Major: Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience
Class Year: 2028
High School: Rock Hill High School
Advisor: Dr. Tapasree Roy Sarkar
Research Focus: Cancer Biology, Cancer Bioinformatics, Tumor Microenvironment
Other Projects and Publications: I am currently researching S100A4 cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their relationship to increased malignancy and proliferation of breast cancer tumors. Overall, CAFs have long been known to be integral to the proliferation, invasion, and overall aggressiveness of tumors, specifically in breast cancer, but are difficult to target due to having diverse subpopulations with varying roles, making this research critical for the development of targeted breast cancer therapies. I am also currently leading a project that researches the effects of microplastics on triple-negative breast cancer tumorigenesis. During my time in Dr. Yinchen Ding's lab at the University of Texas at Dallas, I researched the effects of doxorubicin, a widely used chemotherapy medication, on arrhythmia in zebrafish.
Zhang, X., Saberigarakani, A., Almasian, M., Hassan, S., Nekkanti, M., Ding, Y. 4D Light-sheet Imaging of Zebrafish Cardiac Contraction. J. Vis. Exp. (203), e66263, doi:10.3791/66263 (2024).
Organizations and Programs: Undergraduate Research Ambassador, Sarkar Lab, American Cancer Society Gold Together National Ambassador, The Apprentice Doctor-Medical Chapter at Texas A&M University (TAD-MC), Freshmen Leaders in Artsci Reaching Excellence (FLARE), Aggies Against Cancer (AAC)
Awards and Distinctions: Presidents Endowed Scholarship, Julie & Weston Turner '05 Endowed Scholarship, Dean's List
Experience: Summer Research, Internships, Clinical Shadowing, Data Analysis, Cell Culture
Years Experience: 3
Other Activities: Tennis, Physician Shadowing, Working Out, Kuchipudi Dance, Coffee Shops and Reading!
Bio: Howdy! My name is Manasa Nekkanti, and I’m a sophomore neuroscience major from Prosper, Texas. Upon graduating, I plan on attending medical school while continuing research. As an Undergraduate Research Ambassador, I am so excited to help other students in diverse majors at TAMU get involved in research by sharing my experiences and resources. I strongly encourage involvement in research regardless of career goals, and I am always open to questions or discussion, so feel free to contact me!
I began research as a junior in high school, working to uncover the effects of doxurubicin on arrhythmia in zebrafish. In my fall semester of freshman year, I was offered the amazing opportunity to work in Dr. Sarkar’s lab. Specifically, under PhD candidate Kayla Carter, I have been researching S100A4 cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and their relationship to increased malignancy and proliferation of breast cancer tumors. Overall, CAFs have long been known to be integral to the proliferation, invasion, and aggressiveness of tumors, specifically in breast cancer, but are difficult to target due to having diverse subpopulations with varying roles, making our research critical for the development of targeted breast cancer therapies. I am also currently leading a project regarding the effects of microplastics on triple-negative breast cancer tumorigenesis.
Undergraduate research has provided me with a wealth of experiences and knowledge, both professional and personal, such as experience with laboratory techniques and data analysis skills that I will employ throughout my career as a physician and researcher. However, the most important experience I’ve gained from participating in undergraduate research is being able to work with a team of extremely gifted and talented researchers at various phases of their research careers. Getting involved in research has allowed me to develop my critical thinking and problem-solving skills, growing as both a researcher and student.