The Biochemistry and Endocrinology Laboratory, led by Dr. Sumit Dinda at the Clinical and Diagnostic Sciences Department, conducts breast cancer research here at Oakland University.
Senior Aisha Zanib, the current lab manager and undergraduate research assistant, has further developed her research framework within the lab.
“I’ve been with the lab for almost three years now,” Zanib said. “Getting introduced to Dr. Dinda, having a mentor that supports your future goals and working with the other research assistants is what I appreciate most about the lab.”
As the collaborative successive work continues to expand, so does the research.
“We essentially focus on analyzing the effects of various compounds on breast cancer cells,” Zanib said.
The research is assigned to assistants who teach students common laboratory techniques, prepare them for graduate school applications and encourage personal and professional development.
“It’s a comprehensive learning experience. We work on various projects, and Dr. Dinda mentors us from inception through completion,” Zanib said. “Yes, you’re conducting experiments and collecting data, but you’re also performing statistical analysis, writing the manuscript, or preparing a poster presentation to attend a research conference.”
In detailing some of the ongoing research initiatives within the lab, Zanib elaborated on the investigation of Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and other compounds.
“PFOA is a compound you’d historically find in common products like non-stick cookware and waterproof materials. It’s suspected to be an endocrine-disrupting compound. It’s resistant to biological degradation and currently an environmental pollutant,” Zanib explained. “The nature of it being so widespread and potentially harmful is what prompted us to investigate its effects on breast cancer cells.
“We’re also exploring other compounds that we hypothesize may have anti-oncogenic or anti-inflammatory properties,” Zanib added. “Two examples would be Neem and Tulsi, herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine.”
The research framework on compounds advances with ongoing publication efforts.
“We just published a recent manuscript on Bazedoxifene, which is a compound undergoing human clinical trials with Pfizer as a potential breast cancer therapy,” Zanib said.
The direction of the laboratory strives for research assistants to gain as many opportunities as possible.
“We typically have students publish and abstract and go to an endocrine conference each year,” Zanib said.
The laboratory continues recruiting students interested in gaining hands-on experience in the lab.
“We do work with undergraduate students,” Zanib said. “We’re looking for students with motivation in terms of time commitment and the desire to pursue a project and complete it.”
Zanib emphasized the importance of collaborating with faculty for future goals.
“In my time at Oakland, what I’ve found most incredible is the genuine care our professors have for their students and their investment in our success,” Zanib said. “Working with professors in the lab setting allows you to dive into the world of research and get membership in your academic career.”
Zanib will begin her medical school journey as the Dinda Laboratory develops future researchers and physicians.
She intends to further her education and pursue research opportunities, with a strong interest in oncology.
For students interested in becoming a research assistant, contact Dinda via email at [email protected], or Zanib via email at [email protected].
