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t m c » p u l s e | s e p t e m b e r 2 0 1 5 39 SHORT TAKES UH Undergrads Explore Solutions for Alzheimer's, Cancer and Other Challenges S olutions for Alzheimer's, breast cancer, type 2 diabetes, migraines and lymphoma are just some of the medical challenges a group of University of Houston students have targeted this summer. Forgoing fun in the sun for some serious research, these students are part of an intensive, full- time research program—the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF). Far from SURF-ing their way through what's vacation time for many, these students are just a few of this year's 74 SURF participants who delved into a number of complex projects during the course of 10 weeks under the mentorship of UH faculty members. Working on projects across a variety of disciplines, each scholar received a $3,500 scholarship. "It's well known that when students engage in activities such as mentored research, their likelihood of graduat- ing is significantly increased," said Karen Weber, director of the Office of Undergraduate Research. "Over the past years, we have found that students who participate in SURF, the Provost's Undergraduate Research Scholarship program or the Senior Honors Thesis program have a greatly improved grad- uation rate as compared to those who did not participate." Adelle Flores, a junior biomedical sciences major in The Honors College, said she has always been interested in Alzheimer's disease, but even more so when her grandmother died of compli- cations from it. When she came across an opportunity to research in a lab that studies drugs to combat Alzheimer's, she had to take it. Working under the mentorship of College of Pharmacy associate professor Jason Eriksen, Flores is working on determining if a molecule released by cells lining blood vessels, called prostacyclin, is protec- tive in Alzheimer's disease. "In the future, my work could be used to potentially develop a drug that targets Alzheimer's disease, or at the very least could help treat some of the symptoms caused by it," Flores said. "My experience in the SURF program has been absolutely phenomenal, and it's opened up a whole new world to me about all types of research." This year, SURF alumni have come back to speak with the current SURF students about how they continued researching and turned it into a career. In addition to her own research experiences, this has inspired Flores to become even more dedicated to her studies, Flores said, as well as moti- vated her to perform well in school so that she can pursue research later as an M.D./Ph.D. This year's SURF program wrapped up Aug. 7, and the students will present research posters on their projects at UH's 11th annual Undergraduate Research Day Oct. 22. — Lisa Merkl, University of Houston Save the Date for Fall Speaker Series 2015 The Power of Collaboration Providing the Safety Net Together Featuring: Robert C. Robbins, MD, President and CEO, Texas Medical Center Mr. George Masi, President and CEO, Harris Health System Dr. Stephen Moore, Chief Medical Officer, CHI St. Luke's Health For tickets and more information, visit www.sanjoseclinic.org/FSS2015 CHI St. Luke's Health presents Thursday, October 22, 2015 11:30 am - 1:00 pm at River Oaks Country Club Charming & well maintained bungalow with curb appeal galore, 7,810 sf lot (hcad), located in coveted Braes Terrace. is 2/2 has hardwood floors throughout, crown molding, granite counter tops, in-house utility, recent paint, double pane windows, ductless ac heat pumps, & french doors that open to screened patio; partial wrought iron fence, irrigation system, a designated area for gardening. Residence has never flooded per seller. MLS # 68267071 3131 STANTON ST Dottie Williams Agent, Realty Associates 832-741-0565 ARE YOU DEPRESSED AND BETWEEN THE AGES OF 18 AND 65? Are you currently on an antidepressant without receiving the improvement you need? If so, you may be eligible to participate in a research study of a rapidly acting medication (Ketamine) conducted in patients with major depression at Baylor College of Medicine and The Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center Please contact us at our confidential number or email: 713-689-9856 mood@bcm.edu It's well known that when students engage in activities such as mentored research, their likelihood of graduating is significantly increased. — KAREN WEBER Director of the Office of Undergraduate Research at the University of Houston