PNW chemistry professor earns Fulbright award

Purdue University Northwest (PNW) associate professor of Chemistry Meden F. Isaac-Lam recently received a Fulbright award to promote and exchange interdisciplinary chemistry research in three different Southeast Asian countries during the summer of 2023.

“The Fulbright program is considered to be one of the most widely recognized and prestigious scholarships in the world,” said Isaac-Lam. “I am honored to represent the U.S. and PNW to conduct a high level of research abroad, share knowledge and expertise with internationally acclaimed university professors, and provide research and academic instruction to students in the host institutions.”

Isaac-Lam’s research at PNW centers on drug therapeutics and neurodegenerative disease. Her proposed research abroad is linked to two patents she developed at PNW involving therapeutics to treat triple negative breast cancer. The research abroad will also involve her interdisciplinary work using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to understand biochemical mechanisms in the brains of American veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Between May and August 2023, Isaac-Lam will establish collaborative work at three host institutions:

• At the National University of Singapore, Isaac-Lam will work with the application of nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy for the detection of cancer and photoinactivation of viruses, as well as researching implantable wireless light-emitting diode (LED) devices and hydrogel fibers for cancer treatment.
• At Tan Tao University in Vietnam, Isaac-Lam will work with nanoparticle biosynthesis, as well as contrast agents for MRI, gene expression, and biomarkers for breast cancer in clinical diagnosis.
• At the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, Issac-Lam will conduct research in medicinal chemistry, natural products, and computer-assisted drug discovery and drug design.

“I look forward to the interaction with leading scientists and university students abroad, to learn from their expertise, and share my knowledge in drug discovery, drug design and development, and to exchange information to advocate for a healthy well-being,” said Isaac-Lam.

Isaac-Lam has taught and researched at PNW for 10 years.