Think Fast: Miller School of Medicine Ph.D. Student Wins Three-Minute Thesis Competition
Natasha Khatwani presented her discovery of how microRNA-29a could help preserve the energy of T cells and help them to fight off illnesses like cancer.
Natasha Khatwani, a cancer biology graduate student and fitness enthusiast, pondered whether a tiny molecule called microRNA-29a could help preserve the energy of vital T cells from exhaustion and help them to fight off illnesses like cancer.
As it turns out, she was right about microRNA-29a, and Khatwani, a Ph.D. student in cancer biology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, won over the judges during the 10th annual Three Minute Thesis (3MT) competition hosted by the University of Miami’s Graduate School. Her winning thesis focused on a new therapy she devised with her advisor, Erietta Stelekati, Ph.D., assistant professor of microbiology and immunology at the Miller School, to help strengthen T cells, which help deter cancer and other diseases.
Khatwani’s was one of eight novel discoveries shared by UM graduate students, who distilled years of research into three minutes for the competition. Held at the Kislak Center, the event drew students and faculty members from across the institution’s three campuses.
“The eight remarkable competitors not only communicated their research to all of us in terms we can understand, but also inspired us to keep learning,” said Nicole Leeper Piquiero, Ph.D., interim dean of the Graduate School. “Their work reminds us that curiosity is the spark that drives innovation.”
“MicroRNA-29a (Mir-29a) acts as a master switch, giving CAR T cells strength and health,” said Khatwani, who plans to continue studying the process after her upcoming graduation. “When we boosted Mir-29a, mitochondria grew and the cells became stronger. And when we engineered CAR T cells to express Mir-29a, they resisted exhaustion and were able to kill cancer cells more effectively.”
Khatwani said she was humbled by the honor. She took home a prize of $750, as well as the chance to compete in regional and state 3MT competitions.
Other competitors included:
• Runner-up Tiffany Leung, a child psychology graduate student, discovered that children younger than 4 years old often get sick more than older children and adults because they aren’t yet attuned to noticing the signs of illness in others.
• Praga Vipulanandan, an electrical and computer engineering Ph.D. student, explored whether he could apply concepts from quantum physics to create an accuracy scale for new AI tools like ChatGPT when they are used to offer fast answers in high-stakes fields like medicine.
• Saetbyeol Kim, a Ph.D. student at the Miami Herbert Business School, determined through market research that customers believe products that aim to benefit mental health are seen as luxuries, while those that improve physical health are viewed as more vital.
• Giuliano McDonald, a Ph.D. student at the School of Communication and former football player, explored what factors might lead college football players to start wearing helmet covers as an added protection from concussions.
• Savannah Saavedra, a Ph.D. student in literary, cultural and linguistic studies in the College of Arts and Sciences, explored how gender, nationhood and the city are characterized in four works of Colombian and Mexican literature.
• Guerdiana Thelomar, a Ph.D. student in community well-being at the School of Education and Human Development, found that while black women are one of the most successful and accomplished student populations in higher education, often these women neglect their own needs and experience negative health outcomes. Thus, institutions should prioritize the well-being of this population.
Tags: cancer biology, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Dr. Erietta Stelekati, medical education, microbiology and immunology, student research, Three-Minute Thesis