NSU senior presents cancer research at state capitol

Northeastern State University senior Mohamed Abdelmonem, of Tulsa, recently presented his findings from two years of undergraduate cancer research at Research Day at the State Capitol.

Abdelmonem, a biology major with an emphasis in molecular biology, was one of 25 undergraduate students representing 19 Oklahoma colleges and universities who presented competitive research posters at the Waterford Hotel and met with members of the State Legislature at the State Capitol.

Abdelmonems research has been focused on mapping the interaction between two proteins involved in DNA replication and repair. He said the project gave him a better understanding of the complexity of research.

It was a lot of work, but it was definitely fun and a great experience, he said.

Dr. Sapna Das-Bradoo was Abdelmonems advisor for this project. She said sharing research is important for students.

Sharing brings confidence to the students, she said. Sharing at the capitol is important because the student shares the research with senators and congressmen and informs them about the excellent research going on at NSU.

Das-Bradoo said this research project was the result of team work, and Abdelmonems findings will help her group further explore these tumor-causing genes.

Prior to taking the research to the state capitol, Abdelmonem won best poster presenter for the project at NSUs Undergraduate Research Day in 2016. As a 2017 Outstanding Scholar, Abdelmonem presented at this years NSU Undergraduate Research Day on April 19.

With aspirations of running for political office in the future, Abdelmonem said he enjoyed the opportunity to interact with state legislators at Research Day at the State Capitol.

It was nice just getting advice from them and seeing that they're interested in the work that you're doing and spending time on, he said.

Research Day at the State Capitol is an annual event designed to raise awareness of the outstanding research that is taking place at Oklahoma colleges and universities. Research Day at the Capitol is sponsored by Oklahoma Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research, the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education and the National Science Foundation.