Introduction to the Programs:
"If everyone is moving forward together, then success takes care of itself." - Henry Ford
The collaboration and mutual guidance of one another towards success exemplifies one of the many beauties of humanity.
Inspire U Academy is a peer mentoring program developed by Dr. Wendy Cavendish from the Department of Teaching and Learning with the goal of improving access to and promoting success in postsecondary pursuits for underrepresented student groups. The University of Miami’s undergraduate students and local high school students have formed a community network composed of multi-level mentoring, student leadership, and monthly workshops to create impactful bonds in the Miami community.
The Joint Academic Nurtureship for Underrepresented Students (JANUS) program is another mentoring program developed by Dr. Ashu Agarwal, alongside Dr. Cavendish, with a focus on increasing STEM research opportunities for Black and Hispanic UM undergraduates and high school students from Inspire U and First Start Academy. This mentorship and research internship program increases academic exposure for underrepresented students in STEM-related fields on research processes and experiential learning in various laboratories.
The collaborations between high school students, undergraduate students, and experienced faculty at UM has granted unique opportunities for success. JANUS and Inspire U Academy created the opportunity for Cilia Colindres, Mayra Chavez, and Angie Montero to delve into research facilities over the summer and gain valuable academic experiences.
Angie’s Personal Experience:
My name is Angie Montero, and I am a biomedical engineering undergraduate student who mentors high school students as part of the Inspire U Academy. I also mentored Cilia Colindres through the JANUS program over the summer. Participating in JANUS with Cilia was truly amazing. We delved into a unique learning experience together as this was both of our first times in such high-tech labs. We were able to experience two different lab dynamics: one was more engineering-based, while the other was more wet-lab based. One of the labs we visited was Dr. Ashu Agarwal’s lab, which focused on developing organ-on-a-chip platforms with human organ complexity. Organ-on-a-chip platforms are microfluidic devices used to cultivate 3-D cell cultures that, when compared to regular petri dish cell cultures, more accurately mimic the human body with concentration gradients and multiple channels for fluid flow. Here, we oversaw and participated in the engineering process of creating both a complex and simple organ-on-a-chip. We also visited Dr. Courtney Dumont’s lab, which focused on limiting the negative effects of secondary spinal cord injuries with nanotechnology. Here, we gained various wet lab skills as we went through the process of creating nanoparticles, conducting PCR tests, and incubating cells.
In Dr. Argarwal’s lab, we learned about the organ-on-a-chip project, which involved creating acrylic chips that could grow cell cultures of different varieties. Growing cell cultures on chips instead of petri dishes allowed us to mimic the human body more accurately as it allowed for the inflow of nutrients and food for the cells as well as the outflow of waste. Using microfluidic concentration gradients also allows cells to have varying degrees of levels of oxygen, for example, which could mimic a surface like the eye, which only has its outer layer in direct contact with oxygen. These platforms also allow space for 3D structures to form, just like the ones in our body, and can even be further developed to create organoids, which are larger, more complex structures that mimic specific organs. We learned how to utilize the milling and laser cutting machines, which are used to cut out precise organ-on-a-chip platforms from large acrylic sheets and must have every cutting step encoded manually based on the 3-D computer-aided design. We also created our own simplified chip samples made of a gelatinous polymer and used a paperclip to mold out a singular channel for fluid flow. Once cured, we tested them out by using pigmented water to visualize how fluid flows through the channel and evaluate the integrity of our creation. We even experimented with making our own cross-linked polymer beads, which are used in drug delivery systems that use encapsulations of drugs to deliver medicine to specific regions of the body.
Dr. Dumont’s lab focused on regenerative medicine for combatting secondary spinal cord injuries primarily due to inflammation. Cilia and I gained a lot of insight on the use of nanoparticles to bring medicine directly to specific affected locations of the body in targeted drug delivery. We also gained lots of medical context in terms of the current state of research and efficacy of current technology for addressing spinal cord injuries and even cancer. Here, we oversaw the process of how cells are grown, incubated, isolated, and identified under a microscope, offering a more wet lab exposure. We gained expertise in using advanced pipettes, pipette guns, centrifuge machines, vortex mixers and tiny microliter capsules. We also oversaw the process of creating nanoparticles and following procedures precisely to ensure accurate results. Joining weekly lab meetings where the researchers would discuss their current progress also gave us a lot of insight into what real lab work papers, presentations, and research entailed.
Mentoring was a large part of this overall experience. Cilia and I truly bonded as I learned about her future aspirations, encouraged her to participate in lab activities, and supported her throughout the entire journey. Having the opportunity to experience both a more engineering-based lab and a wet lab environment has been one of the most insightful experiences of my life in terms of scientific literacy. As a biomedical engineering student, everything I have learned in both laboratories has already proven to be very useful and recurring in my courses, offering me additional insight into multiple topics. It also allowed me to satiate my curiosity with the ability to ask tons of questions and truly understand everything we were exposed to. The hands-on experience offered by JANUS has allowed for all of the knowledge I gained to be woven into my brain. I gained a deeper understanding of not only research, but what my future career as a biomedical engineer would entail. I look forward to being a part of the global effort of leading professionals who are using their career, studies, and research to foster a positive change in the world for all to enjoy.
Mayra’s Personal Experience:
My name is Mayra Chavez, and I am a senior in high school. I have been part of Inspire U since 10th grade, and being a part of Inspire U Academy has been an incredibly enriching experience that has provided me with opportunities I never imagined I could have at such a young age. This program has opened doors to a wide array of research fields, giving me the chance to immerse myself in hands-on learning and develop a deeper understanding of scientific processes. For instance, I’ve learned how to use a pipette with precision—an essential skill in any laboratory setting. But beyond the basics, I’ve had the unique opportunity to participate in more advanced procedures, such as examining mice organs and conducting experiments on them.
