Research experience | Maryann Melendrez

Experience

Undergraduate Research Assistant I May 2025 - Present

Douglas and A. Yvonne Mendenhall Pharm Chem Undergraduate Research Fellowship, Summer 2025

PI: Dr. Michael Hageman, Valentino J. Stella Distinguished Professor

Investigate how varying phospholipid-to-bile salt ratios in mixed micelles influence the stability and permeability of cyclic peptide drugs, addressing the variability of natural micellar compositions across individuals.
Designed and executed UPLC-PDA and side-by-side diffusion experiments to quantify peptide flux, half-life, and micelle size under different formulations.
Applied Empower and Excel to analyze diffusion kinetics and distinguish effects of micelle binding, degradation, and transport.
Developed clear graphical workflows and quantitative summaries that revealed how higher phospholipid fractions reduced peptide diffusion but enhanced stability, helping refine formulation strategies for oral peptides.
Presented findings as a poster at the KU Summer Research Symposium, gaining experience communicating technical results to a multidisciplinary audience.

Undergraduate Research Assistant I October 2024 - Present

PI: Dr. Ming Zhao

Independently developed a predictive machine-learning–guided nanoparticle design framework for the oral delivery of tumor-associated antigens (TAAs), creating a formulation template adaptable to other protein-based therapies.
Led all stages of research including literature review, formulation development, data generation, and model training; optimized encapsulation efficiency and controlled release of model proteins.
Conducted in vitro release studies and physicochemical characterization to evaluate nanoparticle efficacy for gastrointestinal delivery.
Selected as 1 of 6 undergraduates to give an oral presentation at the AIChE National Student Conference (2025); received 1st place at AIChE Mid-America Regional Conference, 2nd at KU C&PE Research Symposium, and 3rd at AIChE National Poster Competition (Food, Pharma & Biotech II Division).

Independently designed and executed experiments to enhance solubility and thermal stability of NIH-sponsored small-molecule drug candidates, aiming to optimize formulations for preclinical development.
Conducted analytical testing using UPLC, Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA); led troubleshooting efforts to refine protocols and improve reproducibility.
Delivered technical presentations to NIH collaborators, summarizing formulation outcomes and analytical data in support of go/no-go project decisions.
Assisted in rodent handling and dosing procedures during pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies; trained in basic animal research protocols.

PI: Dr. Cory Berkland

Conducted independent research on the release kinetics of engineered cationic proinsulin variants from hyaluronic acid–collagen–fibronectin hydrogels for controlled protein delivery applications.
Research for Credit: Honors Undergraduate Research. Grade: A
Purified fusion peptides using HiPrep™ 26/10 Desalting Column on the AKTA FPLC system, achieving successful buffer exchange and solubility optimization for downstream functionalization.
Performed click chemistry conjugation with aldehyde-modified hyaluronic acid and insulin control peptides using 4x and 9x equivalents in 25\% DMSO conditions, optimizing labeling efficiency.
Gained experience with polymer–protein conjugation techniques, biomaterial formulation, and early-stage delivery characterization.

"Apply science and empower people" - Maryann M.