techniques of gene cloning and protein expression while applying the Biophotonic approach of using spectroscopy for analysis of photoreceptor proteins known as phytochromes in cyanobacteria.  The research skills I obtained solidified my pursuit of obtaining a PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology.  It was fascinating to work with so many great minds and because the internships focused on an inter-disciplinary approach to research, I was exposed to aspects of physics, chemistry, genetics, and oncology, through the research of other interns.  Dr. Ana Corbacho, the director of the internship, mastered the ability to bring the group together so that we all could learn from each other.  There were interns from many different walks of life; some just starting out in science and some who are headed for grad school.   However, even with the wide range of age, color, and academic stature, we all bonded and I never felt uncomfortable or for lack of a better word, “stupid”.  I was allowed to ask questions where I normally would have been intimidated.  Also, the internship offered a 3-day scientific retreat to Squaw Valley Resort!  We were able to interact with renowned researchers, doctors, and post-docs who gave valuable first hand information about pursuing a career in science.  The whole experience was amazing, challenging, encouraging and valuable.  I hope I have the opportunity to do it again next summer!

Phuong N. Dang

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA
   Major: Bioengineering

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Atul N. Parikh Ph.D., Associate Professor, 
        	   Department of Applied Science 
  
   Secondary Mentors: Andrea Michelle Smith (grad student)
 
   Laboratory: Department of Applied Science, 3007 Engineering III
	       University of California, Davis

   Internship: 12 weeks

Scientific Abstract

Spatial patterning of cells provides the possibility for effective analyses of cellular function. It also enables us to determine in-vitro cellular response to spatiotemporal cues which in turn regulates many essential functions. Using amphiphilic surfaces, we demonstrate this ability.
Our project’s purpose is to study cell-surface interactions using model membranes. We are patterning retinal pigment epithelial cells (ARPE-19) on amphiphilic surfaces designed using membrane modeling techniques. The death of these cells causes the deterioration of the central vision in patients with age-related macular degeneration. RPE cells die via apoptosis, which is induced by various factors, such as oxidative stress and ceramides, which transmit signals through the plasma membrane. We hope to improve understanding of plasma membrane dynamics during apoptosis, knowledge that could lead to a treatment for this condition. 
We plated ARPE-19 cells on glass slides partially covered with patterns of octadecyltrichlorosilane (OTS). Deposition of OTS on a slide renders its surface hydrophobic. Using UV photolithography, we made patterns of alternating OTS and exposed glass surfaces. We found that cells prefer to grow on glass surfaces, and when necessary, would stretch across the OTS surface to reach the nearest glass surface. We are currently determining how far they will elongate and if they will grow on OTS surfaces once they have reached a state of confluence on the exposed glass. We plan to introduce these cells to spatial patterns of signaling cues (e.g. ceramides) important in cell death. We expect these initial studies will demonstrate the generality of our approach.

Personal Statement

This internship was simply amazing. I had such a terrific time meeting new people, learning new things, and working in a lab. I really enjoyed the First Week Intensive. It really helped us interns to bond with each other and with the administrative staff. I did not expect to develop such great friendships as I have made in this internship, and I think that the First Week Intensive and activities made this easier. The First Week Intensive also prepared us for the transition into our labs. 
    The retreat was very eye-opening. The talks showed me just how interesting and broad the field of biophotonics is. I was also able to improve my networking skills by talking with the doctors, professors, and graduate students that were there. All in all, I had a great time experiencing the outdoors and learning more about different topics in biophotonics. 
Working in the lab was a great experience. Fortunately, I did not encounter any of the worst-case scenarios that we discussed. Everyone in the lab was really welcoming, helpful, and fun. My primary and secondary mentors really helped me feel comfortable in the lab and were always there to answer my questions. I will actually be continuing to work in this lab for the upcoming year and I have this internship to thank for it. Thank you Ana and everyone on the staff for giving me this amazing opportunity. 

Bess-Carolina Dolmo

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   San Francisco State University, San Francisco, CA 
   Major: Chemistry, Physics

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Laura Marcu, Ph.D., Associate Professor, 
                   Department of Biomedical Engineering, UC Davis 
  
   Secondary Mentor: Doug Stephen, Masters in Biomedical Engineering, 
                     Staff Scientist

   Laboratory:  Department of Biomedical Engineering
		College of Engineering  
                University of California, 
		Genome and Biomedical Sciences Building 
                451 East Health Sciences Drive - Davis, CA
   
   Internship: 12 weeks

Scientific Abstract

We are devising a means for improved characterization of vulnerable plaques.  We apply the use of an intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) catheter to serially survey arterial walls and anatomical landmarks. We then introduce a specialty side-firing optical catheter to perform time resolved laser induced fluorescence spectroscopy (TR-LIFS). Due to the unique tissue interrogation attributes with a side-firing optical catheter, these two devises offer a possible means for improved characterization of vulnerable plaques.  
We physically exchange the two catheter types sequentially.  This serial approach allows a three dimensional geometric co-registration of the ultrasound and optical data.  Precise knowledge of the intravascular location and angular orientation of both catheters is key.  Therefore, we developed a static impedance tomography (SIT) technique which allows precise intravascular catheter

I returned to CBST this year because I am pursuing my Doctoral degree in Biomedical Engineering at UC Davis.  This summer was an excellent opportunity to narrow my laboratory research interests and mentor. 

Daniel H. Enter

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   Northwestern University, IL
   Major: Biology

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Kit Lam, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Internal Medicine,
                   Division of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, 
                   UC Davis Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA
   
   Secondary Mentors: Dr. Hongyong Zhang (post-doc) 
                      Dr. Chong-xian Pan (Asst. Professor)  
   
   Laboratory: Oak Park Research, UC Davis Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA
   Internship: 12 weeks

Scientific Abstract

Bladder cancer is the 5th most common cancer in the United States and requires the most expensive treatment of any type of tumor. Bladder cancer is unique in that most patients present with superficial disease that is relatively isolated from the rest of the human body, and that can be easily targeted through intravesical instillation.  The long-term goal of this project is to identify novel cell-penetrating peptides for imaging detection and targeted therapy of superficial bladder cancer.  We have screened a combinatorial chemistry library for selective cell-penetrating activity in bladder tumor cell lines. So far, we have identified one peptide. We will synthesize this peptide conjugated with Cy5.5 or another fluorophore and determine cell penetration capacity in vitro and in an orthotopic mouse bladder cancer model. The promise of these peptides lies in their ability to be conjugated to either an imaging or therapeutic agent.  As an imaging agent, it could be used to improve clinical imaging of bladder cancer for diagnosis and follow-ups. As a therapeutic agent, we will conjugate these peptides to a chemotherapeutic agent and determine their ability for intravesical instillation to eliminate superficial bladder cancer and reduce recurrence. 

Personal Statement

The internship through the Center for Biophotonics Science and Technology (CBST) afforded me an outstanding opportunity to understanding what cutting-edge research at the University level is truly like.Through mentoring from graduate students, post-docs, and professors, I was able to learn numerous laboratory techniques and use those to perform semi-independent research.  However, what differentiated CBST from other internships was how conducive the atmosphere was to fun.  Ana Corbacho, who coordinates the program, is an absolute gem.  All of the interns spent the entire first week getting to know each other, along with weekly bowling, trips to the farmers market, and even a 3-day conference at a beautiful Lake Tahoe resort.   I honestly would have never believed the research environment could be so much fun.  It was a pleasure to be part of CBST, and I highly recommend CBST to any undergraduate interested in research – and fun. 

