Armana Patel

                                                   FEINBERG SCHOOL OF MEDICINE- VASSAR LAB            

                                                                                        Chicago, IL
Undergraduate Research Assistant                                                                                      Jan 2023 – Current

• Worked on an independent project characterizing the binding profile of single-chain variable fragment (scFv) antibodies to amyloid plaques in an Alzheimer’s disease mouse model for the completion of my honors thesis.
• Prepare biochemical buffers and perform Western blot and immunofluorescence to study protein expression.
• Gained proficiency in perfusion techniques and microscopy analysis using Nikon NIS Elements, contributing to data interpretation and research insights.
• Collaborate on literature reviews to integrate advancements in neuroscience into ongoing projects.

Sadleir, K., Gomez, K., Edwards, A., Patel, A., Ley, M., Khatri, A., Guo, J., Watkins, E., Lubbe, S., Demonbruen, A., McNally, E., Vassar, R. “Annexin A6 membrane repair protein protects against amyloid-induced dystrophic neurites and tau phosphorylation in Alzheimer’s disease model mice”. (In preparation)

Patel, A., Sadleir, K., Ley, M., Vassar, R. “Inducing A6 overexpression through retro-orbital injection in a mouse model”, Poster presentation at Undergraduate Research and Arts Exposition; Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, May 2024

Patel, A., Sadleir, K., Gomez, K., Vassar, R. “scFv Antibodies as a Therapy for Amyloid Plaque Growth in Alzheimer’s Disease”, Poster presented at Undergraduate Research and Arts Exposition; Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, May 2025

Vice President, Relay for Life | June 2024 – Present

• Oversee student executive board members to execute initiatives and events.
• Organize club fairs, collaborate with cancer survivors to enhance engagement, and plan advocacy events, including a vigil honoring cancer survivors.

Vice President, NMDP Evanston | June 2024 – Present

• Develop educational materials on blood disorders and marrow donation.
• Organize swabbing events, collaborate on impactful initiatives, and advocate for diversity in the donor registry through targeted outreach.

Vice President of Community Relations, Tri Delta Upsilon Chapter | Feb 2024 – Feb 2025

• Lead fundraising for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, achieving record contributions and expanding efforts to local organizations.
• Integrate DEI principles into event planning and organize social and volunteer events to foster community engagement.

Executive Board Member, Brain Exercise Initiative | June 2024 – Present

• Create cognitive engagement materials for memory care residents and expanded the club by recruiting members and partnering with care facilities.
• Lead training sessions on Alzheimer’s progression and best practices for empathetic communication.

Student Mentor, Minority Association of Pre-Medical Students | Sep 2024 – Present

• Built a supportive community for minority pre-med students by fostering connections and mentoring them on academic and professional challenges.
• Guide mentees on extracurriculars, research opportunities, and pre-med coursework to enhance their medical school applications.

Chapter Delegate, Panhellenic Association | Feb 2024 – Feb 2025

• Represent my chapter in conversations with the Office of Community Standards, Dean of Students, and Multicultural and Interfraternal Councils to foster inclusivity, equity, and meaningful change.
• Participate in a hazing awareness roundtable, leading dialogues on prevention across student organizations and expanding resources to address hazing incidents.
• Engage with organizations advocating for awareness and improvements regarding sexual violence in Greek life, amplifying survivors’ voices and promoting a safer community.