Two LSUS students take top undergraduate prizes in biomedical research competition

Two LSUS students take top undergraduate prizes in biomedical research competition

SHREVEPORT - As a first-semester freshman, LSUS biological sciences student Nezar Zeidan walked around the 2024 Biomedical Research and Industry Day (BRAID) with essentially no knowledge of scientific research.

Fast forward one year, and not only did Zeidan present his own research, the sophomore captured first place in the undergraduate poster presentation category.

Zeidan was one of seven LSUS undergraduates to take part in the first Summer Biotechnology Research Program, a program which yielded the first- and second-place winners in the 2025 BRAID event in mid-October at LSU Health Shreveport.

"It feels surreal to think that just one year late, I was back presenting my own poster and taking home first place," said Zeidan, whose research is titled 'Scent and Stress Signals' that centered around the study of chemical compounds that produce scents or respond to stress. "That moment reminded me how much can change in a short time when you stay determined and open to new opportunities.

"The (Summer Biotechnology Research Program) was one of the most meaningful experiences I've had at LSUS. I conducted my research during the summer after my freshman year with only one general chemistry class and no prior lab experience. I'm very thankful to my mentor Dr. Jack Baricuatro (assistant professor, chemistry) who constantly pushed me to improve and taught me discipline, perseverance, and how to think critically as a scientist."

Biological sciences senior Thomas Dean captured the second-place prize with his presentation "Structural Insights into a Promiscuous Methyltransferase Driving Diversification of Bioactive Compounds" - which focused on an enzyme that helps create a variety of biologically active molecules relative to medicine and biotechnology.

All seven of the LSUS undergraduates in the summer program furthered research that explore ideas and concepts that could impact future natural products in the medicine and biotechnology realm.

At most "R1" Research Institutions, undergraduates may have limited or no access to real lab settings, and that access usually involves working with research assistants.

LSUS is providing opportunities for undergraduates to work and learn directly from science faculty like Baricuatro and Dr. Vonny Salim, assistant professor of biology.

The 10-week summer program oriented students with hands-on lab training, identification of research topics and gradual ownership of running their own experiments.

"We are incredibly proud of how much the students have grown over the summer," said Salim, who directed the summer program with Baricuatro and Dr. Stephanie Villaba, biological sciences assistant professor. "They've produced interesting and meaningful data, and their ability to present and explain their work is a testament to their development as young scientists.

"Many of the students were so motivated that they stayed after hours to finish experiments and learn more, and it was great to see their confidence and independence grow over the course of the summer. Beyond lab skills, the program really encouraged students to think like scientists by asking questions, thinking critically, and approaching challenges with curiosity and persistence."

Baricuatro asserted that early exposure to laboratory settings has a significant impact.

"What makes our program special is that it gives students, some of them fresh from their first year of college, an early opportunity to build skills and confidence in a supportive but challenging environment," Baricuatro said.

The end goal of the program is to present findings at research events like the recent BRAID competition and the upcoming Student Scholars Forum this spring.

For Zeidan, who is one of a handful of summer program students with medical school plans, the experience gained reaffirmed his pursuit.

"This experience strengthened my foundation in organic chemistry and biotechnology research, and it made me even more passionate about continuing research in the future," Zeidan said. "It also reaffirmed my goal to attend medical school and pursue a career where I can combine research and medical practice to help improve people's lives.

"Winning first place in the BRAID program truly solidified everything I learned and felt like the perfect way to close the first chapter of my research journey."

The summer program is made possible by the LSUS Foundation, which provided funding, including an award for participating students.