Month: September 2015

Rowe Researcher: Self-Healing Double Network Hydrogels

Posted on September 22, 2015October 8, 2015 by Hoffmann, Jessamy

Self-Healing Double Network Hydrogels

March 2013-2016

Investigators: Dr. Thomas Seery & Omar Allam, UConn Chemistry and Institute of Material Science (IMS), and the Jin Group, Chemistry Department at Fudan University, Shanghai, China

Hydrogels are gels in which the polymer chains that constitute them are hydrophilic and thus readily absorb water. Theoretically, hydrogels have a wide array of applications, however, they display poor mechanical properties, which limit their use. My research aims at i) synthesizing hydrogels with a unique double network structure in order to improve their mechanical properties (in particular, their toughness) and ii) characterizing the physical properties of these new hydrogels to determine their suitability for possible biomedical applications. If this new structure for hydrogels exhibits superior mechanical properties, it will provide an opportunity to test possible applications such as artificial cartilage, contact lenses, and scaffolds for delivering medicine.

Rowe Alumni Spotlight: Klair Lubonja

Posted on September 21, 2015September 21, 2015 by Hoffmann, Jessamy

UConn Year of Graduation (Undergraduate): 2015
Undergraduate Major(s): Molecular and Cell Biology
Currently Employed By: National Institutes of Health/ National Institute on Aging, IRTA Research Fellow
Updates: During the transition period between the end of my undergraduate experience and prospectively entering medical school, I will be working at the National Institutes of Health, specifically the National Institute on Aging (B.R.C., Johns Hopkins Medical Center), as an IRTA Fellow. Under the direction of Dr. Ranjan Sen, Chief of the Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Immunology, and in collaboration with Dr. Edward Lakatta, Chief of the Laboratory of Cardiovascular Sciences, I am currently working on a new research venture involving the ARA 290 anti-inflammatory protein. My role is to compare immune status and gene expression in vivo/in vitro in ARA 290 treated rats with control rat models.

Rowe Alumni Spotlight: Allison Baylis

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Hoffmann, Jessamy

UConn Year of Graduation (Undergraduate): 2009
Undergraduate Major(s): Physiology and Neurobiology
Currently Employed By: Lawrence Messina, DDS, PC, Associate Dentist
Updates: I am currently working in West Haven, CT as an associate dentist in a private practice office on Long Island Sound. We are a family dental practice focusing on oral health as part of the overall health of the patient with an emphasis on preventative care. I began practice here in July 2015 and I am so happy to be working in my home town- I see friends and family as patients daily! I am always happy to have students come visit me to shadow so please contact me if you are interested. I am also available to help with dental or professional school applications.

Rowe Alumni Spotlight: Ana Cerda

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Hoffmann, Jessamy

UConn Year of Graduation (Undergraduate): 2013
Undergraduate Major(s): Biology and Psychology
Currently Employed By: New England Center for Children, Special Education teacher
Updates: I started graduate school this fall. I am working on my Master’s in Counseling Psychology as well as continuing my full time position at the New England Center for Children (NECC) working with children that have Autism. At NECC, I work as a special education teacher implementing applied behavior analysis interventions in a residential school setting.

Rowe Alumni Spotlight: Kristina Dortche

Posted on September 16, 2015 by Hoffmann, Jessamy

UConn Year of Graduation (Undergraduate): 2015
Undergraduate Major(s): Physiology and Neurobiology
Currently Employed By: UConn Health, Research
Updates: I am currently doing research at the UConn Health Center in the Center for Vascular Biology. I will be in this position until June 2016. I am also applying to medical school for the 2016 cycle.

Rowe Alumni Spotlight: Leonela Villegas

Posted on September 16, 2015September 16, 2015 by Hoffmann, Jessamy

UConn Year of Graduation (Undergraduate): 2012
Undergraduate Major(s): Chemical Engineering
Currently Employed By: Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Medical student
Updates: I am currently in my fourth year of medical school at Vanderbilt in Nashville, TN! Time flies and it’s crazy to think that four years have gone by so quickly. I am applying in Pediatrics this September and can’t wait to start the interview process in the winter!

2015 Rowe Scholar: Akua Owusu

Posted on September 3, 2015September 16, 2015 by

Akua Owusu is originally from Ghana, where she attended Wesley Girls’ High School. She has just finished her sophomore year of college at the UConn Waterbury campus, where she received the Wendell Hoang Award for excellence in Organic Chemistry, of which she is very proud. A molecular and cell biology major, Akua is looking forward to a career in cardiology. She has shadowed in an emergency department and works as a CNA in hospitals, nursing homes, and adult living communities. In 2012 she had the opportunity to observe brain surgery at KATH Hospital in Ghana. When Akua isn’t working or shadowing, she enjoys spending time with her family.

2015 Rowe Scholar: Sarah Ollayos

Posted on September 3, 2015September 16, 2015 by

Sarah Ollayos is from Southbury, CT, where she graduated from Pomperaug Regional High School. She has dedicated herself to living a healthy lifestyle and as such has participated in numerous road races and works in a fitness center. She is a nutritional sciences major and will be applying to the didactic program this year.

2015 Rowe Scholar: Maame Obeng

Posted on September 3, 2015September 16, 2015 by

Maame Obeng is a nursing major with an interest in establishing a community based clinic or hospital. Her experiences as a CNA, a certification she has held since her senior year of high school, are what made her decide that nursing was definitely for her. She has volunteered at the Hospital of Central Connecticut for two years and has also been a part of the Hunger and Homelessness Project (a subgroup of UConn PIRG). Maame is originally from Ghana but lives in New Britain, CT, where she graduated from New Britain High School. She enjoys trying new workouts with friends and hopes to study abroad in Europe before graduation.

2015 Rowe Scholar: Sara Hasan

Posted on September 3, 2015September 22, 2015 by

Sara Hasan is a psychology major from West Hartford, CT, though her parents are from Pakistan. A graduate of Hall High School, Sara is on a pre-med track and has had the opportunity to take part in several HCOP programs, including Junior Doctors Academy, High School Student Research Apprentice Program, Pre-College Enrichment Program, College Enrichment Program, and Summer Research Fellowship Program. She has also shadowed doctors in areas ranging from neurosurgery to endocrinology. At UConn she’s a member of the Medical Humanitarian Society and Kids and UConn Bridging Education (KUBE), where she enjoys mentoring young students.