Coppin State Biology Student Advances Cancer Research Through Summer Internship

Coppin senior Mariam Oyelade gains hands-on experience in CAR-T cell therapy research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine

BALTIMORE – Coppin State University biology major Mariam Oyelade spent her summer contributing to cancer research at the University of Maryland School of Medicine (UMSOM), gaining hands-on experience that supports her goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist.

Oyelade, a senior, participated in the Nathan Schnaper Intern Program in Translational Cancer Research, one of several research programs coordinated through UMSOM’s Office of Student Research.

Working under the mentorship of Vikas Kundra, MD, PhD, a professor, and Mukesh Pratap Yadav, PhD, a research specialist, both in UMSOM’s Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oyelade contributed to research involving CAR-T cell therapy, an immunotherapy used to treat certain cancers.

Her project focused on developing a genetic system designed to produce an imaging reporter in response to CAR-T cell activation. By linking reporter expression to a CAR-T cell immune response, the project explored a less invasive approach to monitoring CAR-T cell activity and potentially evaluating how these therapies respond to solid tumors.

Oyelade presented her work during UMSOM’s annual Student Research Forum, held July 24–25. More than 160 student researchers participated in the forum, presenting research in areas including cancer, neuroscience, infectious disease, public health, and clinical care.

“As Mariam’s mentor, I am incredibly proud of her achievement and the dedication she has shown in pursuing high-impact cancer research,” said Mintesinot Jiru, PhD, interim dean of the College of Arts, Sciences and Education. “Her success reflects the talent, determination and potential of Coppin students. Opportunities like these provide invaluable hands-on research experience, exposure to cutting-edge scientific discovery and the preparation needed to become future leaders in STEM fields.”

For Oyelade, the experience provided exposure not only to advanced cancer research but also to the range of disciplines and perspectives that contribute to scientific discovery.

“One thing I’ve taken away from being in this program is that it doesn’t matter what your background is. There’s always a spot for you,” Oyelade said. “I’ve met math and engineering majors in this internship, so you don’t have to be a science major to do cancer research.”

The experience builds on Coppin State’s commitment to preparing students for graduate study and careers in science, health care and other high-demand fields through experiential learning, research and professional development opportunities.

Oyelade plans to apply what she learned this summer as she continues her studies at Coppin and works toward her goal of becoming a pediatric oncologist.