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Three 51Ʒ�� students recently participated in summer research experiences in Maine supported by the Maine IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Summer Research Fellowship (SURF) program.

Each summer, the SURF provides undergraduate students with a mentored, hands-on biomedical research experience at one of the network institutions, in which 51Ʒ��is a participant. During the 10-week research experiences, students receive educational opportunities, including an extensive scientific seminar program and professional development workshops.

Two 51Ʒ��students joined UNE’s Kristin Burkholder, Ph.D., professor of biology in the School of Biological Sciences, in the lab. Juliana Miguel (Medical Biology, ’26) collaborated with Burkholder to identify potential antimicrobial substances that will boost the effectiveness of antibiotics against harmful bacteria.  Miguel specifically looked at a group of bacteria called methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA, which can cause serious infection.

“This research could improve treatments for difficult infections like MRSA,” Burkholder explained. “Juliana’s work focused on antimicrobial peptides, which could enhance antibiotic efficacy against these stubborn bacterial biofilms.”

Under Burkholder’s guidance, Lauren Adams (Medical Biology, ’27) investigated the role of microplastics in facilitating bacterial entry into oysters. Adams examined critical food safety implications.

“Lauren’s project is particularly relevant given the growing concern over microplastics in our environment,” Burkholder noted. “We’re looking at whether these particles increase the likelihood of microbes entering aquatic organisms consumed as food.”

Eva Smith (Nursing, ’27) ventured beyond UNE’s campus to work with Arturo Hernandez, Ph.D., at Maine Health Institute for Research. She explored genes affected by thyroid hormones in mouse limb development in his lab using sophisticated software analysis and DNA validation.

“Through this internship, I gained invaluable hands-on experience with the scientific process and lab collaboration. I learned to use advanced tools,” Smith said. “This experience opened my eyes to the crucial role of research in advancing health care and the various ways I could contribute to clinical research as a future nurse.”