Larkin University concluded the 2026 Larkin University Summer Research Program (LUSRP) on August 7 with a Mini-Symposium celebrating the accomplishments, dedication, and growth of 28 student researchers from institutions across South Florida.
The 2026 cohort included 23 undergraduate and 5 high school students representing Miami Dade College, Barry University, Florida International University, College Academy at Broward Community College, Alexander Dreyfoos School of the Arts, North Miami Senior High School, and Cypress Bay High School.
Throughout the summer, students gained hands-on experience in biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical research under the guidance of Larkin University faculty mentors. The program also provided professional development sessions, research seminars, networking opportunities, and training in scientific communication and presentation.
Celebrating Student Research Achievements
The program culminated in the LUSRP Mini-Symposium, where students presented their research through three-minute flash presentations and poster presentations.
The Top Three Research Achievers were recognized based on their research presentations:
First Place – Joanna Gerges
Mentor: Dr. Umar-Farouk Mamani
Project: Targeted Nanomedicine for Glioblastoma Chemoimmunotherapy
Second Place – Sarvesh Amatya
Mentor: Dr. Taraman Kadayat and Dr. Bhuvan KC
Project: Low-Dose Amitriptyline in Chronic Pain and Insomnia: Literature Review & Molecular Docking Analysis
Third Place – Layla Lee
Mentor: Dr. Prashant Sakharkar
Project: Association between Oral Health and Required Daily Nutritional Intake, Socioeconomic Disparities and Depression among US Adults
Congratulations to Joanna, Sarvesh, and Layla for their outstanding accomplishments and commitment to research.
Distinguished Keynote Speaker
The Mini-Symposium featured keynote speaker Dr. Tamara Hamilton, Professor of Chemistry and Executive Director of Research Integrity and Grants Administration at Barry University in Miami Shores, Florida. Her presentation, “Making Porphyrin Synthesis Greener via Mechanochemistry,” introduced students to innovative approaches to sustainable chemical synthesis and highlighted the importance of creativity and interdisciplinary thinking in scientific research.
Dr. Hamilton’s research interests include mechanochemical synthesis of porphyrins, porphyrin-walled metal-organic polyhedra, and pedagogical frameworks supporting the success of historically marginalized students in STEM.
Mentorship and Professional Development
The success of LUSRP would not have been possible without the dedication of the faculty mentors who guided students throughout the summer.
LUSRP 2026 Research Projects: https://www.larkin.edu/lusrp-project-names-and-details/
College of Biomedical Sciences:
Dr. Rudi H. Ettrich; Dr. Thomas A. Edwards
College of Pharmacy – Department of Clinical and Administrative Sciences:
Dr. Prashant Sakharkar; Dr. Priscilla Ryder; Dr. Kristal Potter; Dr. Heqin Yang; Dr. Farisai Chiwanza; Dr. Heavenson Aristyld
College of Pharmacy – Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences:
Dr. Sandeep Sheth; Dr. Arun Kotha; Dr. Umar-Farouk Mamani; Dr. Taraman Kadayat; Dr. Dedeepya Pasupuleti; Dr. Emmanuel Adediran; Dr. Amit Subedi
Weekly Professional Development Sessions, held every Friday, complemented students’ research experiences with training in research, scientific writing, communication, career development, and networking. Topics included:
- Experimental Investigations of Critical Protein-Protein Interactions by Dr. Thomas A. Edwards
- Drug Discovery and Development by Dr. Taraman Kadayat
- Research Ethics and Responsible Conduct of Research by Dr. Sandeep Sheth
- From Research to Publication: Literature Search, Review, and Scientific Manuscript Writing (Faculty Panel Discussion – Dr. Arun Kotha, Dr. Taraman Kadayat, Dr. Dedeepya Pasupuleti; Moderator – Dr. Aarajana Shrestha)
- Networking and Vision Board Activities
- Synergy Between Computational and Experimental Biology by Dr. Rudi H. Ettrich
- Research Shark Tank by Idelxy Perez
- Midterm Progress Report – 5 minutes Oral Presentations
- Networking at Topgolf, Miami Gardens
- Introduction to Qualitative Research: Lessons from a Diabetes Coping Study by Dr. Farisai Chiwanza
- The Science of Resilience: Tools for Success and Wellness by Dr. Melinda Contreras
- Setting Career Goals in Pharmacy, Biomedicine, Physician Assistant Studies, Dentistry and Medicine (Faculty Panel Discussion – Dr. Heavenson Aristyld, Dr. Thomas A. Edwards, Professor Melissa Elie, Dr. Cesar R. Sabates, Dr. Paula M. Gregory)
- Who Funds Health Science Research, and How Can You Get That Support? by Dr. Aarajana Shrestha
- Relationship Between Trust in Doctor and Decision Involvement by Dr. Heqin Yang
- Look Good on Paper: CV Tips for Young Professionals by Dr. Kristal Potter
A Collective Effort
Larkin University extends sincere appreciation to all faculty, staff, volunteers, and partners who contributed to the success of LUSRP 2026. Special thanks to Dr. Pablo Sacasa and his team at Miami-Dade College for their partnership and to Fisher Scientific for their continued support in providing laboratory coats for students.
“The LUSRP Mini-Symposium is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate not only what our students have accomplished in research, but also how much they have grown as young professionals and scientists. Their curiosity, dedication, and enthusiasm have been truly inspiring,” said Dr. Aarajana Shrestha, LUSRP Program Coordinator.
“At Larkin University, we believe that meaningful research experiences can inspire students to discover not only new scientific knowledge, but also their own potential. LUSRP provides students with the opportunity to learn, explore, collaborate, and grow under the guidance of dedicated mentors. We are incredibly proud of the accomplishments of the 2026 cohort and look forward to seeing how they carry these experiences into their future academic and professional journeys,” said Dr. Rudi H. Ettrich, President of Larkin University.
Empowering the Next Generation
LUSRP continues to provide students with meaningful opportunities to explore biomedical, pharmaceutical, and clinical research while developing the skills needed for future academic and professional careers.
Larkin University congratulates the LUSRP 2026 cohort and extends its deepest appreciation to the mentors, speakers, staff, volunteers, and partners who helped make this summer of research, mentorship, professional development, collaboration, and discovery a success.