One of the most fascinating aspects of my experience has been observing how different factors can influence the health and development of living organisms. For example, I was involved in one project where we studied the offspring of mice, comparing the differences between those whose parents were injected with a specific type of disease and those whose parents were not. This hands-on research allowed me to witness the real-world applications of scientific theories and contributed to my growing passion for the field. For example, when we experimented with the mice, we observed the effects on some of the offspring after they were injected with the disease. This can help us understand how diseases can be passed from generation to generation. Inspire U Academy has broadened my knowledge and instilled a sense of curiosity and drive in me to explore the unknown. The professors and mentors have been there to teach and support me while having fun in the laboratory.
Cilia’s Personal Experience:
My name is Cilia Colindres and I am a former Inspire U mentee. In 2023, I was able to take up a very enriching internship with JANUS that helped to enlarge my knowledge base of laboratory techniques and deepen my understanding of biomedical research. This internship provided hands-on training with the company of an Inspire U mentor, Angie Montero. We had the experience of being at two different locations in various scientific procedures, from designing innovative tools for cell studies to exploring the intricacies of spinal cord injury.
During the internship, mastering the use of laboratory equipment was the first phase. In fact, it was the basis for all experiments I conducted. An experiment that I participated in included an acrylic design that would permit the flow of cells through a designed pattern which we had made with paper clips. We initiated this process by drafting the design and making sure that it would allow the experiment to attain its objectives. We used acrylic structures, which we engineered using laser cutting technology and embedded in a flow chamber. This project enabled us to provide artificial conditions, allowing cells to act in a manner natural to them. This experience not only fine-tuned my technical skills but also made me realize that meticulous planning and detailing are very essential components in scientific research. One gains the ability to visualize a design through to its realization in the lab—both difficult and rewarding.
One of the more fun projects that I did during my internship was mixing cross-linker with saline to create something akin to Orbeez. This fits into a larger study working on developing materials that might be able to act like biological tissues. The work was initiated by measuring the crosslinker, mixing it carefully with saline, and subsequently adding a magnetic spinner to the mixture, which ensured the homogeneity of the system. The result was a gel-like substance with unique properties.
The most interesting thing was working with the magnetic spinner, which demonstrated the interaction between physical forces and chemical reactions. This experiment taught me the value of innovation in research—the very simple things at times may be transformed into something with potential scientific value. The creation of this substance contributed not only to ongoing research but gave me a deeper understanding of the chemistry involved in material science.
The second place of my internship was with the University of Miami’s Miller School of Medicine and The Miami Project To Cure Paralysis. Here I worked in Dr. Courtney Dumont’s lab which was related to spinal cord injuries, relevant for any medical research. In this lab, I practiced sophisticated laboratory work, using different kinds of pipettes, centrifuges, and microscopes. Each one of these tools played a very important role in the experiments we undertook—from the preparation of samples to working with live cells in the analyses.
We learned how to manipulate exact volumes of liquids using pipettes of different sizes. These are essential while preparing solutions and carrying out experiments with accuracy. In the centrifuge, we could separate, according to density, the components present in samples. This process is crucial to isolate specific cells or proteins for further study. The most fascinating aspect of this experience was being able to see live cells under the microscope. Some were round, clear, and had pulsating movements. It gave an idea of the dynamics underway within a living organism and, therefore, the complexity of behavior at the cellular level. We also learned about the problems of patients suffering spinal cord injuries and the research undertaken to date in pursuit of therapies that may restore function during my visit. This exposure to real medical research was inspiring and sobering, reinforcing my drive to contribute to biomedical science. Practical exposure to different types of lab equipment and the freedom to design and carry out experiments improved my technical skills greatly. We learned how to operate pipettes, centrifuges, microscopes and also troubleshoot common problems that went wrong during the experiment.
One of the challenges that I overcame was the steep learning curve associated with mastering these techniques. The precision required in handling delicate equipment and demanding consistent results required high levels of concentration and patience. Guidance from experienced mentors, practice and perseverance helped me gradually rise above these challenges. This process taught me the importance of perseverance and adaptability in research, very important qualities for any scientist.
In summary, my 2023 internship experience really transformed me and opened up the breadth of scientific knowledge. What I have learned, from designing acrylic structures for cell studies to intricacies involved in spinal cord injury, has been quite foundational for further pursuit in academics and professional aspects. The internship enhanced my respect for the challenges associated with scientific research and its real capacity to make a difference in peoples' lives. In the future, I particularly look forward to being able to build further on the knowledge and expertise acquired through this internship. Either through further academic pursuit or involvement with some advanced research projects, I remain attracted to contributing toward the field of biomedical science because I feel joy being in a laboratory. The experience instilled a sense of responsibility to work for the betterment of society by making use of my abilities.
Key Takeaways:
Whether research involves improving methods of future study, as seen with the organ-on-a-chip platforms, or the treatment itself, as seen with the nanoparticles, we all got to witness firsthand how research is an important part of scientific discovery. Cilia and Mayra, as high schoolers, were able to increase their awareness of academic opportunities and gain a better understanding of their personal goals and aspirations in medical science. As an undergraduate student, this opportunity was not only insightful, but meaningful. Being able to guide a younger student through a new experience, while also being fascinated myself, was very special to me. Not only was I a mentor to others, but I, too, was mentored by Dr. Agarwal and Dr. Dumont throughout the experience. I learned more about my own aspirations, realizing biomedical engineering is a path of study I truly enjoy, and was able to share that joy with others.