Matthew W. Harrison

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 
   Major: Applied Physics, Selected Option in Medicine 

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Kit Lam, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Internal Medicine,
                   Division of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, 
                   UC Davis Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA
   Secondary Mentors: Dr. Olulanu Aina  
   
   Laboratory: Oak Park Research, UC Davis Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA
   Internship: 8 weeks

Melanoma accounts for more than 70% of all skin cancer deaths but survival rates are high with early diagnosis and treatment. Integrin α-3 is highly expressed in melanomas and is associated with tumor progression and migration. Our studies focused on identifying unique peptide sequences that bind to α-3 integrins expressed on melanoma cell surface membranes. We hypothesize that such peptides would aid in early melanoma diagnosis and targeted delivery of therapeutics. To perform the proposed experiments, four cell lines were grown in vitro; two human melanomas, SKMEL-3 and DX-3 as well as two canine melanomas, 322354 and 322251. Each cell line was screened using the One Bead One Compound (OBOC) technique. Beads with high affinity peptides that bound to these cells were isolated, washed, and screened against normal melanocytes.   Beads that did not bind to normal cells were isolated and sequenced. Sequenced peptides are now being synthesized for future testing. These cultured cells were also stained with a fluorescent peptide that binds α-3. 
To determine the targeting potential of previously identified peptide in vivo, nude mice were given subcutaneous injections of melanoma cells and were allowed to grow tumors. P eptide cdG-Hcit-GPQc /OA02 (with known affinity for α-3 integrins) directly bound to Cy5.5 fluorochrome was injected into the tail veins of tumor bearing mice. In-vivo and ex-vivo optical imaging was performed. Images taken 30 minutes after injection show strong signals in melanoma tumors on the mouse. Unique peptides with high affinity for α-3 integrins can become useful probes for imaging melanoma tumors.      

Personal Statement

The CBST summer internship was great. The first week intensive training allowed us to bond as a group of interns, which made all subsequent activities even more fun and productive. The workshops were incredibly helpful to those who are interested in a career in medicine or research but don't quite know what the next steps are after undergraduate work. The staff was friendly and always accessible. The retreat was one of the highlights of the internship. Presenters from many schools and disciplines presented on a wide range of topics related to Biophotonics, and there was ample time to recreate and network. I really enjoyed working in Dr. Lam's lab. I primarily worked with Dr. Aina, who was a great mentor and was always able to answer my questions. Upon arriving to the lab I was given a clear and specific project that would help me reach educational goals Dr. Lam and Dr. Aina had established.The CBST summer internship allowed me to round out my research experience. I was able to use my physics background in conjunction with learning new things about chemistry and biology. Presenting to the CBST interns at the end of the internship was also a rewarding experience. I wish my fall schedule allowed me to extend my internship because I liked it so much.  

De Vaughn J. Jones 

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   University of California Davis, Davis, CA 
   Major: Neurobiology, Physiology and Behavior (NPB)

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Reem Yunis, PhD  

   Laboratory: Oak Park Research, 
               UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA

   Internship: 12 weeks

Scientific Abstract

 
Each year about 19,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with primary brain cancers. Overall only about 30% of these cases are alive a year later. Radiation is a common treatment for cancer patients, especially those with brain tumors. However, cancer cell radioresistance continues to compromise the effectiveness of such treatments. We are investigating the use of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) as radiosensitizers. Previous research by our collaborator, Dr. Guo, showed that incubating naked DNA sequence with AuNP prior to irradiation increased the level of DNA fragmentation. We are aiming to test the use of AuNP in a cellular system hypothesizing an increase in DNA damage and cell death. Before applying AuNP in irradiation experiments we first studied the cytotoxicity effect of these particles on cells. Daoy cells, that originated from a medulloblastoma, were exposed to different concentrations of AuNP administered in a single or fractionated (x8) dose. Data showed that the fractionated dose had a lower toxic effect compared to the single dose. In addition, a working range of non-toxic doses of AuNP was derived from this assay. Results from an experiment having incubated the cells for 72 hours with different doses of AuNP prior to irradiation showed a decrease of cell survival indicating the potential radiosensitizing effect of AuNP. 
  
Personal Statement

The 2007 CBST summer program was my first internship opportunity; and to say the least it was phenomenal! As I reflect on the vast laboratory techniques that I actually performed it was quite gratifying to see textbook procedures come to life. The staff and scientists that I worked with were extremely down to earth and helpful. I really appreciated the gradual trust in my laboratory techniques and scientific opinion that developed more and more throughout the duration of the internship shown to me by my supervisors. Words cannot express the feeling knowing that your P.I. eventually looks at you as more than just an undergrad and respects you as a competent student of the sciences.Furthermore, the group of interns that was assembled was absolutely amazing. Each person’s uniqueness and diversity was really respected and appreciated; this led to a comfortable and fun working and social environment. Overall the summer program was educational, hard work, and rewarding, and I would once again like to thank my P.I. for affording me the opportunity to study under her. This experience really confirmed for me my desires to pursue a PhD/MD.

Manjinder Kaur 

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   University of California Davis, Davis, CA 
   Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: John C. Rutledge, M.D., Professor in Internal Medicine, 
                   Division of Endocrinology, Clinical Nutrition, 
                   and Vascular Medicine, School of Medicine, UC Davis

   Secondary Mentors: Laura Higgins (grad student) 
                      Jaime Connolly Rohrbach, Ph.D. (post-doc) 
                      Juliana Sampson, Ph.D. (post-doc)
  
   Laboratory: Genome and Biomedical Sciences Building 
               451 East Health Sciences Drive
               University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 
   
   Internship: 12 weeks

Scientific Abstract

EFFECTS OF 9-HODE ON BAX AND BCL-2 EXPRESSION IN HUMAN AORTIC ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

Manjinder Kaur, Laura Higgins, Jaime Connolly Rohrbach, Juliana Sampson, John Rutledge

This summer I had a wonderful time working with the CBST team at UC Davis.  Through this internship, I was given an opportunity to work independently in lab.  I was able to utilize my chemistry skills to do all the calculations, and my biology background helped me to understand the purpose and methods to carry on my project.  The regular seminars held each week for first eight weeks of the internship program were very informative.  The seminar on “Networking Skills” helped me to establish some networks on the CBST Annual Retreat at Lake Tahoe.  The CBST Annual Retreat also exposed me to other researches that are being conducted across the United States of America.  My experience this summer was invaluable, and I would highly recommend CBST summer internship to those who are looking for an incredible research experience.     

Lakshminaray (Havish) Kota

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   University of California Davis, Davis, CA
   Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Joanna Albala Ph.D., Associate Adjunct Professor, 
                   Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, UC Davis

   Secondary Mentor: Matt Coleman, Ph.D. (LLNL Researcher)
   
   Laboratory: Oak Park Research, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA

   Internship: 12 weeks

Scientific Abstract

Early detection and diagnosis of tumors is essential to surviving cancer, especially breast cancer. The current gold standard in breast cancer detection, the mammogram, is both time-consuming and may require several biopsies over the course of the diagnosis. A better approach is through the detection of biomarkers that are elevated in sera in a case of cancer (e.g. PSA in prostate cancer). However, no single biomarker has been associated with breast cancer with high specificity.  Our goal is to develop a multiplexed immunoassay in which up to five biomarkers for breast cancer can be detected simultaneously, along with high sensitivity and small sample size. Using protein microarray technology to fix capture antibodies onto unique sites on amino-coated slides, we can create a “sandwich” immunoassay using the five antigens and their detection antibodies. Each “sandwich” is probed with a fluorophore that binds the labeled detector antibody. The slides can then be imaged using a laser-based slide-reader, and the signal from each sample quantified and analyzed by software. This technique could be customized and expanded to include a wide range of imaging modalities such as infrared, UV and white light. Moreover, the protein microarray technology can be automated and miniaturized for rapid point-of-care testing.  

