Pamela N. Waldron-Moore
Associate Professor and Chair
Oscar Bouise Professor of Global Studies Department of Political Science Xavier University of Louisiana
1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125
Tel: 504-520-7405; Fax: 504-520-7938
I hope to continue research in Environmental Justice issues (e.g. perception of environmental threat; concern for the environment; environmental activism) and Gender Equity issues (e.g. gender equity and the law; political implications of gender equity; economic explanations).
Maryam Foroozesh - Organic Chemist
Dr. Foroozesh’s research group is involved in the design, synthesis and bioassays of new families of potentially selective mechanism-based inactivators for certain P450 enzymes involved in human carcinogenesis. The target compounds are designed based on structural similarities to the known substrates of these enzymes. Once a newly synthesized target compound is isolated, inhibition studies are performed in order to determine the type and extent of inhibition. The selective inhibitors are provided to our collaborators for further in vivo and in vitro studies. Dr. Foroozesh has also recently initiated a collaborative project involving the design, synthesis, and biological studies of ceramide analogs with the potential of causing reversal of chemoresistance in breast cancer cells.
Maureen Shuh, Ph.D.
Associate Professor
Division of Basic Pharmaceutical Sciences
College of Pharmacy
Xavier University
Description of Research
The human retrovirus, HTLV-I (human T cell leukemia virus type I), causes two human diseases, adult T cell leukemia (ATL) and tropical spastic paraparesis/HTLV-Iassociated myelopathy (TSP/HAM). HTLV-I encodes a viral protein known as Tax. Tax is a transcriptional regulator essential for the viral life cycle; however, Tax also activates normal host transcription, resulting in the expression of several host genes. The increase in host gene transcription is associated with the viral transformation of normal T cells into leukemic T cells. Using molecular, cellular, and biochemical techniques, the researchers in our laboratory are focused on the molecular mechanisms by which Tax functions. The laboratory is funded currently by a Board of Regents grant to investigate Tax protein chemistry in collaboration with Dr. Robert Blake of Xavier Pharmacy and Dr. Bruce Gibb of UNO Chemistry. The laboratory currently has three undergraduate students, one potential pharmacy student, and will have a full-time research technician in the laboratory. Since two of the undergraduate students are seniors, I would very much like to recruit 1-2 additional students into the laboratory to overlap with the seniors.
Student Qualifications
• Enjoy bench science, particularly chemistry, biochemistry, molecular biology.
• Comfortable with chemistry and biology concepts.
• Any level of science student and freshmen are welcomed in the laboratory as long as they have a strong academic showing in the introductory level sciences.
Seniors, however, should not expect to complete a thesis because one year is not enough time for our type of research. Typically, it takes one year for training.
• Commitment to working in the laboratory – at minimum, about 10 hours per week but be flexible about experimental time requirements.
• Enjoy working with peers (other students will be the primary source day-to-day interactions)
General Projects (all Tax-related)
• Tax transcriptional activity.
• Tax protein chemistry.
• Tax and kinase activation.
Royal D. Saunders, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Department of Biology
1 Drexel Drive
Xavier University of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA 70125
504-520-7592
My area of research involves the central nervous system and neurodegenerative diseases. I have a collaboration with the LSU Neuroscience Center Health Sciences Center in New Orleans which involves summer research. Student summer stipends are available. I have supervised five XU students since the summer of 2006, and they have presented posters at the XU Festival of Scholars. I have also received CUR funding for student participation during the academic year.
I would be interested in students who have completed their freshmen year, biology majors only.
If you need more information about my projects, please contact me.
Thank you.
Frank R. Wesselmann
Assistant Professor
Department of Physics and Dual-Degree Engineering
Xavier Universiy of New Orleans
(504) 520-5149
Internal Structure of the Proton and Neutron
Using a medium energy electron beam at one of the nations premier nuclear physics laboratories (DOE's TJNAF), we explore the internal structure of nucleons (protons and neutrons). Of special interest are spin properties, the intrinsic angular momentum of all elementary particles. Experiments are large affairs, big equipment and sizable collaborations. Work might consist of building or modifying detectors, data analysis, or simulations. Some programming experience is desirable, but not impreative. Depending on scheduling, actual participation in the data collection at the lab may be possible, involving domestic travel. Suitable for physics, engineering, and computer science majors, maybe others with a good math and science background. Academic level is less important than schedule and physics background.
Vladimir Kolesnichenko
Assistant Professor
Inorganic Chemistry
Xavier University
New Orleans, Louisiana
504-520-5430
Dr. Kolesnichenko specializes in inorganic chemistry. His research interests are in synthesis of metal clusters with the sizes ranging from molecular to nanometer scale, and in studying of their structure and coordination, colloidal and surface chemistry properties. The prospective applications of currently developed magnetic nanomaterials include magnetic storage media, microelectronics, catalysis, biology and medicine (MRI contrast agents, magnetic drug and radioisotope carriers). The following methods are used for characterization of the obtained materials: Electron Microscopy, X-ray Diffractometry, Dynamic Light Scattering, Magnetometry, FT-IR and Mass-spectrometry, and chemical analysis.
