Meet Ian Sands ’20, an OUR Peer Research Ambassador (PRA) majoring in Biomedical Engineering.
What is the focus of your research?
Using nanoparticles as vehicles for drug delivery into biological tissue that is normally difficult to penetrate. I work with chondrocytes, neurons, astrocytes, and microglial cells with the hopes of delivering nucleic acids at a high penetration efficiency.
Why did you get involved in research?
I began research in order to become more involved with the particular interests I had within biomedical engineering. As an undergraduate studying within a broad major with many avenues of specialty, I was able to take time to settle on a topic that truly interested me which just so happened to be tissue engineering via nanoparticle drug therapy.
What advice would you give to incoming freshmen?
My advice to freshman would be to remain unbiased towards opportunities that come their way. Speaking academically, keep an open mind to subjects and research opportunities that may arise because you never know the types of collaborations and perspectives you can gain through the various fields of study.
Describe the impact your research experience has had on you.
Research as an undergraduate has helped me stay focused and consistent, especially as a senior that is nearing the end of my four years at UConn. Any worry that I had about losing motivation as time goes on has disappeared completely and I am continuously motivated by the results, both retrospective and prospective, that I produce on a week-to-week basis.
What are your plans after graduation? How has involvement in research influenced your plans and/or prepared you for the future?
My post-graduate plans involve pursuing my Ph.D in biomedical engineering with a specific focus in nanomedicine and/or drug therapy. There is increasing demand in the research community with respects to nanomedicine in cancer treatment and tissue regeneration applications and I would like to take my skill set and perspective into a lab that focuses on some of these topics. My experience as an undergraduate researcher will be invaluable especially due to the many publications and presentations that I will have authorship on. There are also multiple opportunities for me to present at both Frontiers conferences and even a few international ones which will further assist me in my outreach and connections process.