UROP Research Mentor Project Submission Portal: Submission #894

Research Mentor Information
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Primary Research Mentor Name: Navneet Kaur
Research Mentor Preferred Pronouns: {Empty}
When potential research assistants are reaching out via email, what is your preferred honorific?: Dr. 
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): nk22u@fsu.edu
Position Title: Post Doc
FSU College (if applicable): FAMU-FSU College of Engineering
FSU Department or Non-FSU Organization Affiliation: Chemical and Biomedical Engineering
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Additional Research Mentor(s)
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Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from above): Jamel Ali
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Pronouns: {Empty}
Research Assistant Supervisor Preferred Honorific?: {Empty}
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): jali@eng.famu.fsu.edu
Name of Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) (if applicable): {Empty}
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Pronouns: {Empty}
Other Faculty/Collaborator(s) Preferred Honorific?: {Empty}
Contact Email (FSU Email if affiliated): {Empty}

Overall Project Details
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Title of the Project: Combined effect of gold nanorods and MXenes on 2D and 3D cultured cells
Project Keywords: 3D cell culture, nanomaterials, biomaterials, Gold nanorods, photothermal therapy 
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: No
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 1
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Open to all 

Project Location:: On FSU Main Campus
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?: {Empty}
Please select the choice that most accurately describes your expectations for the research assistant(s):: In-person
Approximately how many hours a week would the research assistant(s) need to work?: 4-5
Roughly what time frame do you expect research assistant(s) to work?: Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Overall Research Project Description:
Gold nanorods (AuNRs) and MXenes have emerged as promising nanomaterials for biomedical applications, particularly in cancer diagnosis and therapy. Their unique optical, photothermal, and physicochemical properties make them promising agents for developing advanced theranostic platforms. This project aims to investigate the combined effects of gold nanorods (AuNRs) and MXenes on cancer cells cultured in both 2D monolayers and 3D spheroid models. It will include the synthesis and characterization of these materials, an evaluation of their impact on cell viability, uptake, and distribution, as well as an assessment of their potential for enhanced photothermal therapy (PTT). The project will compare results between 2D and 3D models to bridge the gap between in vitro and in vivo studies, potentially improving the translation of nanomedicine research to clinical applications. 

Research Tasks:
Student(s) will (1) conduct literature review of 3D cell culture and nanomaterial synthesis, (2) synthesize and characterize nanomaterials, (3) mammalian cell culture, (4) perform cell imaging (brightfield and fluorescent imaging), (5) perform a cell viability assay (6) Data collection and analysis. The student should document all their lab activities and create a report by the end of the summer. 

Skills that research assistant(s) may need::
Strong enthusiasm for science and engineering, with an eagerness to keep learning. Capable of managing project commitments along with academic responsibilities

Mentoring Philosophy:
My mentoring philosophy focuses on encouraging students to be curious, think critically, and explore on their own. The goal is to help them develop a passion for learning and research.

Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable):: {Empty}
Please add any additional information here (if applicable)::
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Are you interested in participating in the UROP Research Mentor Roundtable?: No
Roundtable times and Zoom links:
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UROP Program Elements
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Mentor Handbook, FAQs, and Communication: Yes
UROP Performance Evaluation: Yes
Materials Grant: Yes
UROP Poster Presentation: Yes

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Year: 2024