Prof. Zhou and Shilpitha Kadiyala Receive STEM Research Award

In January 2024, Biology Professor Heping Zhou, Ph.D. and Biology Major Shilpitha Kadiyala were awarded a new, competitive STEM Undergraduate Research Award for their research that examines the “Role of Cytokines in Endotoxin Tolerance.” Endotoxins are toxins released by gram-negative bacteria and when the human body is exposed to endotoxins the body cannot produce as many cytokines. Cytokines, one may recall learning during the Covid-19 pandemic, are small proteins that assist the body’s immune response to infections, inflammation and even tumors by transmitting signals to other cells. Effective cytokines are essential to an effective immune system.

Prof. Zhou and Shilpitha’s research examines whether and which cytokines contribute to the altered immune response in microglia cells pre-exposed to a low dose of endotoxin. Microglia cells are present throughout the brain and spinal cord, where they maintain central nervous system health and function by consuming plaques, damaged neurons and infections. Prof. Zhou and Shilpitha will examine the production of cytokines at the protein level using ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay) and at the mRNA level using RT-PCR (reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction). In conducting this study, they aspire to shed light on how a prior inflammatory response may affect microglia function. The findings will contribute to the understanding of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration.

Shilpitha has already learned a lot from Prof. Zhou as a mentor, including patience and due diligence. Working in the lab, they are utilizing ELISA, a diagnostic tool, to investigate cytokine proteins. This procedure can take up to seven hours, so Shilpitha is learning that “any mistake can alter the results, but it has still been a rewarding process.” Aside from learning the procedures of a research experiment, Shilpitha appreciates the level of support and understanding that Prof. Zhou has shown her throughout this process. After the conclusion of their research, they hope to present their findings at next year’s Petersheim Academic Exposition. Looking beyond her undergraduate career, Shilpitha hopes to attend medical school and become a cardio thoracic surgeon. First-hand research opportunities like the STEM Undergraduate Reseach Award can help students like her better prepare for the rigors of medical school. Exposure to research projects like the one that she is conducting with Prof. Zhou has her excited for the potential lives that she could save not only with her skills as a future surgeon but also with her future research.

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: Science and Technology