The following have qualified for the first edition of the Educational Programme "Tutor at SUM":
1. Magdalena Nalepa, student of the John Paul II School Complex in Sławków
Topic: "Preparation and study of nanoparticles containing a medicinal substance as potential drug carriers" under the supervision of Ms Karolina Kulig, MA, from the Department of Physical Pharmacy.
"I wanted to get a better understanding of how drugs work and how they are structured to act at a specific site in the body. In addition, I was curious how e-cigarettes affect the body as opinions are divided and their effect on the body itself has not yet been studied in detail," says Magdalena Nalepa, a student of the John Paul II School Complex in Slawkow.
Description of the study:
Nanoparticles are one method of delivering therapeutic substances to the body. Containing active compounds, they can be present in ointments, creams or capsules. They are also used in medicine, e.g. in targeted therapy to improve the effectiveness of treatment and reduce side effects. The aim of the project is to familiarise the participant with
with theoretical issues describing the world of pharmacotherapy at the nanoscale, and the practical preparation of protein nanoparticles containing a selected therapeutic substance, together with the performance of basic research characterising the obtained drug carriers. During the experiments, the participant will learn to use spectroscopic techniques as tools for quantitative and qualitative research. It will also be necessary to use tables and formulas used in chemistry to analyse experimental results. The research is interdisciplinary, combining issues from medical and health sciences as well as science and natural sciences.
2. Maciej Leszczyński, a student of the IV Liceum Ogólnokształcące z Oddziałami Dwujęzycznymi im. Stanisława Staszic in Sosnowiec.
Topic: "Evaluation of changes in the expression profile of selected genes in colon cancer cell lines under the influence of biologically active compounds" under the supervision of Dr Celina Kruszniewska - Rajs, M.D., associated with the Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, SUM in Sosnowiec.
Study description:
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers in humans and the incidence of this type of cancer is steadily increasing. The challenge in oncology today is to develop personalised therapies targeting a specific type of cancer, and this is what requires a thorough understanding of the mechanisms of tumour processes in different types of cancer, including colorectal cancer, which is a very heterogeneous group of cancers.
The aim of the study carried out in the Tutor programme will be to assess changes in the expression profile of selected genes in different colorectal cancer cell lines treated with selected biologically active compounds.
In the course of the programme, the Participant will independently perform the isolation of RNA from tumour cells, followed by its qualitative and quantitative evaluation. In the next stage, he/she will design and carry out the RT-qPCR reaction (including assessment of its specificity) and analyse changes in the expression profile of selected genes.
Highlights of the "Tutor at SUM" Educational Programme
The programme implemented at the Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences was created for secondary school students who have completed either Class I, II or III. Each academic year, the Programme will recruit up to 4 students. The next intake will start at the beginning of the 2024/2025 academic year.
The introduction of the School Tutoring Programme will result in the best secondary school students being given the opportunity to benefit from individual academic tutor-student support in planning and conducting academic research. During tutor-student meetings, goals and ways to achieve them are defined and the tutor accompanies the student in the research process, referring to the student's strengths and individual resources. Participation in the programme strengthens the student's autonomy and assumption of responsibility for his or her own learning and its results, and develops his or her interests.
Participation in the "SUM Tutor" Programme is free of charge. "Tutor SUM" lasts for one academic year and can be extended until the Participant graduates from secondary school. Classes are conducted on an individual basis: Tutor-Participant. Each Participant in the "Tutor SUM" Programme receives a Certificate of Participation in the Programme.