Personal Statement

PENDING

Victoria M. Lee 

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   University of California Davis, Davis, CA   
   Major: Microbiology

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Thomas Huser, Ph.D., Associate Professor, Internal Medicine, 
                   School of Medicine and Center for Biophotonics Science and 
                   Techology, UC Davis

   Secondary Mentor: Samantha Fore, Ph.D. (post-doc)
  
   Laboratory: Oak Park Research, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA

   Internship: 12 weeks

Scientific Abstract

CHARACTERIZATION OF PHYTOCHROMES AS FLUORESCENT PROBES FOR SINGLE MOLECULE DETECTION BY FLUORESCENCE CORRELATION SPECTROSCOPY

Advances in optical microscopy have made it possible to follow fluorescent labels at the single molecule level within cells. Fluorescent proteins genetically coupled to proteins of interest are more biologically-compatible live-cell probes. Our ability to detect them, however, is greatly diminished by the strong autofluorescent background present in many living cells. The plant phytochrome Cph1YH is a representative of fluorescent phytofluors promising to lead to a new generation of fluorescent proteins able to overcome this background by emitting at red to near-infrared wavelengths. We use Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscropy (FCS) to study the phytochromeâ•˙s binding and fluorescence properties at the single molecule level. In previous FCS studies, we found that the phytochrome forms a hetero-dimer with its non-fluorescent apoprotein at micromolar concentrations of apoprotein.  The dimerization yielded even higher phytofluor fluorescence emission. To detect the homo-dimerization of Cph1YH, concentrations greater than 1 nM are necessary. The use of nano-apertures, i.e. sub-wavelength features milled out of metal films on a dielectric substrate, enables the observation of single molecule events up to micromolar concentrations. We show first results of phytofluor fluorescence characteristics inside these metal apertures. Comparison of Cph1YH FCS results at 50 nM and 4ÎπM concentrations show similar diffusion times, indicating no change in state; that is, the phytochrome was in either monomeric or dimeric only conformation at both concentrations. Preliminary FCS experiments performed in solution suggest formation of homo-dimers at only 10 nM.  However, the use of nano-apertures is still necessary to achieve single molecule detection. 

Although this was my second year as a CBST summer intern, a lot of this year’s experience was as new to me as it was for the first time interns. Instead of just a half-day orientation, this year’s orientation lasted for a week. The additional group activities allowed the interns to get to know each other better. The weekly intern meetings were slightly different as well. I thought the panel of speakers for the career paths meeting was very informative, and it gave me a better idea about the options available to me. Since I worked in the same lab as I did last year and during the school year, my experiments got off to a running start. Once again, my mentors, Dr. Huser and Dr. Fore, were awesome. This summer, I worked on two different projects: phytochrome characterization using Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy and the study of antibody-protein interaction in biliary cirrhosis via Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer. The Picoquant Microtime 200 is apparently a popular instrument for its fluorescence imaging capabilities; I shared it with a grad student from Stanford who was studying nano-apertures, and I helped take photon antibunching data on quantum dots for two researchers from UC Berkeley. The retreat was again a great experience. It was a good opportunity to network and learn about other fascinating projects. From this internship, I got a better idea of what a career in research would be like, from collaborating with other scientists to creating my own scientific poster.

Jodie C. Lewis 

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
   Major: Human Biology

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentors: Dr. James Chan and Dr. Doug Taylor 
  
   Laboratory: Oak Park Research, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
   Internship: 8 weeks

Jodie Lewis, Tun Nyunt , J. Chan and D. Taylor

This project focused on discovering if Laser Trap Raman Spectroscopy (LTRS) has the ability to detect subcellular changes in Jurkat T cells induced by the chemotherapy agent doxorubicin.  Jurkat T cells are transformed lymphocytes that serve as a model for human leukemia.  LTRS rapidly and nondestructively analyzes single cells by combining near-infrared Raman spectroscopy with optical trapping.  The Raman microscope uses a 785 nanometer laser reflected through multiple mirrors to achieve the desired trapping precision.  A CCD camera is used to collect photons given off during the scan and a spectra is produced that graphs pixels versus intensity; pixels are converted into Raman Shift through calibration.  Calibration scans use 3.7 nanometer polystyrene beads because they have a well characterized spectra.  Hemocytometry was used to monitor the viability of the cells and to maintain a constant starting cell density.  Cells were resuspended in PBS to record the spectra and silicate glass slides were used because they create no background interference.  Baseline spectra of untreated cells were taken as a control to the different experimental conditions.  Spectra for the different conditions were pretty consistent in their findings.  Differences in the spectra between the control and the different experimental conditions were observed when compared with the naked eye.

Personal Statement

My experience with the CBST Summer Internship was amazing.  The First Week Intensive was the perfect way to start the internship.  We all got to know each other during that initial time spent together, so no one ever felt left out.   I hadn’t previously worked in a lab, so learning lab skills during the first week was very helpful as well.  The weekly seminars were good ways to learn about the field of biophotonics.  I had a blast at the group activities!  They were times for us to hang out and have fun together.  The Tahoe retreat was very informative for me.  I heard scientists discuss new research they were working on, but I also heard about what life was like in their shoes.  This was a good way to see if their field was something I might like to pursue.  There was also time for us to get out and have fun in Tahoe together.  My experience in the lab was good too.  I shared primary mentors with two other interns, and we met with them in the beginning and discussed our projects.  Then our mentors showed us how to use the equipment we’d be working with, how to care for our cells, and let us work.  There was always someone in the lab if I had questions or needed help with something.  This internship provided me with invaluable experiences and knowledge that I wouldn’t trade for anything.  I highly recommend it to anyone who is thinking of applying.

Jamie R. Lewis 

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA
   Major: Biology: Physiology and Neuroscience

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Reem Yunis, PhD.   
  
   Laboratory: Oak Park Research, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
   Internship: 8 weeks

Scientific Abstract

IDENTIFYING AND MANIPULATING CANCER STEM CELLS

According to the World Health Organization, cancer causes 13% of all deaths.  Residual tumor cells in the tissue after surgical removal and radiation treatment may be responsible for the recurrence of the cancer.  Mounting evidence supports the existence of a subpopulation of cancer cells, called cancer stem cells (CSC). These cells were showed to be more resistant to chemo- and radiotherapies. Currently, CSC identification is based on surface markers, side population (SP) analysis, or sphere-forming assay. Although commonly used, these tools are not highly reliable. Therefore, we investigated the use of Raman Spectroscopy to identify CSC.  In a SP analysis of a breast cancer cell line, about 7% of the cells were categorized as CSC. The sorted SP cells were then interrogated with Raman Spectroscopy, which showed distinct Raman profile from the non-SP cells. It is suggested that CSC are not only radioresistant, but also responsible for the repopulation of the tumor following irradiation. To investigate this hypothesis, we first studied the presence of CSC in a medulloblastoma-derived cell line (DAOY) using CD133, a neuronal CSC surface marker. Flow cytometry and western blot analyses and sphere-forming assay confirmed the presence of such subpopulation. In an ongoing experiment, sphere-derived cells were subjected to fractionated ionizing radiation with 5 x 2Gy. Furthermore, we are investigating the use of gold nanoparticles (AuNP) as a radiosensitizer. Incubating cells with AuNP prior to irradiation resulted in a higher level of cell death. Thus, we are hoping that radiosensitizers will help eliminate the radioresistant CSC.

