Chemical and biomolecular engineering student Joseph Mueller won the honorable mention at the 18th annual AACR Undergraduate Student Caucus and Poster Competition hosted April 15, 2023. The AACR, the American Association for Cancer Research, hosts an annual poster competition for undergraduate students interested in cancer and biomedical science.
Written by Molly Fried
Joseph Mueller with his research poster
Chemical and biomolecular engineering sophomore student Joseph Mueller won the honorable mention at the 18th annual AACR Undergraduate Student Caucus and Poster Competition hosted April 15, 2023, as a apart of the AACR annual meeting. The AACR, the American Association for Cancer Research, hosts an annual poster competition for undergraduate students interested in cancer and biomedical science. Students submit posters, which are judged by the AACR members. Mueller’s trip to Orlando, Florida, for the competition was sponsored by the Cancer Center at Illinois and the Office of Undergraduate Research.
Mueller’s poster described the fabrication of 3D models using biomaterials that represent the micro-environment of glioblastoma tumors. Glioblastoma is a highly aggressive type of cancer that quickly invades brain tissue leading to low survival rates.
Mueller worked on this project under the supervision of Prof. Sara Pedron-Haba since the summer of 2022. Their research combines gelatin-based biomaterials and microfluidic devices to represent the complex brain microeenvironment in a simpler fashion, enabling them to look specifically at how each of the essential components interact with one another. Mueller focuses on how neurons and glioblastoma cells interact, and the effects of radiation on these co-cultures.
Mueller initially wanted to enter the poster competition to learn more about current cancer research and to meet more up and coming researchers.
“I am very excited to have been awarded honorable mention as it feels validating to know that my efforts are paying off," said Joseph Mueller. "I am especially proud to have gotten an award because of the high quality all of the other posters and presentations at the event.”
Last summer, Mueller was a mentor for students with the Carle Illinois College of Medicine through the SpHERES program. He worked with students in research laboratories and helped them gain experience in the research field.