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?: Dr.
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: 3D Culturing of Cancer Cells and the Effects of Various Nanoparticle Treatments
Project Keywords: 3D cell culture, nanomaterials, biomaterials, viability assays, chemotherapy 
Are you currently looking for research assistants?: No
Number of Research Assistants Needed : 2
Relevant Research Assistant Major(s):
Open to all majors

Project Location:: On FSU Main Campus
If the project location is off campus, does the research assistant(s) need to provide their own transportation?: Yes
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?: 6-8
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:
The exploration of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture models and the potential applications of nanoparticle-based therapies has emerged as a promising platform for the cancer research. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models often fail to accurately mimic the complex microenvironment of solid tumors, which limits their translational relevance. However, 3D cell culture systems offer a more physiologically relevant platform to study cancer progression and therapeutic interventions. The primary objective of this project is to investigate the effects of different nanoparticle treatments on cancer cells using a 3D cell culture model. By utilizing a 3D culture system, the project aims to better simulate the intricate interactions between cancer cells, extracellular matrix components, and neighboring cells found within tumor microenvironments. The study will focus on understanding how various nanoparticles can influence cancer cell growth, invasion, and response to treatment in a more accurate representation of in vivo conditions.

Research Tasks:
Student(s) will (1) conduct literature review of 3D cell culture and nanoparticle synthesis, (2) synthesis and characterization of nanomaterials, (3) mammalian cell culture, (4) Cell imaging (brightfield and fluorescent imaging), (5) Cell viability assay (6) Data collection/data 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::
A strong enthusiasm for science and engineering, coupled with a sincere eagerness for continuous learning. Proficiently managing project commitments alongside academic responsibilities and other obligations.



Mentoring Philosophy:
My mentoring philosophy is centered on empowering students by nurturing curiosity, critical thinking, and independent exploration, aiming to cultivate a lasting enthusiasm for learning and research.

Please provide a link to your publications, a video clip, or a website for your research project (if applicable):: https://scholar.google.co.in/citations?user=K3s93NYAAAAJ&hl=en
Please add any additional information here (if applicable)::
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Roundtable times and Zoom links:
Wednesday, Sept. 6 from 7:00-7:30PM (https://fsu.zoom.us/j/6282599922)

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: 2023
update url: https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-research-mentor-project-submission-portal?token=264G31ao6J-N70MlPxv06KzIqJ7QTXncGFXPWT1k11A