Angela Helstern
Many different types of medical devices are used in the body (i.e. tissue, pace makers, ect.).  The implants effectiveness can be reduced by immune responses by the body.  This response forms a collagen shell around the implant, changing how it performs its function.  My research hopes to prevent this immune response by attaching PEG with degradable linkers to proteins in hope of suppressing macrophage response. As the protein is released, factors in the gel scaffold will allow tissue to grow or tissue function to be enhanced. Other factors will determine how quickly the protein is released to allow the proper rate of recovery to be achieved in the patient.

Dan Bates
Two major issues involving protein based theraputics are the stability and immunogenicity of the drugs in packaging. My research project has focused on the behavior of large protein therapeutics in the presence of water-silicone oil mixtures. The information that we are gathering has implications which may affect how protein based drugs are formulated and packaged into syringes. The ultimate goal of the research, and Prof. Randolph's group, is to help ensure that these amazingly helpful proteins remain safe and effective as they move from production to administration to patients.

Keith Beers
Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor (MIS) sensors can be used to detect the concentration of hydrogen gas in a flow system. The presence of other gases like carbon dioxide and acetylene can change the nature of this response. My research looks at the effects of hydrogen sulfide exposure to this change in response. Monte Carlo simulation code is being developed to describe these surface processes in hopes of better understanding the chemical basis for the change in response of the sensor.

Klarika Douves
In a patient with pathological pain, the spinal glial cells overproduce pro-inflammatory immune system messengers.  The protein IL-10 has been shown to suppress the inflammation, temporarily reducing pain.  My research uses a model of IL-10 and attaches PEG to the protein, improving stability and survivability in the body. The bioactivity and half-life of PEGylated model protien relative to unPEGylated both in vitro and in vivo will be characterized, and any conclusions drawn can be used to improve the effectiveness of IL-10 treatments.

Margarite Parker
Water is a potential source of hydrogen for a clean burning fossil fuel alternative. However, generating hydrogen with minimal environmental impact is a difficult task. My research involves reacting water vapor with a zinc catalyst to generate hydrogen gas. We are taking the partial pressure of hydrogen to determine the actual amount produced, compared to what would be produced in an ideal reaction, and ascertain the temperature and flow rates that would produce the best results. Optimization of these parameters would allow for the highest amount of hydrogen to be products as possible, bringing us one step closer to a cleaner way to generate energy.