PVAMU junior biology major excels in cutting-edge medical research

PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Nov. 22, 2024) - Anisa Cole, a junior biology major at Prairie View A&M University, is breaking new ground in medical research. Through the University's Faculty Research and Innovation for Scholarly Excellence (RISE) Program, she is working alongside Dr. Naznin Sultana, a clinical associate professor, on a project aimed at creating materials that can help repair damaged tissues in the body.

The research focuses on designing safe and natural materials-enhanced with nutrients like vitamins and iron-that encourage cells to grow and heal. These materials, known as 3D scaffolds, act like tiny building blocks, providing a structure that helps new tissue form.

Cole's time in the RISE Program has been marked by impressive achievements. She contributed to a forthcoming book chapter, which helped her sharpen her scientific writing skills. As the Student Government Association's Vice President of Research and Development, Cole also shared her research journey at the 2024 Faculty RISE kickoff event.

Her passion for science and education drives her long-term goal of pursuing an MD-PhD program, blending her love for research, medicine, and youth education to make a meaningful difference in people's lives.

Recently, Cole was one of only nine students nationwide selected for the Harvard/MIT Equitable Access to Research Training (HEART) MD-PhD Program. This program, which promotes fairness and inclusion in science and medicine, aligns with Cole's dream of improving healthcare access for underserved communities as a physician-scientist.

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The Faculty RISE Program, created by PVAMU's Vice President of Research and Innovation Dr. Magesh Rajan invests in important research areas and encourages collaboration between faculty, students and University partners.

Cole's inspiring journey showcases PVAMU's dedication to nurturing talent and advancing groundbreaking ideas that create a lasting impact.

A modified version of this story originally appeared on pvamu.edu/research.

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