Personal Statement

My experience this summer as a CBST Summer Intern was great!  First of all, it was exciting to finally get into the lab and experience first-hand the things I had been learning about in classes.  It started out a little slow, as was expected, but by the end I was running my own experiment.  The equipment we were using was sometimes very advanced, and the CBST staff and researchers were all very friendly and helpful.  I also enjoyed Ana’s weekly seminars.  My favorite was the panel of professionals with careers in various areas of science.  It was a great way to compare academia and industry, and I learned valuable facts to apply to my future plans.  The social events Ana planned were always fun, and the retreat in Tahoe was both a place to learn about cutting edge research within CBST and a trip to have fun with fellow interns.  

One of the wonderful things about this internship is the group of fellow students you have the privilege to spend the summer with.  It was great to be able to spend time with other science students and have some fun outside of the classroom.  We spent time together during weekly meetings and events, the retreat, and even planned our own events to get together more.  I met some great people this summer, and I look forward to keeping in touch.  

Overall, I would highly recommend this internship to anyone who is interested in biophotonics and who wants to have a fun and exciting summer!

Eric M. Livak-Dahl 

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 
   Major: Chemical Engineering, Biomolecular Option

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Laura Marcu, Ph.D., Associate Professor, 
                     Department of Biomedical Engineering, UC Davis 
  
   Secondary Mentor: Dr. Yinghua Sun, post-doc.

   Laboratory: Department of Biomedical Engineering
		  College of Engineering  
                University of California, 
		  Genome and Biomedical Sciences Building 
                451 East Health Sciences Drive - Davis, CA
 

UP-DATE Oct 2008: Eric is a graduate student in the 
Biomedical Engineering Ph.D. program at the University of Michigan.  

Scientific Abstract

MICROFABRICATION OF BEADS AND TEST PATTERNS FOR FLUORESCENCE LIFETIME IMAGING TISSUE PHANTOM

Eric Livak-Dahl^1,3, Yinghua Sun², Jun Yan², Yang Sun², Frank S Chuang³, Alexander Revzin², and Laura Marcu² 

¹ Dept. of Chemical Engineering, UCLA; ² Dept. of Biomedical Engineering, UC Davis; ³NSF Center for Biophotonics Science and Technology, UC Davis

The development of advanced fluorescence-based imaging systems for tissue diagnostics requires a means of evaluating these systems' ability to resolve fluorophor distribution within tissue volume.  A main challenge, especially for fluorescence lifetime investigation, is that light scattering and penetration depth have a critical impact on imaging quality and spatial resolution for such systems. We report a unique tissue phantom that enables testing and validation of optical imaging devices including an endoscopic fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) system developed in our laboratory. We constructed an agar matrix tissue phantom with fluorescence targets in uniform and designable sizes and shapes, and even organized patterns. The target consists of a polymer matrix containing a fluorescent contrast probe, cast into differently sized beads and test patterns using microfabrication masks for UV-induced polymerization. The beads and test pattern were then implanted into the agar matrix at various depths. A variety of fluorescent contrast probes with distinct emission spectra and lifetimes may be used; in our phantom we used quantum dots for their limited photobleaching, various lifetimes, high quantum yield, and other properties. This allows for evaluation of spatial and depth resolution of our endoscopic FLIM system and can be easily adapted for any other optical imaging system.

This work is supported by funding from National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation Center for Biophotonics Science and Technology.

Personal Statement 

I could not be more thankful for the experience I had at CBST. It was eye-opening on many levels. First, I was placed in a lab with friendly, capable, and dedicated scientists. They guided me when I needed help and gave me the latitude to work more independently once I'd come into my own. I have done research in the past, but only part-time, and so being immersed in this environment full-time was educational. Second, and perhaps more importantly, I was placed into this internship with many different people. Sharing this internship with fellow university and college students from across the country and from various institutions allowed me to see what we are all truly capable of.

Travis J. Meyer 

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
    Whitman College, Walla Walla, Washington.
   Major: Biophysics, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: James Chan, PhD.
  
   Secondary Mentor: Tun Nyunt, post-doc.   

   Laboratory: Oak Park Research, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
   Internship: 10 weeks

Scientific Abstract

Raman spectroscopy is a spectroscopic technique useful for analyzing biological samples. Raman spectroscopy relies on Raman scattering of monochromatic light, from a laser in the visible, near infrared range. The LTR spectroscopy targets molecular bond vibrations, including those in peptide and DNA sequences. As LTR spectroscopy is the non-invasive and label- free tool, it may be used as a diagnostic tool for cancer. Recently, LTR spectroscopy studies illustrated a significant difference in the spectra of normal and transformed hematopoetic cells eliciting the cellular and molecular changes in cancerous cells. Particularly, spectra of transformed cells have reduced the peaks of DNA ring-breathing mode and amplified the peaks of protein mode, respective to condensed chromatin and elevated gene expression. In this experiment, we treated Jurkat T Lympocytes with radiation to investigate intracellular effects using LTR spectroscopy. Specifically, we irradiated transformed cells with a 2 Gy X-ray dose, performed LTR spectroscopy, and compared spectra using principle component analysis (PCA). The analysis shows no significant difference in the spectra of treated and untreated cells. These results are unexpected, and we would like to investigate the question further.

Personal Statement

In many ways the CBST Summer Internship met my expectations of working in a professional lab.  First of all, I had the privilege to apply knowledge from my two years of college courses to something that was making a difference in the world.  However, not only was I able to put textbook facts and problem sets into action, but also I was located within an exceptional team setting.  I had access to some very powerful equipment; I couldn’t help but feel humbled as a member of an NSF funded Center.  While my co-workers were committed to producing something with these powerful instruments, everyone in lab was happy to educate newcomers and visitors.  I was invited on numerous occasions to attend team lab meetings, and to assist with other projects taking place in the lab.  As for the mentorship, I greatly appreciated that I rarely felt stranded; Even if my primary mentor was not in lab, a graduate student was happy to answer my questions and orient me with equipment.  The collaboration in lab was awesome, and I discovered that science is best done in teams of experts.  Aside from being an opportunity for my ‘professional growth,’ this was a fun summer.  I worked alongside my fellow interns during the day, and we caroused on weekends and on the classy Squaw Valley retreat.  In all, the internship exceeded my expectations, facilitated my scientific discourse, and allowed me to network with some bright and lively people.           

Leah M. Meza 

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   Solano Community College, Fairfield, CA
   Major: Biology

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Kit Lam, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Internal Medicine,
                   Division of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, 
                   UC Davis Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA

   Secondary Mentor: Wenwu Xiao, post-doc
  
   Laboratory: Oak Park Research, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
   Internship: 12 weeks

Scientific Abstract

Mesothelioma is a disease that takes place in the mesothelium, which is the protective lining that is around most of our bodies’ internal organs. Treatment today is a bit disappointing and cannot ensure long-term survival. Our research is intended to identify a ligand that will target these mesothelioma cells and provide future development as therapeutic vehicles for chemotherapy or radiotherapy. With the use of One Bead One Compound (OBOC) we have combinatorial libraries with high throughput to perform a diverse Whole Cell Bonding Assay. From this we can select stronger binding ligands and apply a more stringent Competition Assay with the mesothelioma cells. Utilizing Flow Cytometry and immuno-fluorescence we can characterize how strong the binding affinity is for these cells. Additionally we carried out a xenograph mouse model. By means of a subcutaneous flank injection of the mesothelial cells and a vein injection of near infrared fluorescence dye our lab used Near Infrared Optical Imaging to confirm that our peptide was targeting the tumor. 

