University Park, IL–(ENEWSPF)– This spring students in the Master of Science in Analytical Chemistry at Governors State University will learn first-hand what impact their research projects have with presentations at several conferences and to the Food and Drug Administration in Washington, D.C.
Lakshmi S. Pallothu and Rahul A. Khanke, both of University Park, recently presented results of their research at the Twentieth Annual Illinois Student Research Conference in Chicago. Pallothu’s research concentrated on the effect of zinc compounds on human skin cells that are exposed to sunlight. Her research has implications for skin cancer treatments. Khanke, in collaboration with the Food and Drug Administration, presented his research on the effects of sunlight on scalp cells after the hair has been treated with yellow-based hair dye.
According to Dr. Patty Fu-Giles, their research advisor, “Presenting at a conference motivates students to complete good research and reinforces the validity of their findings. It is good for our students and showcases the strength of our programs.”
In May, GSU students will also present at the American Chemical Society Conference in Chicago. Pryanka Kotha and Rahul A. Khanke, both of University Park, will present the results of their experiments using a combination of light and nontoxic drugs to destroy specific targeted tumor cells. Srinkanth R. Banda of University Park will present his results on experiments using a platinum compound to treat cancer. Amitkumar Tanna and Lakshmi S. Pallothu of University Park will present the findings of the research they conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration on the potential toxic effects of Lawson when it exposed to sunlight. Lawson is a compound found in natural henna extract, a widely used hair and skin dye.
“Our students’ research has far reaching implications. Some of their research may lead to patented medicines to treat various cancers,” explained Fu-Giles.
Fu-Giles, who worked for the FDA for five years before taking a teaching position at GSU, will accompany several of her students to Washington, D.C. later this year when they present their findings to the Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition of the FDA.
“The results of our students’ research may also be used to refine warning labels issued by the Food and Drug Administration on commonly used products,” said Fu-Giles. “They will have the opportunity to impact lives in a very positive way through their work here at GSU.”