Students, who are interested in hands-on experimentation, completed at least one semester of organic chemistry and with the major of chemistry are especially welcomed to join.
Elliott D. Hammer, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology
John LaFarge Professor in Social Justice
Xavier University of Louisiana
1 Drexel Drive, Box 115
New Orleans, Louisiana 70125
504-520-7636
Dr. Hammer's research in social psychology focuses on the cognitive
aspects of person perception, specifically in terms of stereotypes and
prejudice. He employs an experimental approach to determine the factors
that combine personal (e.g., racial identity, racist experiences,
political beliefs) and situational factors in determining the formation
of evaluations and impressions.
Dr. Gloria Thomas MaGee, Assistant Professor
Department of Chemistry, Xavier University of Louisiana
1 Drexel Drive, New Orleans, LA 70125
504-520-7380 ofc / 504-520-7942 fax
magee.gloria@gmail.com
I am interested in Chemistry majors who have received a grade of B or better in Organic Chemistry. Gloria Thomas MaGee – Analytical Chemist. Dr. MaGee’s research interests are primarily in electrophoretic and microfluidic analyses using laser-induced fluorescence detection. Her research includes applications of biological relevance (e.g., estrogen metabolite analysis, evaluation of bioaffinity in transcription factor assays, amino acid profiling in fish), microfabrication and
characterization of polymeric devices, and fluorescence microscopy.
Galina Z. Goloverda
Novel Magnetic Nanoparticles for Biomedical Application
A long-term goal of this project is to develop novel biocompatible magnetic nanocrystalline materials with suitable properties to be used for targeted drug delivery. The focus of the project is to achieve better-defined and better-characterized nanoscale particles of magnetic materials (presumably Fe, Co, Ni, their oxides and metal/oxide composites) that would be non-toxic and stable in human fluids at physiological pH values. We intend to significantly improve the nanocomposite performance by using newly developed relatively low molecular mass capping ligands as opposed to currently used polymers that substantially hinder magnetic properties of the carrier-particles. This work involves multidisciplinary efforts: Materials Science/ Synthetic Organic Chemistry/ Biomedical Research. Students: Chemistry majors sophomores and up.
Dr. Jiana Zhang
Department of Chemistry
I am interested in synthesis and characterization of nanostructured materials. The materials I am currently working on may possess special physical properties such as superparamagnetism, magnetoresistance, semiconductivity, or thermoelectricity. I intend to use wet chemical synthetic methods such as hydrothermal synthesis, organic precursor method, sol-gel process and spin-coating to fabricate nanoparticles, nanocomposites and thin films under the mild conditions. After synthesis, these materials will be studied using X-ray diffraction, infra-red spectroscopy, thermal analysis, scanning electron microscopy, and magnetic and electrical measurements. Most instruments are available on Xavier campus. Students who are interested in materials research or would like to learn hand-on techniques in chemistry labs are suitable to work in my research lab. I prefer chemistry majors at junior or senior level who have completed general chemistry and organic chemistry lectures and labs. Engineering students who have completed these courses are also welcome.
Ralph Adamo
Department of English
I am engaged in three different areas of research. One is a continuing study of poetics, especially contemporary poetics, which in my terms means the period beginning in the 1960s but especially as it is informed by movements and philosophical positions associated more with the late 1970s.
The second area of active research for me involves a study of issues in contemporary K-12 education theory and practice. I am especially concerned with the events and models associated with post-Katrina education revival and 'reform' in New Orleans, a subject I have studied an written about already.
My third continuing area of research involves noir fiction, especially American, from the period of the 1920s to the present. In this examination, am particualrly concerned with issues of language.
Most any Xavier student with a liberal arts bias or specific interests in my fields would be an appropriate student for me to work with. I plan to apply for funding under the undergrad research aegis for a project this summer in which I willl expand my investigations into the way the new paradigms in public education are affecting actual students and their families.
