Lab Notes Newsletter – November 2025

Shuvo Brahma—a Materials Science, Engineering, and Commercialization (MSEC) student working with our very own Dr. Tania Betancourt—recently showcased his innovative biomaterials research at the Texas State Three Minute Thesis (3MT®) competition, where he highlighted the exciting work below.

This research focuses on developing a biodegradable, electrically conductive nanofiber scaffold designed to support the regeneration of damaged nerve and cardiac tissue. Neurological disorders affect approximately 8% of the population, while cardiovascular diseases impact about 7.6%. A major challenge after these conditions is that heart and nerve cells have limited natural ability to regenerate, largely because they require a highly specialized microenvironment—one that is structurally supportive, mechanically strong, biocompatible, and capable of conducting bioelectrical signals.

To address these challenges, polycaprolactone (PCL) nanofibers are fabricated using electrospinning. PCL is selected due to its biocompatibility, biodegradability, and ability to mimic the fibrous architecture of natural extracellular matrix. To improve mechanical strength and initial conductivity, nanoparticles such as reduced graphene oxide are incorporated. The resulting nanofibers are then coated with a Nobel Prize–winning conductive polymer (e.g., PEDOT) using vapor phase deposition (VPD), a solvent-free coating technique that enables uniform polymer growth without compromising fiber structure or biocompatibility.

Material characterization confirms that this process yields uniform, mechanically reinforced, electrically conductive nanofibers with semiconductor-like behavior. Initial biological tests show excellent cytocompatibility, with enhanced cell attachment and proliferation on the conductive nanofiber scaffold. The biodegradable nature of PCL allows the scaffold to gradually break down after tissue regeneration, eliminating the need for surgical removal.

This research demonstrates a promising pathway for creating multifunctional biomaterial patches capable of promoting nerve regeneration and cardiac tissue repair through a combination of structural mimicry, mechanical robustness, and electrical conductivity.

Two Texas State University students in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry and related programs have been awarded Undergraduate Research Fellowships (URF) for Fall 2025, a highly competitive program that supports original student research.

Eden Merritt, a biochemistry major, received funding for a project that explores the structure and function of LARP6 proteins in simple algae. Working under the mentorship of Dr. Karen Lewis, Merritt’s research aims to better understand how protein structure influences RNA binding and cellular function.

Olivia Hamilton, a biology major, earned a fellowship for her work studying a copper-responsive pathway in Pseudogymnoascus destructans, the fungus responsible for white-nose syndrome in bats. Mentored by Dr. Ryan Peterson, Hamilton’s project focuses on how the fungus manages copper to survive inside hosts, with the goal of contributing to disease prevention strategies.

The Undergraduate Research Fellowship program awards funding to support student-led research and provides opportunities for undergraduates to present and publish their work, strengthening the university’s commitment to hands-on, high-impact learning.

Congrats Eden and Olivia!

Graduate students from Chemistry & Biochemistry gathered for a cozy, pre-finals pick-me-up at this year’s Give Thanks, Take a Break Social, held on November 20 in Comal 116.

The room was filled with warm, welcoming autumn vibes with videogame music, and friends that set the tone for a relaxed afternoon. Students made themselves at home with fresh coffee and tea, snacks, and light crafts designed to spark creativity and help everyone unwind before finals week kicked into full gear.

Attendees didn’t just relax though, they created! Students put together some truly awesome art pieces during the craft session, and their work is now proudly displayed in the main Departmental Office. 

A huge thank-you goes out to all the students who consistently show up, bring great energy, and make each event memorable.

Whether sipping a warm drink, chatting with friends, or taking a mindful moment to decompress, the social offered a chance to slow down, recharge, and share gratitude as the fall term came to a close.

We’re excited to keep the fun going — and we’ll be kicking off the spring semester with the same good vibes, creative moments, and community spirit. Thanks again to everyone who joined us, and we can’t wait to see you next time!

While the Fall 2025 Seminar Series has wrapped up, the Department will be back in Spring 2026 with an all-new lineup of speakers, exciting topics, and plenty of opportunities for students to get involved and enjoy.

Thank you for reading this edition of Lab Notes! We’re proud to celebrate the achievements, creativity, and community that make the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry such an inspiring place to be.

As this is our final issue of the year, we want to thank everyone who shared their stories and successes with us. We can’t wait to see what 2026 brings for our students, faculty, and department. Until then, keep sending us your updates, events, and accomplishments — and we’ll be ready to highlight them in the new year!

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