Hello! My name is Niharika Welling, and I am part of the Brackenridge summer fellowship program. Today, I wanted to introduce myself and share my research project.

I am a rising sophomore conducting research in a Cell Biology Lab affiliated with the Swanson School of Engineering, under the guidance of Dr. Partha Roy and Pooja Chawla. My project focuses on targeting angiogenesis, the abnormal formation of blood vessels. By studying specific protein interactions and developing experimental compounds, our goal is to prevent the growth and spread of these unregulated blood vessels. Angiogenesis plays a critical role in several diseases, including cancer, diabetic retinopathy (an eye condition for diabetics), and arthritis. For instance, aberrant angiogenesis enables metastasis by supplying the tumor cells with vital nutrients and oxygen. This research holds tremendous significance as it not only deepens our understanding of angiogenesis and related diseases but also has the potential to revolutionize cancer treatment as it can improve the efficacy of chemotherapy and radiation by making the tumor weaker and more susceptible to destruction. Additionally, it can pave the way for breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, such as tissue construction, by broadening our knowledge on how to regulate blood vessels to develop strategies in order to maintain proper blood supply.

My ultimate aspiration is to pursue a career in medicine. Through this research experience, I seek to gain invaluable knowledge and skills that will contribute to my journey to medical school. Within the lab, I strive to find a potent inhibitor against angiogenesis with the goal of starting clinical trials and releasing a drug that can benefit patients in need. The Brackenridge fellowship program provides an ideal platform for me to connect with peers from interdisciplinary backgrounds. I aspire to share my project and engage in discussions that will offer fresh perspectives on advancing my research through the weekly seminars.

I am pursuing a major in Computational Biology, with a minor in Chemistry and a certificate in Conceptual Foundations of Medicine. Aside from my academic ambitions, I have a passion for dance and am on the Mastana Fusion Dance Team. In addition, I enjoy reading along with outdoor activities, such as kayaking, as shown in the attached picture of my friends and me in my hometown, Princeton, New Jersey. Overall, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Brackenridge program and I look forward to the exciting challenges that lie ahead!