November 2019: Akanksha Patel

Akanksha Patel, 6th-year Ph.D. student in Prof. Morrow's group

We have recently published an article in Journal of Inorganic Biochemistry titled “MRI and fluorescence studies of Saccharomyces cerevisiae loaded with a bimodal Fe(III) T₁ contrast agent”.

My research is on labeling mammalian and fungal cells with MRI contrast agents to study the behavior of contrast agents due to compartmentalization in the cells for potential applications in cell therapy imaging and infection diagnosis.

The department is very caring and nurturing. I have found mentors and have forged friendships for life.

There are many opportunities to get an exposure of teaching mid-size classes (not just grading), organizing foster and/or graduate symposiums etc.

The instrument center is well-equipped with hands-on training experience and collaborative environment helped me learn very many characterization techniques.

Due to close proximity with Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, I got to take part in collaborations and get hands on experience of translational research.