Formulation Development and in vitro Characterization of Regorafenib-loaded Polymeric Nanoparticles

Colorectal cancer (CRC), particularly in its recurrent metastatic form, continues to be a significant therapeutic challenge, with a 5-year survival rate of only 14% for advanced-stage patients. The incidence of advanced CRC has been rising by 3% annually among individuals younger than 50 years since 2010, underlining the need for novel treatment strategies. Regorafenib, a multi-kinase inhibitor, has shown efficacy in the treatment of recurrent metastatic CRC however its use is often limited by severe, sometimes fatal hepatotoxicity. To address these limitations, regorafenib was encapsulated in polymeric nanoparticles with the goal of reducing its non-specific biodistribution and associated side effects. An oil-in-water (O/W) emulsion solvent evaporation technique was used to develop regorafenib loaded mPEG-PLGA (methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles. The formulation was optimized for key parameters, including entrapment efficiency of regorafenib and particle size. Additionally, a robust analytical method was implemented for the quantitative detection of regorafenib using High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Characterization of the nanoparticles was performed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) to assess drug-polymer interactions, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) for morphological analysis, and in vitro drug release studies to evaluate the release kinetics of regorafenib from the nanoparticle formulation. The optimized regorafenib-loaded nanoparticles demonstrated a particle size of 238.1 nm, with a zeta potential of -8.2 mV and an entrapment efficiency of 68.2% ± 4.7%. FTIR analysis confirmed no drug-polymer interactions and encapsulation of drug while in vitro drug release studies revealed a sustained release profile for the encapsulated drug compared to regorafenib alone. All the results show that the regorafenib-loaded polymeric nanoparticles were successfully developed and may be beneficial in delivering regorafenib in a sustained manner to targeted site of action

School to prison pipeline

Presenting on how there are racial bias and harsh punishments that are inflicted on minority students that results in the school to prison pipeline and how restorative justice is much more successful in helping change a behavior rather than harsh punishments

Alternative School District Lines in Monroe County NY

Possible alternative school district lines in Monroe County to combat the historic policies of redlining in Rochester

Audacity to Lead: Examining the Experiences of Elementary School Leaders and the Effects of Implementing Collective Efficacy

This qualitative study examined how elementary school leaders develop collective efficacy through leadership practices. Through semi-structured interviews with 16 elementary school leaders, the researcher investigated leadership practices that effectively build and sustain collective efficacy while identifying key challenges and supports. Drawing on Bandura\u27s collective efficacy theory, the study employed a phenomenological approach to understanding leaders\u27 lived experiences in developing collective belief systems within their schools. Key findings indicate that successful collective efficacy development requires intentional leadership practices aligned with school improvement\u27s structural and cultural elements. The study found that 87% of participants reported improved collaborative practices through systematic implementation of professional learning communities, while 91% identified specific strategies for addressing challenges in this work. This research contributes to the field by identifying specific leadership practices that support collective efficacy development while highlighting areas requiring further investigation. Recommendations include developing systematic vision-building approaches, implementing structured professional learning systems, and creating comprehensive data systems to measure achievement and cultural indicators. The findings suggest that developing collective efficacy requires sustained, systematic effort supported by aligned leadership practices at both school and district levels

Hands of Hope

Hands of Hope is a donation initiative dedicated to giving back to those in need by providing essential toiletries and hygiene products. Inspired by an annual donation drive first launched by myself in high school, this project continues the mission of spreading kindness and dignity to underserved communities. Through collective generosity, I aim to make a meaningful impact—one item at a time

Appreciation Ally

Appreciation Ally is an innovative gratitude-focused app developed from evidence-based mental health research. It uniquely blends visual positivity and reflective journaling, guiding users toward enhanced self-discovery, mood and appreciation

Black Women in STEM Fields: The Impact of Culturally Responsive Mentoring Programs in STEM Academic and Career Success

This qualitative phenomenological study examined the lived experiences of Black women who attained academic and career success in STEM pathways and their perceptions of culturally responsive mentoring (CRM) programs. Despite comprising 7% of the U.S. population, Black women remain disproportionately underrepresented in STEM fields. This study aimed to increase knowledge of the perceived value of CRM programs in increasing Black women\u27s representation, recruitment, and retention in STEM leadership positions. Nine Black women at the director level or higher in STEM organizations participated in semi-structured interviews. The study utilized a conceptual framework for CRM with nine benchmarks to guide the analysis. Three research questions explored the types of mentoring experiences, significant aspects of CRM, and perceived relationships between CRM and STEM career success. Data analysis revealed themes including the importance of representation and role models, navigating predominantly White spaces, building confidence and self-efficacy, overcoming stereotypes and biases, and developing support systems and community. Findings highlighted CRM\u27s role in creating psychologically safe environments, providing emotional support, taking holistic approaches, and positioning participants for positive change. The study offers recommendations for developing culturally competent leadership programs, implementing CRM in academic and workplace settings, and conducting further research on intersectionality in mentorship. This research aimed to address barriers and increase diversity in the STEM talent pipeline by illuminating effective CRM strategies benefiting organizations and the broader economy through enhanced innovation and representation

Towards Trustworthy AI: Addressing Bias in Current and Future Applications

The main focus of this paper is trustworthiness with AI. I have chosen to branch out and discuss bias within that realm of AI

Gene delivery using chemical methods

In lieu of an abstract, here is the chapter\u27s 1st paragraph: The bottleneck of gene therapy is the development of a method by which a therapeutic gene can be delivered to a cell site where gene expression can be accomplished. The process of introducing a gene into cells for the purpose of gene expression is called transfection. A number of methods have been developed for transfecting eukaryotic cells. These can be classified as either viral or nonviral. The ideal method for gene delivery should fulfill three basic requirements: 1. Protect against enzymatic degradation in the intracellular environment. 2. Transport the transgene across the plasma membrane and into the nucleus of the target cell. 3. Be devoid of any immunogenic response