Western Nevada College Students Advance Biomedical Research Through NIH-Funded INBRE Program
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Western Nevada College (search) undergraduates completed a month-long paid biomedical research experience through the NIH-funded INBRE program, presenting findings at a June 18 poster session.
Student projects investigated cyclooxygenase gene splice variants in human macrophages and APOBEC3 (search) gene expression, exploring inflammation pathways and viral defense mechanisms.
Faculty mentors emphasized that hands-on laboratory exposure using techniques such as PCR bridges the gap between classroom learning and real-world scientific discovery.
A dedicated cohort of Western Nevada College (search) (WNC) students spent a month this summer advancing biomedical science through the IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) program, a National Institutes of Health-funded initiative designed to expand research opportunities in states that have historically received lower levels of federal research funding. The students presented their findings during a poster session on June 18 in the Aspen Building on WNC's Carson City campus.
Working alongside faculty mentors across WNC's Fallon and Carson City campuses, the undergraduate researchers tackled complex biological questions spanning immune response, inflammation, viral defense mechanisms, and molecular genetics.
Research Focus: Cyclooxygenase and APOBEC Gene Families
On the Fallon campus, students investigated two gene families critical to immune cell function. Cyclooxygenase genes play a central role in inflammation, while APOBEC genes contribute to viral defense and have been associated with genetic mutations implicated in cancer development. Specific projects included the characterization of Cyclooxygenase-1 (search) and Cyclooxygenase-2 (search) mRNA splice variants in human macrophages, as well as an examination of APOBEC3 (search) gene expression in human myeloid and megakaryocytic cells.
Fallon participants — Meirra Cavanaugh, Alondra Rangel, Kaena Williams, and Holly Vanden Brink — were mentored by Dr. Brian Prince, Dr. Josue Pacheco, and Dr. Gary Evett.
On the Carson City campus, students Tori Elliott, Ethan Kanter, and Jaelyn Young focused on alternate gene splicing and molecular biology techniques through a project titled "Amplification of M1/M0 COX1 Alternate Splicing Inserts for Gibson Assembly Expression Vector." Their work was guided by Dr. Smriti Bhattarai and Dr. Christian Copley Salem. Dr. Elizabeth Tattersall coordinated research opportunities across both campuses.
Bridging Classroom and Laboratory
Faculty mentors described the program as transformative for students who often encounter advanced techniques for the first time.
"We talk about these topics in lectures, but actually getting to perform the techniques and watch the science unfold makes it click," said Dr. Prince. "Research becomes real for students, and that experience is incredibly valuable whether they pursue research professionally or continue into healthcare and graduate education."
Dr. Tattersall underscored the significance of early access to paid research. "It's about giving students the opportunity to do research as freshmen or sophomores in college," she said. "That kind of opportunity didn't exist when I was an undergraduate. Being able to offer these experiences — and pay students to participate — is huge. It helps students stay engaged in science and makes their education feel real."
Student researcher Ethan Kanter, who recently completed an Information Systems degree at WNC and is now completing prerequisites for the Physician Assistant Studies Program at the University of Nevada, Reno, highlighted the hands-on value of the program. "I was able to use techniques that I wasn't familiar with, including PCR and laboratory technology we don't normally work with," Kanter said. "We had a really great team, and Dr. Bhattarai and Dr. Copley Salem helped fill in the gaps whenever we had questions. It definitely felt like a team effort."
Institutional Commitment to Scientific Discovery
WNC President Dr. J. Kyle Dalpe praised the initiative as emblematic of the college's educational mission. "These students are demonstrating curiosity, discipline and a willingness to tackle scientific questions that have real-world implications," President Dalpe said. "Experiences like INBRE allow our students to engage directly in discovery while building skills that prepare them for future careers in science, healthcare and research. We are proud to support opportunities that place students at the center of innovation."
The students will have additional opportunities to present their research at upcoming statewide INBRE gatherings alongside fellow researchers from across Nevada.