    This summer has been without a doubt one of the most beneficial, exciting, and educational experiences of my life. Being a part of the CBST program has given me not only my first real experience in a lab but also great preparation before. The First Week Intensive was most helpful in answering questions as well as calming any nerves I had coming into the program. Weekly meetings, seminars, fun activities, and who can forget the retreat, gave our group chances to get to know each other and really bond as friends. I was fortunate enough to be in Dr. Kit S. Lam’s lab working on cancer research. The whole lab vibe was friendly and encouraged us to ask questions and to take on tasks independently. This gave me a sense of confidence and understanding of the work I was doing throughout the summer. Dr. Lam was always checking in on us and making sure we were having a positive experience. These last three months have allowed me to encounter new situations and learn how to adapt and deal with them in a positive way. Interacting with the CBST staff as well as the other interns has allowed me to mature and grow this summer. This along with my mentor, Wenwu, has given me a priceless experience that I would never trade. 

Jennai Pettis 

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   
   Major: 

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Dr. James Chan and Dr. Doug Taylor 
  
   Laboratory: Oak Park Research, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
   Internship: 8 weeks

Scientific Abstract

Raman spectroscopy has become an increased are of interest in the scientific community.  There are questions raised all the time about what differences the detector can detect.  A question in the department that had never been answered according some researchers was what differences are available to see from the data collected in the Raman spectrometer between live cells, cells fixed with methanol and cells fixed with acetone.   The cells observed in this experiment were Jurkat T-Cells.        
Raman spectroscopy is a way to study vibrational, rotational, and other low-frequency modes in a system.  Raman scattering of monochromatic light from, in this case, a laser is what they system relies on. When taking spectra of these cells, there are different shifts that show up in the graphs.  These shifts are a result of the laser light interacting with the phonons in the cells.  These shifts in energy show information about the phonon modes in a system.  Fixation is a process by which biological tissues are preserved from decay.  The purpose of fixation is to preserve a biological sample, in this case cells, to permit stability in storage and analysis.  
The fixation process is fairly simple.  Since the Jurkat cells were in suspension , they just had to be spun down, taken from the medium, resuspended in methanol and methanol-acetone, stored at -20 for 10 minutes, then washed and resuspended in PBS.  After this process a control was made by removing the medium off of a third sample of the cells and resuspending in PBS, then collecting data off of the Raman.

Personal Statement

PENDING

Cristal Resto-Bejarano 

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   Solano Community College, Fairfield, CA   
   Major: Biology/Pre-Med

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Bruce Lyeth, Ph.D., Professor of Neurological Surgery, 
                   Neurological Surgery, School of Medicine, UC Davis. 

   Secondary Mentors: Gene Gurkoff, Ph.D. (post-doc) 
		      Justin Beller (grad student)
  
   Laboratory: Center for Neuroscience, UC Davis, Davis, CA and   
               Oak Park Research, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
   
   Internship: 12 weeks

The Centers for Disease Control estimated that 5.3 million Americans presently require aid to perform daily activities as a result of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI-induced pathophysiology includes increases in extracellular glutamate concentrations, potentially to toxic levels, which would lead to neuronal and astrocytic damage and death. We are investigating two convergent mechanisms to determine whether post-traumatic increases in extracellular glutamate negatively affect cellular viability following an in vitro model of TBI. The first study involved looking at the effect of extracellular potassium on glutamate related activation following TBI.  Preliminary data showed that increasing extracellular potassium significantly decreased (p < 0.01) cell death following application of an excitotoxic concentration of glutamate in mixed neuronal/astrocyte cultures. The next step is to determine whether protection was directly related to a decrease in neuronal activity. A separate set of experiments in astrocytic cultures found that mechanical strain injury reduced the expression of GLAST, a glutamate transporter critical to the clearance of glutamate from the extracellular space. The consequence reduced expression of glutamate transporters is an increase in extracellular glutamate and potentially toxicity.  GLAST expression has been shown to be modulated through the activity of astrocytic metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). Both of these findings highlight the importance of glutamate excitotoxicity in the pathophysiology of TBI. Better understanding of the pathophysiology of TBI will allow us to create more efficacious treatments for this injury.

Personal Statement

PENDING

Shailise S. Ross

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   Norfolk State University, Norfolk, VA
   Major: Chemistry

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: John C. Rutledge, M.D., Professor in Internal Medicine, 
                   Division of Endocrinology, Clinical Nutrition, 
                   and Vascular Medicine, 
                   School of Medicine, UC Davis

   Secondary Mentors: Laura Higgins (grad student) 
                      Jaime Connolly Rohrbach, Ph.D. (post-doc) 
		      Juliana Sampson, Ph.D. (post-doc)
  
   Laboratory: Genome and Biomedical Sciences Building 
               451 East Health Sciences Drive
               University of California, Davis, Davis, CA 
   
   Internship: 12 weeks

EFFECTS OF 13-HODE ON BAX AND BCL-2 EXPRESSION IN HUMAN AORTIC ENDOTHELIAL CELLS

Atherosclerosis is responsible for more than half of the yearly mortality in the United States, and more than 500,000 people die annually of myocardial infarction alone.  Atherosclerosis is the hardening of arteries due to plaques, which has many risk factors including smoking, high blood pressure, and elevated levels of lipoproteins in the blood.  Recent research has shown that 13-Hydroxy-9Z,11E-Octadecadienoic acid (13-HODE) is one of the most abundant oxidized fatty acid metabolites released during the lipolysis of very low density lipoproteins (VLDL). Triglyceride rich lipoproteins increase apoptosis in human aortic endothelial cells (HAEC), by an unknown mechanism.  In this research, the ability of 13-HODE to induce apoptosis was investigated.  To determine gene expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2, a quantitative real time- polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was performed.  To determine protein expression of Bax and Bcl-2, a western blot was performed.  By use of qRT-PCR, it was discovered that Bax and Bcl-2 were up-regulated, but based on the gene expression of the positive control, these results were rendered inconclusive.  By use of western blot, Bax protein was successfully expressed, however, there was no visible expression of Bcl-2.  Based on these results, it appears that 13-HODE may have the potential to increase apoptotic cell death for the initiation of atherosclerosis.

Personal Statement

My experience in the CBST Summer Research Program was amazing from beginning to end.  Everything thing the program had to offer made it a memorable experience.  When we initially got here we had a first week intensive program which helped all the interns get to know each other and bond as a group.  What made this internship a truly wonderful experience is the great effort that Dr. Ana Corbacho put into not only assigning you to mentor that will give you a great research experience, but also the great effort she put into balancing work and play.  We had fun weekly activities such as bowling and touring Old Sacramento, along with a 3-day retreat in Lake Tahoe.  I think one of the best aspects of this internship is how the coordinators make it a point to set up activities that allow the interns to sight-see and explore the area surrounding where the internship is based.  Looking back on the program, I can honestly say this was one of the best learning experiences that I have ever had.  The fact that Dr. Corbacho always made herself available to offer a help to the interns made the overall environment conducive to success in all aspects of the internship.

