Lujain Alkhalaileh - Clinical Bioanalytical Chemistry

Can you share a little bit about the project you worked on and presented?

I presented my research, entitled "Development and Characterization of mPEG-Chitosan Nanoparticles for the Co-delivery of Curcumin and KRAS-targeting siRNA in Lung Cancer Models," at the ADLM 2026 Annual Scientific Meeting in Anaheim, California.

This project focuses on developing a nanoparticle-based platform utilizing mPEG-chitosan to co-deliver two therapeutic agents: curcumin, a natural lipophilic compound, and an siRNA designed to target KRAS mutations in lung cancer cells. Lung cancer represents one of the most lethal malignancies worldwide, exhibiting both high incidence and mortality rates. It remains the primary cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women, with KRAS mutations present in approximately 30% of cases, representing a significant clinical challenge. Existing treatments are limited by the poor stability and low bioavailability of both RNA-based therapies and compounds such as curcumin when administered through conventional methods. My research addresses these limitations by constructing a single, nanoscale delivery system intended to enhance therapeutic efficacy in A549 lung cancer cells.

What do you hope people will take away from the research you have presented?

I hope that individuals begin to consider approaches beyond conventional frameworks, recognizing that integrating two therapies into a single platform is not only theoretically feasible but can hold significant practical value for cancer treatment. I also want to emphasize something I truly believe: asking the right questions before starting your research is everything. The quality of your results depends entirely on the quality of the questions you ask.

Why did you choose your specific CSU degree for your graduate degree?

I chose the PhD program in Clinical Bioanalytical Chemistry at CSU because it is the only ComACC-accredited program of its kind in the United States. That accreditation matters because it sets a high standard for the field and signals that the training you receive is rigorous and recognized. CSU stood out as the right place to pursue research at the intersection of clinical chemistry and cancer, and I have not been disappointed.

What is a highlight of your grad school experience?

The defining highlight of my graduate career was winning first place in the 2026 Northeastern Ohio Association for Diagnostics and Laboratory Medicine (NEO-ADLM) Student Competition. This recognition was especially meaningful because it validated months of persistent benchwork dedicated to troubleshooting complex nanoparticle delivery formulations. Presenting this data to experienced clinical specialists, defending my platform design, and receiving top honors affirmed that our approach offers tangible clinical merit. This experience shifted my perspective from a student following protocols to an independent scientist contributing meaningful solutions to translational medicine.

How do you hope your degree and research you’ve conducted will impact your career?

Pursuing a PhD in Clinical Bioanalytical Chemistry will offer opportunities beyond those available with a master's degree. I am currently engaged in one of the most dynamic fields in biomedical research: nanoparticle drug delivery for cancer. The comprehensive training I am receiving prepares me to contribute significantly in academia, industry, or translational research. My goal is to continue conducting research that meaningfully advances cancer treatment.

What advice would you give students interested in pursuing the grad program you are in?

Come in curious and stay patient. Research is not linear, and reframing a failed experiment as a lesson rather than a loss will take you far. Also, before you even design your first experiment, spend real time defining your research question. A well-formed question will save you months of misdirected work. And if you are passionate about clinical chemistry and want a program with national recognition behind it, CSU is genuinely a great choice.