Showcase

This ePortfolio showcases my personal and research statements, CV, research, and conferences attended as a part of the IUI Post-baccalaureate Research Education Program (IPREP). It also includes previous research, volunteer experience and my goals in ... the future. Read more

Brooks Insurance Professionals Recommendation Report on Social Media Implementation and Gen Z Engagement.

Degradation of bone and increased incidence of blood disorders in the aging population often occur together, leading to various health outcomes and imposing a significant economic burden. The decline in osteogenic and hematopoietic function within th ... e bone marrow (BM) of aging populations is associated with reduced bone mineral density, impaired healing, heightened risks of hematological malignancies, and worsening conditions such as anemia, neutropenia, and thrombocytopenia. The BM niche is managed by an intricate regulatory network which include mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), cytokine/growth factors, hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs), mature immune cells, and the extracellular matrix (ECM). The ECM is essential for the regulation of hematopoiesis (the process by which blood cells are formed). With aging, the equilibrium of the regulatory network shifts. The transition in aged MSCs from bone-forming (osteogenic) to fat-forming (adipogenic) development is associated with the tendency of HSPCs– responsible for generating blood and immune cells – to shift towards the myeloid lineage. However, the biological mechanism through which the aging BM niche, particularly the interactions between HSPCs, MSCs, and the ECM, contributes to hematopoietic dysfunction with age remains unclear. Building on advancements in ECM biology, this study sought to clarify how age-related changes in the ECM and to MSC regulatory cues affect HSPC function. Using specialized biofabricated plates, which had wells coated with microphysiological analogues of young (≤ 25 years old) or aged (≥ 60 years old) BM ECMs, created by human MSCs, I explored how the ECM influences HSPC development. Utilizing HSPCs isolated from cord blood units, I evaluated HSPC function using colony-forming unit assays and characterized them immunophenotypically through flow cytometry at input and following 7 days of culture on either tissue culture-treated (TCP), young ECM (yECM), or aged ECM (aECM) wells. I demonstrated that all conditions resulted in increased nucleated cell number compared to input after expansion. By phenotype, we saw: 1) significant increases of HSCs and Multipotent Progenitors (MPPs) compared to input only when cultured on aECM, 2) significant increases in Multi-lymphoid Progenitors (MLPs) in all culture conditions when compared to input, 3) significant increases in Common Myeloid Progenitors (CMPs) when cultured on either ECM condition, and 4) no changes to Granulocyte-Monocyte Progenitor (GMP) numbers in any condition. There were no functional differences demonstrated by colony formation other than those associated with an increased proportion of those cells in culture. This suggests that perhaps different culture conditions favor the expansion of different cell populations within less ‘mature’ cord blood HSPCs. In the future, we wish to examine the effect of ECM on 1) a more ‘mature’ HSPC population (isolated from BM), and 2) a co-culture system of HSPCs and MSCs on our ECM plates to examine the crosstalk between these two populations. Read more

Cameron Maung-Maung professional ePortfolio with showcases of Honors College work from the H496 Honors ePortfolio course: Welcome to my ePortfolio! My name is Cameron Maung-Maung, a senior Honors student in the School of Health and Human Sciences ... at Indiana University, Indianapolis. I am one of IU Indy's student athletes on the Men's Soccer team. On my ePortfolio, you can find all the details about my academic and athletic journeys, as I pursue a career in professional soccer, while maintaining a 4.0 GPA and working my way through the Honors College. Read more

Welcome to my personal site where I post small articles about the different projects I’m working on, tools I’m learning, or any other fun thoughts I have. This site focuses on the more technical side of myself and focuses heavily on projects, skills ... , and thoughts around technology. I encourage you to read around and explore some of my thoughts! Read more

This honors ePortfolio showcases my work as a nontraditional neuroscience student focused on translational neuroscience, chronic pain, and substance use disorders (SUDs), integrating bench research, preclinical models, clinical studies, and science c ... ommunication. Across projects, I connect neurobiology and behavioral science to study interactions between chronic pain, addiction/SUDs, and mental health, aiming to translate mechanistic neuroscience into more effective, evidence-based clinical interventions. A central feature of this ePortfolio is a year-long independent research project using a preclinical mouse model of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) to study VEGF-driven neuroinflammation, NLRP3 inflammasome signaling, and novel therapeutics targeting pain behavior, central sensitization, and brain–bladder communication. I present this work in dual formats: scientific language for researchers and trainees, and plain-language summaries for patients, families, and the general public, demonstrating my ability to translate complex mechanistic neuroscience, behavioral assays (mouse grimace scale, von Frey, voiding behavior), and imaging data into clear, accessible narratives. Beyond the IC/BPS project, this ePortfolio features a self-directed substance use disorder (SUD) research and science communication project, where I synthesize literature on the cellular and molecular effects of alcohol, methamphetamine, and opioids on the brain into accessible, educational materials for learners without a neuroscience background. A series of edited “I am / I want to become” statements and reflective essays connect these projects to my coursework in neuroscience, health psychology, sociology, and I/O psychology, tracing how my perspective as a nontraditional student shapes my goals. Together, these artifacts highlight my growth as a translational scientist, science communicator, and advocate committed to building neuroscience-informed, data-driven, trauma-informed care systems for people living with chronic pain and substance use disorders. Read more

I am a disciplined, creative student committed to equity within the realms of criminal justice, sexual assault prevention, and law. I am continuing to explore these passions at Indiana University Indianapolis by working towards my BS in Criminal Just ... ice and minor in Forensic and Investigative Sciences. Read more

This is an ePortfolio I created as part of a final project in Foundations of Leadership SPEA-L 377. It includes information about my leadership profiles, career interests, leadership philosophy, and other college experiences.

My name is Leah VanMeter and I'm currently a senior at Indiana University Indianapolis studying to get a Bachelors in Sociology. My passions include early childhood education, studying economic disparities and focusing on mental health among students ... dents. My hope is to use my sociology degree to become a director of a childcare facility or a preschool and eventually go to grad school to pursue a master's in early childhood education. In my free time, I enjoy reading, crocheting, going on hikes, being with friends and family and researching various sociological topics. When I'm not at school, I work part-time at a daycare to gain more experience in my desired field. I also spent time in Haiti in 2016 volunteering to build houses alongside One Mission Society and have also partnered with the Midwest Food Bank in the past to assist with packaging food for those who are underprivileged throughout Indiana. I'm always excited and eager to learn more about any subject! Read more

I am earning my Honors Research Microcredential to recognize my dedication to research throughout my undergraduate career formally. Since my sophomore year of college, I have been actively engaged in research across multiple disciplines, including pa ... thology, forensic science, and biology. My work has ranged from analyzing AI-based pathology databases to investigating genetic markers in sarcoma patients. Additionally, I conducted a study addressing the issue of sexual assault on college campuses, collaborating with a team to analyze data and present our findings to raise awareness. Through these experiences, I have developed essential skills in data analysis, scientific communication, and critical thinking. The microcredential serves as a testament to my commitment to research and my continuous efforts to contribute to the scientific community. Read more