Arnav Shah: Immunotherapy for Infectious Disease

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In this project, Arnav studied how to synthesize nanoparticles of a drug in order to achieve sustained release, which allows drug treatments to be administered less frequently. Here is what Arnav had to say about the experience:

What I Did:

"My project focused on designing rifampin-based nanoparticles to target bacterial infections with enhanced drug delivery efficiency. By encapsulating rifampin in a nanoparticle structure, the aim was to improve the drug's stability and bioavailability, ultimately reducing the frequency and dosage required for effective treatment. This innovative approach holds the potential for increasing therapeutic outcomes, particularly in treating resistant bacterial strains, while also minimizing side effects for patients. One of my proudest accomplishments was successfully synthesizing nanoparticles with optimal size and release profiles, which required extensive trial, error, and persistence."

What I Learned:

"Through this experience, I developed technical skills in nanotechnology and drug formulation, as well as problem-solving and critical analysis. My biggest takeaway was understanding the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in advancing medical treatments, as my work combined principles from chemistry, microbiology, and pharmacology. This project has been pivotal in supporting my goal of attending medical school, as it gave me hands-on experience in research and a deeper understanding of pharmacological innovations. One key gain for myself was experience and understanding of complex scientific tools. Firstly, I learned about pipetting, its many uses, and how to do it to perfection to ensure all experiments went flawlessly. This ability served me well when stepping into labs on campus for classes."