Florentine U. Rutaganira 

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   University of California Davis, Davis, CA
   Major: Biochemistry

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Laura Marcu, Ph.D., Associate Professor, 
                   Department of Biomedical Engineering, UC Davis 
  
   Secondary Mentor: Jen Phipps and Yinghua Sun
   
   Laboratory:  Department of Biomedical Engineering
		College of Engineering  
                University of California, 
		Genome and Biomedical Sciences Building 
                451 East Health Sciences Drive - Davis, CA
   
   Internship: 12 weeks

    Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) is a non-invasive imaging method that we use to identify cancerous and abnormal tissue.  Here autofluorescence from each sample is induced with a pulsed nitrogen laser (337nm, 0.7 ns) and is incorporated into an image format with lifetime information by a fast-gated ICCD camera. 
    When the fluorescence decay is acquired from the FLIM system, the measured profile is given convoluted with the excitation pulse.  Therefore, a deconvolution process is required to obtain the original autofluorescence lifetime from the raw data.  Our lab is testing the efficacy of the Laguerre-based deconvolution method because the Laguerre method is a variant of the multiexponential least-square iterative reconvolution (LSIR) technique that in previous papers by our lab has shown to be quicker than conventional deconvolution methods. 
    In this work, I processed the images from two experiments: 1) carcinoma in hamster model – the results demonstrate that the tumor regions have shorter lifetimes and weaker fluorescence than normal tissue.  2) Atherosclerosis in human tissue. Recent studies have connected susceptibility of vulnerable plaque with an increase in inflammation and therefore, an increase in macrophage foam cells.  Data analysis of human aortic tissue has shown a difference between different areas of the tissue, possibly discriminating vulnerable plaque from normal tissue.  However, due to the complex composition of human aortas, pathology of the samples needs to be obtained to verify the efficacy of the FLIM system in categorizing vulnerable plaque.

Personal Statement

Overall, my experience with the CBST summer internship was exemplary.  I was able to work side by side with postdocs, grad students, and also interact with my primary mentor.  Although my expertise wasn’t in the area that the lab focused on, I was able gain a lot of valuable information that will undoubtedly help me in future research.  The internship also provided numerous activities for the interns.  The annual retreat exposed me to other projects though the Center for Biophotonics and encouraged me to improve my networking skills.  Activities during the orientation week of the internship opened my eyes to issues involving diversity in science and gave me useful tips to use in the lab.  The professional development series also brought a panel made up of academia, industry, and research.  I was able to ask questions, understand the demands for each career, and make preliminary decisions for my future in science.  Lastly, events such as bowling nights and evenings at the Farmer’s market improved communication between interns and helped us discuss our experiences in the lab.  Although I was initially very nervous about working in a top-notch research lab, my fears quickly disappeared.  Since I am a student at UCDavis, I was asked to continue research in the lab during the year, an opportunity that many undergraduate students desperately search for.  After having such a wonderful summer, I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend this internship to other undergraduates. 

Michael E. Silva

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   Solano Community College, Fairfield, CA
   Major: Pre-Med/ English

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Sebastian Wachsmann-Hogiu, PhD 
                   CBST Facilities Director
  
   Laboratory: Oak Park Research, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
   Internship: 8 weeks

Scientific Abstract

RAMAN SPECTROSCOPY OF HUMAN HAIR: DETECTION OF LONG-TERM MEDICATIONS TO DETERMINE MEDICAL DIAGNOSTIC HISTORY

We are using Raman Spectroscopy to compare the spectral analysis of human hair from people who do not take medications to those who have been on long-term medications.  We suspect that molecules from medications taken for chronic illnesses deposit within human hair may result in future medical applications.  This information may be an additional tool emergency departments may use to determine an unconscious patient’s medically treated diagnostic history or in a clinical setting to determine a patients compliance.  A 785 nm laser diode was set up to excite the hair sample through a series of lenses, mirrors, and filters using the TILL microscope and a spectrometer hooked up to a CCD.  However, we were only successful in acquiring the spectral analysis of gray hair due to the fluorescence from the melanin concentration in colored hair. There were many uncontrolled variables, including genetics, hygienic chemicals, and the location of the Raman focal point within the interior of the hair, however, there is apparent differences between the spectral analyses of non-medicated hair to medicated hair.  As of the time this abstract was written, we concluded that the possibility of determining individual medical history by using Raman spectroscopy to detect trace elements within gray hair is feasible.   However, variables must be limited and a cross section spectral analysis of the hair samples would provide more definitive results.

Personal Statement

As a community college student I felt privileged and honored to be among the top students from around the nation.  There were interns from every race, socioeconomic group, and region of the country.  In addition, working with Dr. Ana Corbacho, the grad students, post-docs, my mentor, Sebastian Wachsmann, and the administrative staff was an unforgettable experience that I’m very fortunate to be a part of.  As part of the internship we were required to give a presentation at the end of the eight week internship.  I couldn’t remember that word that summarizes all of these professionals who contributed to my research project.  Finally, somebody said it, “colleagues.”  For the first time, I feel I am among professional colleagues, colleagues who devote their lives towards solving a mystery, colleagues who sacrifice their time with their families to better humanity.  It was an unforgettable experience that will undoubtedly open many doors for future opportunities.  I have already started my courses at Solano Community College.  As I sit through lectures in Organic Chemistry and Biology my mind is asking what’s next, often jumping ahead of the understanding of the material, jotting down questions to ask after class so that I don’t hold up lecture.  All of these ideas, by the way, are future possible research projects. I don’t know how or what happened to me during this summer, but my mind hasn’t stop thinking beyond since.  I wonder when, if ever, it will slow down.

Nikita M. Singh 

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   American River College, Los Rios Community College, Sacramento, CA 
   Major: Biological Sciences

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Joanna Albala Ph.D., Associate Adjunct Professor, 
                   Department of Otolaryngology, School of Medicine, UC Davis

   Secondary Mentor: Matt Coleman, Ph.D. (LLNL Researcher)
   
   Laboratory: Oak Park Research, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA

   Internship: 12 weeks

Scientific Abstract

VITAMIN D INHIBITS DNA REPAIR IN HEAD AND NECK CANCER THROUGH INHIBITION OF RAD51

Nikita Singh, Havish Kota, Christopher Bradley and Joanna Albala

Head and Neck Cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Vitamin D has been shown to induce cellular differentiation and suppress squamous cell carcinoma growth in vitro. Thus, Vitamin D is a potential candidate for therapeutic intervention for treatment of Head and Neck Cancer. The aim of this project was to find out whether or not Vitamin D inhibits DNA repair in Head and Neck Cancer through inhibition of RAD51. RAD51 is a central protein in DNA double-strand break repair. SCC25 cells were exposed to ionizing radiation of 0, 2, 6, and 10 Gy. Then were either left untreated, treated with Vitamin D, irradiated, or irradiated and treated with Vitamin D. By Western Blot analysis, a measure of protein expression, showed that Vitamin D inhibits RAD51 protein expression in SCC25 cells at six and twenty-four hours. The Western Blot also showed that Vitamin D alone inhibited RAD51 protein expression more precisely than cells that were treated with Vitamin D + ionizing radiation. This data shows that Vitamin D inhibits DNA repair in head and neck cancer through inhibition of RAD51.

