The Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (MMoD) Predoctoral Training Program is supported by grant T32GM136593 from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS). The goal of our program is to develop outstanding new scientists who work in collaborative multi-disciplinary teams to research disease mechanisms using quantitative approaches that ultimately yield tangible strategies for prevention and therapy. Our program provides a framework for students to assemble a broad knowledge base, actively seek research collaborations, produce an outstanding record of original published research, and develop presentation, proposal-writing, and leadership skills that will position them for future excellence as independent researchers focused on mechanisms of disease progression.
Research in the program is broadly focused on defining components of disease progression at the level of molecular interactions and chemical transformations. To accomplish our goal of training future scientists who work collaboratively in teams to solve complex problems, we have identified four key elements of disease systems and organized teams of mentors representing multiple disciplines.
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Spotlight Shoutout: Brandon McDonald
Brandon McDonald is a Ph.D. student and graduate research assistant in the department of Biological Systems Engineering at UNL. He is a leader in the Biological Engineering community across campus and championed the establishment of the Biomedical Engineering and Biotechnology Graduate Student Association to unite students from various departments and enhance the graduate school experience. Brandon is passionate about science and is driven by the belief that the solutions for life's problems are waiting to be discovered.
His research interests lie in preventing, diagnosing, and treating cognitive decline and neurodegeneration, focusing on reducing risks associated with participating in contact sports. Motivated by the increasing diagnosis of Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy among professional football players and seeing friends forced to retire due to recurrent concussions, Brandon aims to find solutions that allow young athletes to pursue sports they love without risking future cognitive deficits.
During his undergraduate program at UNL, Brandon became involved in research due to his experiences in football, which exposed him to the potential long-term effects of repeated head impacts leading to devastating neurological disorders. He joined Dr. Forrest Kievit’s lab during his junior year, focusing on treating and diagnosing neurological disorders, particularly traumatic brain injury and brain cancer.
Brandon chose UNL for his graduate studies because of his strong relationship with his current mentor, Dr. Kievit. His mentorship and research interests influenced his decision to continue at UNL for his graduate program.
Brandon values his experience as an NHRI mentor during his undergraduate degree, which he considers one of his best experiences at UNL. He is grateful for the mentorship of Dr. Lindsay Hastings and Dr. Hannah Sunderman.
His proudest professional accomplishments include defending his master’s thesis, being accepted into the Molecular Mechanisms of Disease (MMOD) Predoctoral Training Program, and delivering an oral presentation at an international conference.
Brandon and his colleague, Sawyer Lorenzen, are developing a program to enhance the efficiency and reproducibility of quantifying images from SDS-PAGE experiments. Although in the early stages, the idea has promise and could provide significant value for biomedical researchers.
For Brandon, leadership involves identifying and utilizing his peers' best qualities to reach their highest potential while guiding and motivating others toward a common goal.
If Brandon could change the world in some way, he would want all children to be able to participate in sports without the risk of cognitive deficits later in life. He aims to improve diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to prevent neurological disorders resulting from repeated head impacts.
Brandon enjoys recreational sports, playing chess, running, weight training, and reading scientific articles. He values spending quality time with his wife, Hannah, his family, friends, and his dog, Blue. He considers this support system essential in helping him pursue his goal of making a positive impact on the world.
On a good day, Brandon enjoys sipping a cup of black coffee and indulging in a burger with fries. Fun fact: during his freshman year, he attended the University of Nebraska at Kearney on a football scholarship.
Brandon embodies the spirit of our graduate students at UNL, who are committed to hands-on leadership and creating valuable change in our community. If you know anyone impacting our community, kindly nominate them here