Sigma Xi Undergraduate Showcase 1 - Provisional
Location
To be announced
Start Date
28-10-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
28-10-2026 12:50 PM
Description
Hansi Parmer
Rebecca Castillo
Title: Grace’s Story– Understanding Lupus and How Mycophenolic Acid (MPA) Controls Symptoms
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which an overactive immune system can cause inflammation and damage to tissues and organs. Understanding how medications used to treat SLE work can help connect biology concepts to real clinical uses.
Using a case-based approach, this presentation explores the mechanism of action of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF, CellCept®), an immunosuppressive medication commonly used in the treatment of lupus nephritis.
Through the case study of a teenager diagnosed with SLE, the presentation introduces the role of abnormal immune response in lupus and demonstrates how MMF functions to decrease lymphocyte proliferation, ultimately reducing the activity of immune cells that contribute to autoimmune inflammation.
By connecting a patient's experience with the underlying biochemical pathway, this presentation aims to make the mechanism of mycophenolate easier to understand and illustrate how molecular processes translate into therapeutic benefits. The presentation also highlights the importance of patient education regarding the biological basis of treatments used to manage autoimmune disease.
About the presenter
Rebecca Castillo is a senior Honors student pursuing degrees in Biology and Neuroscience at Nova Southeastern University. Through her Honors in Major projects (Biology and Neuroscience), she has developed a strong interest in understanding disease through both biological and molecular perspectives.
Her Honors in Biology project (reported here) focuses on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly in studying the effects of mycophenolate and its role in treating autoimmune disease. This work has allowed her to explore her interests in immunology and patient-centered science. For her Honors in Major (Neuroscience) project, she gained laboratory research experience investigating the role of motherhood on Alzheimer’s disease progression.
Beyond her academic and research experiences, Rebecca serves as a Mission Mover for the Lupus Foundation of America. Through this role, she has participated in lupus awareness and has spoken at the Lupus and You Empowerment Conference. These experiences have strengthened her interest in connecting scientific research with patient advocacy and education.
Rebecca has also gained extensive clinical experience as an optometric technician, where she has worked directly with patients. As a premedical student, Rebecca hopes to pursue a career in medicine that integrates patient care and advocacy. She is particularly interested in continuing to explore how scientific discoveries can be translated into meaningful improvements in patients' lives.
Sigma Xi Undergraduate Showcase 1 - Provisional
To be announced
Hansi Parmer
Rebecca Castillo
Title: Grace’s Story– Understanding Lupus and How Mycophenolic Acid (MPA) Controls Symptoms
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease in which an overactive immune system can cause inflammation and damage to tissues and organs. Understanding how medications used to treat SLE work can help connect biology concepts to real clinical uses.
Using a case-based approach, this presentation explores the mechanism of action of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF, CellCept®), an immunosuppressive medication commonly used in the treatment of lupus nephritis.
Through the case study of a teenager diagnosed with SLE, the presentation introduces the role of abnormal immune response in lupus and demonstrates how MMF functions to decrease lymphocyte proliferation, ultimately reducing the activity of immune cells that contribute to autoimmune inflammation.
By connecting a patient's experience with the underlying biochemical pathway, this presentation aims to make the mechanism of mycophenolate easier to understand and illustrate how molecular processes translate into therapeutic benefits. The presentation also highlights the importance of patient education regarding the biological basis of treatments used to manage autoimmune disease.
About the presenter
Rebecca Castillo is a senior Honors student pursuing degrees in Biology and Neuroscience at Nova Southeastern University. Through her Honors in Major projects (Biology and Neuroscience), she has developed a strong interest in understanding disease through both biological and molecular perspectives.
Her Honors in Biology project (reported here) focuses on systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), particularly in studying the effects of mycophenolate and its role in treating autoimmune disease. This work has allowed her to explore her interests in immunology and patient-centered science. For her Honors in Major (Neuroscience) project, she gained laboratory research experience investigating the role of motherhood on Alzheimer’s disease progression.
Beyond her academic and research experiences, Rebecca serves as a Mission Mover for the Lupus Foundation of America. Through this role, she has participated in lupus awareness and has spoken at the Lupus and You Empowerment Conference. These experiences have strengthened her interest in connecting scientific research with patient advocacy and education.
Rebecca has also gained extensive clinical experience as an optometric technician, where she has worked directly with patients. As a premedical student, Rebecca hopes to pursue a career in medicine that integrates patient care and advocacy. She is particularly interested in continuing to explore how scientific discoveries can be translated into meaningful improvements in patients' lives.