Peter Barrett
Assistant Professor of Biology
Peter Barrett (Biology) is a C. elegans geneticist, with particular interests in molecular biology, cell biology, and neuroscience. His research with the nematode worm C. elegans involves three primary areas: 1) gene targeting, including novel approaches for targeted gene alteration in C. elegans; 2) genetics and behavior, especially the role of neuropeptides in worm behavior; 3) morphogenesis, the cytoskeleton, and tumor suppressor genes in C. elegans. Students in his laboratory thus have a variety of choices for possible projects, each of which would introduce them to several different yet intersecting techniques: standard molecular biology work such as PCR and cloning; C. elegans microinjection and transgenesis; behavioral and drug studies; C. elegans genetics, such as crosses and mutageneses; and cell biological studies using his library of C. elegans strains and the various microscopes available in the department and elsewhere on campus. In addition to the above, all students in his lab learn the basics of C. elegans growth, culture, and maintenance, including basic microscopy skills. Dr. Barrett takes a structured approach to teaching his students, and involves them in all aspects of each of their individual projects, as well as the other ongoing projects in the lab.
Types of students preferred: Biology/Biology Pre-Med majors; Freshmen, Sophomores, and Juniors are all encouraged to contact Dr. Barrett directly about research opportunities. (Preference may be given to Freshmen and Juniors in particular years.) Previous research experience preferred, but is not necessary.
Marion L. Carroll, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor
Xavier University of Louisiana
Department of Chemistry
1 Drexel Drive, NCF Annex 344
New Orleans LA 70125
504-520-7371
http://MarionCarroll.com/
Dr. Marion Carroll has facilitated the training and successful mentoring of over two dozen undergraduate students in the past five years not only through teaching and mentoring in the biochemistry, proteomics and genomics and organic chemistry courses that he teaches but also by engaging a few of these students in basic scientific research and research presentations locally and nationally. It is his objective to continue providing the tools and projects involving bioinformatics to prepare his students for successful experiences in graduate school. Dr. Carroll's primary objectives in research have been to characterize the unique subfamily structure of repetitive mobile elements called Alu within non-human primates. Evidence accumulated has suggested a distinct pattern of Alu subfamily structure that has evolved in humans and chimpanzees independently that may contribute to understanding human/great ape divergence. These studies have relied heavily on mining the genome database, sequence alignment, and phylogenetic parsimony, primer design and PCR amplification of genomic DNA. He has identified a new subfamily having unique characteristics in humans and chimpanzees. This search continues in addition to understanding the role that these unique elements may play in human and chimpanzee genetic diversity and phenotypes
Dr. Harish Ratnayaka
Office: 410 NCF
Phone: (504) 520-5709
Email: hratnaya@xula.edu
Investigations on stress tolerance mechanisms of vegetable crops
Objectives of the research are to
1. Understand how different components of photosynthesis are iffected by different abiotic stress
2. Which antioxidant systems are involved in stress tolerance/response
3. Which aspects of leaf ultrastructure are affected by the stress
Current work is on spinach and chili peppers. Students will learn how to measure photosynthesis and other leaf gas exchange variables, plant growth, pigment concentrations, cellular damage due to stress etc. among others.
Dominique M. Gendrin, Ph.D.
Associate Professor and Chair
BellSouth Endowed Professor
Department of Communications
Xavier University of Louisiana
1 Drexel Drive
New Orleans, LA 70125-1098
(Office)504-520-5460
Dr. Gendrin's research focuses on the relationship between social cognition/intrapersonal communication and the social construction of self and relational schemas across cultures/ethnicities and contexts. She uses a quantitative approach to analyze the link between cognition and interpersonal communication. For example, she has investigated the mental processing of conversations in predicting marital conflict, second language learning, and mental well-being among muted groups. She is currently working on a project examining African American and Vietnamese American college women’s construction of self, relational schemas, and mental processing of conversations.
Dr. Antonio M. Lopez, Jr.
Professor and the Conrad N. Hilton Endowed Chair in Computer Science
Department of Computer Science
Xavier University of Louisiana
New Orleans, LA 70125
Voice: 504.520.5248
Email: tlopez@xula.edu
From the broad to the more specific, my research areas are: Artificial Intelligence, Knowledge Engineering, Intelligent Agents, and Ontology Development. Information and knowledge are different. Information can be found in a book, a journal publication, a newspaper article, on an Internet web page, on the radio, on television, and a great many other sources. It is said that human’s today are dealing with information overload because so much information is available from so many different sources, some being reliable and others not so reliable. In contrast, knowledge is the process of putting information into action to solve a specific problem. Only humans and intelligent agents (software systems that perceive their environment, reason, and act autonomously) can be knowledge holders; both have the action capabilities of knowing-who, knowing-what, knowing-when, knowing-where, knowing-how and knowing-why.
Presently, I am interested in developing intelligent agents that will enable multiple agents to collaborate on the problems embedded in network-centric operations for the U. S. Army. The Army’s dependence on interacting networks in the physical, information, cognitive, and social domains having diverse groups of constituencies with multiple agendas and priorities is driving an investment into a new field called Network Science. Network Science is characterized by the discovery mode of science rather than the invention mode of technology and engineering. Synergies between network representations and models in the aforementioned domains give Network Science its power.
