As Xavier University of Louisiana senior Derek Favorite ’27 begins his final undergraduate year, he is bringing back to campus new biomedical research experience, advanced laboratory skills and a deeper understanding of how scientific discovery can inform medicine.

Favorite, a biology pre-medical major, spent two months at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine participating in the Summer Student Research Program at the Bethel Musculoskeletal Research Center (BMRC). There, he conducted research into the cellular mechanisms underlying intervertebral disc degeneration while working alongside researchers and Xavier alumni committed to preparing the next generation of physicians and scientists.

“My work focused on investigating the autophagy pathway in human nucleus pulposus (NP) cells under inflammatory stress,” Favorite wrote in a LinkedIn post. “By developing targeted knockdown models and using transfection and RT-qPCR analysis, we aimed to uncover key pathways regulating cellular survival and homeostasis in degenerative disc disease.”

Autophagy is a cellular process that allows cells to remove damaged components and maintain healthy function. Favorite’s research examined that process under inflammatory conditions caused by interleukin-1 beta, providing him with hands-on experience in molecular biology and its potential applications to musculoskeletal disease.

Throughout the summer, Favorite strengthened his skills in cell culture, transfection and gene expression analysis while learning to navigate the challenges inherent in laboratory research.

“I gained valuable experience optimizing cell culture protocols, transfection efficiency and gene expression workflows under inflammatory conditions,” Favorite continued. “I deepened my appreciation for how fundamental molecular biology translates directly into clinical insights for musculoskeletal pathology.”

Favorite’s summer experience also demonstrates the strength of Xavier’s alumni network. Xavier alumni Jarrett D. Cain ’97 and MaCalus V. Hogan, M.D., MBA ’01, serve as co-directors of the F.A.I.R. (Foot & Ankle Injury Research) Lab, which is part of the BMRC. Hogan also serves as chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine. Cain and Hogan are both founding members of Xavier’s JW Carmichael Premedical Society.

Favorite credited the Xavier alumni, along with Nam Vo, Ph.D., and Prashanta Silwal, Ph.D., with helping make the summer a meaningful research and professional experience.

“I am immensely grateful for the guidance, mentorship and support from Xavier University of Louisiana alumni Dr. Jarrett D. Cain and Dr. MaCalus V. Hogan, as well as the laboratory knowledge I gained working closely with Dr. Nam Vo and Prashanta Silwal,” Favorite wrote.

For Cain and Hogan, Favorite’s participation also represents an opportunity to strengthen the pathway between Xavier and the BMRC for future students.

“Derek is an outstanding student and gentleman who represented Xavier with excellence,” Cain said. “Our goal is to continue to have Xavier students participate in this program.”

The experience adds another dimension to Favorite’s preparation for a career in medicine as he enters his senior year at Xavier.

“Stepping into my final undergraduate year, I’m excited to carry these technical skills and insights forward into my pre-medical journey,” Favorite wrote.

For Favorite, the summer offered more than an opportunity to conduct research. It connected the scientific foundation he has built at Xavier with advanced biomedical research, clinical possibilities and Xavier alumni who are extending the University’s tradition of mentorship into the next generation.