Personal Statement

PENDING

Francisco A. Solorio

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   Sacramento City College, Sacramento, CA 
   Major: Biochemistry

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: LAURA S. VAN WINKLE, PhD
       		   Associate Adjunct Professor
		   Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology AND
		   Center for Health and the Environment
		   University of California, Davis
   Laboratory: 508 Cell Biology Building CHE, Davis,CA
   Internship: 9 weeks

Scientific Abstract

Personal Statement

    Before I completed the UCD CBST Biophotonics summer research program all I knew about scientific research was that it was time consuming. This past summer’s internship presented the universe of scientific research in its entirety and revealed that research is more complex than just dedication to a project.  I learned that scientific research has an entire culture and lifestyle that is crucial to understand in order to best succeed in the arena of western science.
    The mentors and university students I worked with in the Van winkle lab were extremely helpful in assisting me to change my mindset from the rigidity of the classroom environment.  They helped me to form hypotheses and refine laboratory techniques by thinking innovatively and as interdisciplinary inclusive as possible.  They always accepted my questions invitingly and tried to the utmost of their capabilities to answer my questions. 
What I sincerely enjoyed the most about my entire summer with the CBST was getting to know the rest of the interns.  The program organizers did an excellent job choosing a socially and ethnically diverse group that was very intelligent.  All of us interns were at different stages in our undergraduate academic careers and it was from their wide range of knowledge and experience that I acquired the majority of my knowledge from this summer. The things I learned from my fellow interns ranged from life lessons to how to best succeed in the classroom.  Accepting the opportunity to participate in the Biophotonics summer research program was the best step I could have taken towards my future in scientific research. 

Anh V. Troung

UUNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   University of California, Davis 
   Major: Psychology

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor:  Kit Lam, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Internal Medicine,
                    Division of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, 
                    UC Davis Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA
   Secondary Mentors: 
	Lee-Way Jin M.D., Ph.D, Ruiwu Liu Ph.D, Hyun-Seok Hong Ph.D,
	Jimmy Wu (Ph.D candidate)
   Laboratory: Oak Park Research, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
   Internship: 12 weeks

Recent studies have indicated strong positive correlation between the build up of amyloid-beta Oligomers in the brain and the degree of neurotoxicity and dementia seen in Alzheimer’s disease (AD).  We discovered a small molecule ligand (LRL22) that can cross the blood brain barrier and bind to the AßO, which also has the effect of reducing AßO toxicity.  Utilizing a highly efficient process called One-Bead-One-Compound (OBOC) combinatorial chemistry and high throughput on-bead binding assay; we can find optimum derivatives of our lead compound LRL22 that has a higher binding affinity to AßO.  The OBOC method generated a combinatorial library through a “split-mix” synthesis process that created thousands of differentiated compounds on beads and then screened against biotinylated AßO all within a week.  The positive beads were physically isolated for structural determination. Each bead had unique chemical coding tags stored inside which allowed us to track back to the synthesis history to determine the recorded structure using mass spectrometry data.  The positive beads have to be re-synthesized and retested for reliability.  In addition, we also synthesized 17 different analogs of LRL22 to test for cell toxicity inhibition. We used two neuron-like cell based assays, the rapid MTT-FE assay and the MC65 protection assay, to test for AβO toxicity inhibition of our compounds.  We found an optimum compound that shows better toxicity inhibition than LRL22.  Ideally, our selected compounds can protect neurons and synapses from the neurotoxic AßO and may even be useful for diagnostic purposes with radio-imaging. 

Christian H. Vaca

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   Cosumnes River College, Sacramento, CA
   Major: Chemistry

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Kit Lam, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Internal Medicine,
                   Division of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, 
                   UC Davis Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA  
   
   Secondary Mentors: Seth Dixon, Xiaobing Wang

   Laboratory: Oak Park Research, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
   Internship: 12 weeks

Personal Statement

Over the course of the summer, the CBST internship took me into a direction that I would have never expected.  It completely changed my perceptions of what the scientific community consisted of, and what is actually involved in research.  In a matter of weeks, I was completely immersed in a world where the answers were being made, not tested, where the technology was being invented, not perfected, and where even the brightest of minds were being challenged.
    Not for a single moment was I immersed in menial labor.  Instead, I was thrown into the fire and made to use the knowledge I had acquired over the years.  The CBST internship allowed me to do whatever I wished to do with it; I could get as little or as much as I wanted out of it.
    In short, the CBST internship has afforded me more opportunities in the twelve weeks of my internship than I could have ever imagined.  I met a countless number of members of the scientific community, each more engaging than the last, and made relationships, both professional and personal, that will hopefully last a lifetime.  There was never a
moment in the internship where I wanted to leave, and when the moment finally came to say goodbye, all I could say to myself was, "I want more".

Randolph C. White, II 

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   Francis Marion University, Florence, SC
   Major: Computational Physics

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Yin Yeh, PhD
		   Professor of Applied Science
		   Department of Applied Sciece
		   UC Davis College of Engineering 

   Secondary Mentor: Dr. Cox, Dr. Singh
  
   Laboratory: EU III, UC Davis, Davis, CA
   Internship: 12 weeks

Scientific Abstract

PROTEIN CONSTRUCTION THROUGH COMPUTER MODELING

Randolph White, Yin Yeh, Daniel Cox, Rajiv Singh

Personal Statement

Danielle C. Wright

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   Rutgers University, The State University of New Jersey
   Major: Public Health

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: LAURA S. VAN WINKLE, PhD
       		   Associate Adjunct Professor
		   Department of Anatomy, Physiology & Cell Biology AND
		   Center for Health and the Environment
		   University of California, Davis
   Laboratory: 508 Cell Biology Building CHE, Davis,CA
   Internship: 8 weeks

Perinatal cellular differentiation is critical to normal lung function, which can be compromised by exposure to environmental tobacco smoke (ETS). Toxicants like ETS target Clara cells in the bronchiolar epithelium. Clara cells, important for detoxification and epithelial repair, are also progenitor cells for ciliated cells.  Ciliated cells are required for removal of inhaled pathogens and particles. This study assesses the affect of prenatal exposure to ETS on postnatal airway Clara and ciliated cell differentiation in the lungs of mice.  Mice were evaluated at two ages, 1 day postnatal (1 DPN) and adult. Animals were also grouped by sex and treatment with either filtered air (FA) or tobacco smoke (TS). The TS exposures were to aged and diluted sidestream cigarette smoke at 1 mg/m3 TSP. Exposures began on gestational day 6 for 6 hours/5 days a week. Paraffin sections were double immunostained for CC10 protein in Clara cells and β-tubulin IV on ciliated cells. In 1 DPN mice, TS treatment stimulated the appearance of Clara cells in bronchiolar epithelium. CC10 was more abundant in females than males. The development of ciliated cells in adult mice stagnated with exposure to tobacco smoke; the distribution and abundance of ciliated cells was decreased in FA/TS and TS/TS groups.  Female ciliated cells were most altered by TS exposure. In conclusion, tobacco smoke exposure accelerates Clara cell differentiation in the early perinatal period, yet truncates ciliated cell differentiation in adulthood. This combination increases potential toxicity in neonates while decreasing adult defense against toxicants.

