Jessica Cottrell and Biology Student Mahika Ganguly Awarded STEM Undergraduate Research Award

At the beginning of this year, Biology Chairperson Jessica Cottrell, Ph.D., and 2nd-year biology major in the joint B.S./M.D. program, Mahika Ganguly, were awarded a competitive STEM Undergraduate Research Award for their study, "The Effects of Vape Juice Additives on Chondrogenesis." Alternative forms of smoking continue to proliferate, but there is inadequate existing research detailing the potential harmful effects of these alternatives on cartilage cells. Cottrell and Mahika's research focuses on investigating how the flavorings found in vape juices, commonly used in e-smoking alternatives, influence chondrocyte (cells that make cartilage) proliferation and function. The study delves into the impact of popular vape juice flavors like cinnamon, strawberry, and mint on this biological process. 

With this goal in mind, they are studying ATDC5 chondrocyte cells, a standard model for cartilage cellular sciences. To determine the effects that vape juice additives have on chondrogenesis, the two have examined the cellular response to increased concentrations of vape juice flavorings for up to 28 days. Because Cottrell and Mahika are studying the exclusive effects of the vape juice additives, not nicotine, they are examining how the growth of chondrocytes is impacted when nicotine is not present. When examining the growth of chondrocytes, Cottrell and Mahika measure the calcium deposition of these cells as a signifier for cellular function, that is, as evidence that the chondrocytes are properly functioning. So far, they have been able to observe that vape juice additives do have a negative impact on chondrogenesis, but they are trying to further determine if this reduced growth is a result of inflammation. Now that Cottrell and Mahika have observed the negative impacts, they will continue their study to identify at what concentration of vape juice additive cells result in the induction of an inflammatory response. This next step will be completed, by measuring the gene expression of these chondrocytes after vape juice exposure.

At the conclusion of this study, Cottrell and Mahika hope to bring attention to the harmful effects of vaping and electronic cigarettes, particularly on adolescents and young adults whose bodies should be growing. Additionally, the pair hope to continue their work into the summer and present their findings at the 2025 Petersheim Academic Exposition and the American Association of Immunologists. Ultimately, their goal is to present at the American Society of Bone and Mineral Research Conference. 

Lab work is teamwork. Through the course of working together, Cottrell and Mahika have developed a mutual respect and appreciation for each other that extends beyond the lab. Cottrell’s ability to connect with students such as Mahika develops a deeper connection with biology. Cottrell enjoys working with undergraduates, especially because she gets the privilege of  "allowing them to be inquisitive on their own and making them life-long learners."

Seton Hall has a robust Department of Biological Sciences with a wide range of faculty researching in microbiology, virology, immunology, and other areas. The Department offers both the Masters and Doctoral degrees, and Seton Hall is excited to announce a new 3+2 B.S./ M.S. Program that will enable students to earn a B.S. in Biological Sciences and an M.S. in Molecular Bioscience in just five years. Students interested in STEM research should contact Associate Dean Mitra Feizabadi and students interested in STEM graduate programs should contact Associate Dean Michael Dooney.

Categories: Research, Science and Technology