Paula Phan
Biomedical engineering
Hometown: Chandler, Arizona, United States
Graduation date: Spring 2023

FURI | Spring 2022
Development of an in vitro Model for the Identification of Volatile Biomarkers of Pneumonia
Pneumonia remains one of the leading causes of global mortality affecting 2.49 million people annually due to poor diagnostic measures. In recent years, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have emerged as easily accessible biomarkers for use in point-of-care diagnostics. The objective of this study is to detect biomarkers of pneumonia through custom-built technology for monitoring VOCs across time. This research collects and monitors VOCs released exclusively by pneumonia-causing bacteria in the presence of small cell lung cancer cells. This unique in vitro model of Pneumonia can provide the first steps of a clinically relevant diagnosis of bacterial lung diseases.Mentor: Barbara Smith
Sponsored project | Spring 2022
W. L. Gore & Associates is a uniquely creative, product leadership enterprise that has served a variety of global markets for 60 years, and provides innovative solutions that its associates stand behind. Gore established funds to support undergraduate students in the Fulton Undergraduate Research Initiative program and graduate students in the Master’s Opportunity for Research in Engineering program, and values student-driven research and developing relationships with students in the programs.