Personal Statement

This summer has been a maturing experience, both professionally and personally. This was my first time participating in lab research and, at the beginning, I was a little intimidated. It was a different atmosphere from the previous public health research work. However, it broadened my perspective of research, exposing me to another area that contributes to a holistic view of research, health, and healthcare. I enjoyed learning and performing the lab work, but also interpreting and relating it back to public health. The main reason why it was such a great experience for me was the people I worked with. The Van Winkle lab was comfortable, yet productive and conducive to developing as a researcher. The most poignant memory was the party they threw for me on my 21st birthday. It was slightly disheartening celebrating my birthday so far from home, but they made it memorable and for that I am deeply grateful.

Furthermore, this summer was a personal learning experience. It was my first time on the West Coast. It was important that I felt comfortable since I was in a new place by myself. I enjoyed being independent, yet I appreciated the support that CBST and the fellow interns offered. The various workshops and activities introduced me to Biophotonics, UC Davis, and northern California.I’m glad that I had to chance to observe the opportunities available here, and I am excited about developing the things I’ve learned and the relationships I’ve made.

Serena Y-C. Young

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA
   Major: Electrical Engineering

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Kit Lam, M.D., Ph.D., Professor of Internal Medicine,
                   Division of Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, 
                   UC Davis Cancer Center, Sacramento, CA  

   Secondary Mentors: Jimmy Wu (grad student), Wenwu Xiao (post-doc), 
      Xiaobing Wang (post-doc), Thomas Huser (PI of a different lab), 
      and Jared Townsend (grad student).
  
   Laboratory: Oak Park Research, UC Davis Medical Center, Sacramento, CA
   Internship: 12 weeks

The concept of “photoswitch” refers to the property of certain molecules to undergo conformational change with light excitation of a specific wavelength.  These photoswitchable molecules have potential for many exciting applications because they can be remotely activated with precise control.  For example, they may be used as probes to study cell function or as a novel method to purify proteins.  The aim of this study was to screen “one-bead one-compound” (OBOC) photoswitchable peptide libraries with streptavidin conjugated with alkaline phosphatase (strep-AP) and live cancer cells, and to identify ligands that change binding activity with photoswitching.  Colorimetric assay was used for screening with streptavidin-AP.  The libraries were screened before and after photoswitching with 350 nm UV light, and subsequent image subtraction analysis determined several beads in each library that bound to streptavidin only after the photoswitching.  These beads were sequenced for re-testing.  A second technique, whole cell binding assay, was used for screening with live cancer cells.  A preliminary survey was done in which library beads were separated into two groups, one of which was photoswitched with 350 nm UV light and the other of which remained non-photoswitched, and both groups were screened against various cell lines: parent K562 leukemia cells, a series of integrin-transfected K562 cells including K562-αvβ3, K562-α1, K562-α3, K562-α6, K562-α2, and K562-α4, MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, and U-87 brain tumor cells.  From these screenings, the binding of a linear peptide library with the K562-αvβ3 cell line was selected as most promising condition for photoswitch characterization, and further study identified 7 beads that bound to K562-αvβ3 cells only before photoswitching.  These beads were sequenced for re-synthesis and retesting of the peptides.  Additional work involved with this project included testing a new method to immobilize beads in wax for screening, and building a preliminary laser system for targeted photoswitching.

Personal Statement

    I am very grateful to have had the opportunity to participate in the CBST internship program this summer.  As an intern in Dr. Kit Lam’s lab, I gained valuable research experience and saw first-hand the many factors that contribute to successful research, including collaboration and communication.  My project consisted of several components that drew from the expertise of various members of Dr. Lam’s lab, and I really enjoyed learning from my different mentors and acquiring a broad spectrum of knowledge and skills.  Each of my mentors were wonderful teachers who were always happy to explain and show new concepts to me, and who patiently supervised me while encouraging me to think critically and make independent decisions at the same time.  Dr. Lam was an excellent primary mentor, frequently taking time out of his busy schedule to talk with us and offer guidance, and the other members of the lab helped contribute to a very positive and friendly atmosphere during the internship.  
    I also really enjoyed taking part in the many workshops, activities, and other resources that the CBST internship offered, which helped me to develop skills that both enhanced my research experience and will be very valuable to me in my future studies and career path.  This summer was an amazing experience, and I am so happy to have shared it with such a wonderful group of peers.

Wenhui Zhou

UNDERGRADUATE INSTITUTION 
   University of California, Davis, CA
   Major: Biochemical Engineering

CBST 2007 SUMMER INTERNSHIP
   Primary Mentor: Yin Yeh, PhD
		   Professor of Applied Science
		   Department of Applied Sciece
		   UC Davis College of Engineering 

   Secondary Mentor: Lu Song, graduate student  
  
   Laboratory: EU III, UC Davis, Davis, CA

   Internship: 12 weeks

MULTILAYER SURFACE MODIFICATION FOR DNA ADDUCT POLYMERASE STUDY

Wenhui Zhou, Lu Song and Yin Yeh

Naturally-occurring and synthetic chemical carcinogens react with DNA either directly or through metabolic activation, forming an abnormal, covalently boned piece of DNA called carcinogen-DNA adducts. Such lesion in genome increases the error frequency of the replication machinery, causing mutation that contributes to initiation and progression of cancer. Nuclear excision repair, one of the most versatile and sophisticated DNA repair pathway, recognizes this lesion and averting the mutagenic potentials by removing the DNA adduct complex. We are interested in studying the protein interaction with DNA involved in nuclear excision repair. Several optical methods are employed to assess quantitative analysis of chemical kinetic, mobility parameters and fluorescence photophysics. My project has been focused on developing a modified surface for specific attachment of the DNA-adduct molecules; such that only one end is attached to the modified surface while the other end is free. This required two different double layers modification, each with distinct functionality to ensure specific binding and minimal interaction of free end DNA with the surface. The polyelectrolyte system used the polyallayamide hydrochloride(PAH) as the polycations and the polyacrylic acid(PAA) as the polyanions, these two polymers conjugates to create the first layer blocks negatively charged DNA molecules from attaching the surface. The Biotin/Neutravidin system is known to have a highest binding constant between any proteins and its ligands. Using this system as our second double layers allow specific binding of the biotinlyated DNA molecules onto the modified surface. We tested the effectiveness of our surface modification with Biotinlyated Lambda DNA using different experimental setups, and shown that the multilayers system is successful in providing specific binding of DNA molecules.

Personal Statement

    To begin, my CBST internship experience is extraordinary and meaningful. I was exposed to the fascinating world of biophotonics and I really appreciate the ideas of bridging photonics and life science into a unique whole. As a chemical engineering major, the experiments I conducted gave me an opportunity to explore many possibilities of applying physical /engineering methods to investigate biological phenomena such as cellular dynamics and molecules mechanisms. Working with dedicated and experienced scientists and scholars in Dr Yin Yeh’s lab, in particular, has refined my curiosity and scientific thought process and fostered intellectual developments that I could not attain in a classroom. I especially appreciated the systematic approach and planning that were required to solve problems and direct research. 
    While attending the CBST program, I developed friendships with extremely gifted people who shared my passion for science. Thanks to Dr. Ana Corbacho, the first week intensive effectively connected all interns from various different backgrounds and allowed us to share ideas related to individual research projects in subsequent weekly meeting. The annual retreat at Lake Tahoe was especially a wonderful experience. It provided a relaxing environment for me to see what a scientific community is really about and the opportunities to network with other scientists and researchers. I also enjoyed learning from the professional development workshops, which deal with various skills needed for scientists and researchers.
       I am forever indebted to the CBST internship program for giving me the opportunity to grow and enjoy in a scientific research environment and instilling the drive to meet academic challenges with anticipation.