Xuan Zhuang, assistant professor of biological sciences, and Rebekah Samsonraj, assistant professor of biomedical engineering, were awarded pilot project funding by the Arkansas Integrative Metabolic Research Center in 2022. Each of them will discuss the progress of their research in a seminar taking place at 12:55 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 25, in Bell Engineering room 2267.

Xuan Zhuang

"Unraveling Phenotypic Correlations and Genetic Variations in Metabolic and Developmental Traits Under a Carbohydrate-Rich Diet"

Abstract: Metabolic disorders, like diabetes, result from complex interplays of genetics and the environment. Even with the same genetic defect, individuals from diverse populations, each with unique genetic backgrounds and environments, show varying disease outcomes. Drosophila, a well-established model, aids in dissecting gene and environmental contributions to metabolism. Dr. Zhuang will discuss recent study simulating Type 2 diabetes by manipulating dietary sugar in Drosophila and explore genetic and phenotypic variations in metabolic and life traits across developmental stages in Drosophila populations with distinct genetic backgrounds.

Biography: Zhuang received her Ph.D. in biology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and completed her postdoctoral research in evolutionary genetics at the University of Chicago. Zhuang's research focuses on genetic variation of complex traits and diseases and the evolution of genetic novelty and diversity. Her current research endeavors involve leveraging genetic diversity in fruit flies to create a comprehensive experimental system for studying how metabolic diseases interact with the environment.

Rebekah Samsonraj

"Novel Strategies for Mesenchymal Stem Cell Characterization"

Abstract: Samsonraj's research platform focuses on obtaining clinically relevant numbers of mesenchymal stem cells, or MSCs, obtained from bone marrow and adipose tissue by optimizing methods that improve survival post-isolation while also maintaining a high percentage of potent cells to be used clinically. A multi-faceted approach is adopted to select therapeutically viable cells that can help predict favorable outcomes without compromising differentiation or stemness properties. Efforts are directed toward developing and advancing regenerative medicine therapeutics to establish a bioengineering center of excellence for MSC processing, manufacturing and product development.

Biography: Samsonraj holds a doctorate in bioengineering jointly from the National University of Singapore and the Institute of Medical Biology in Singapore. Samsonraj's research focuses on developing strategies for safe and efficacious mesenchymal stem cell therapies for a variety of clinical indications. Samsonraj has received institutional, federal and foundation grants to advance her research in cell therapy and has been recognized as a Rising Star in MSC Research by a leading cell manufacturing company.