Submitted by nfitzkee on
Blake Katz, a junior chemistry major in MSU’s ACS-certified chemistry program, has received a summer fellowship as part of the Mississippi INBRE 2021 Research Scholars program. MS-INBRE (IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence) is a National Institutes of Health-funded organization that supports various statewide research initiatives, including undergraduate summer research.
As part of this fellowship, Katz will attend a week-long workshop at the University of Southern Mississippi and receive a $4,500 stipend to perform research with Dr. Nick Fitzkee. Katz is a member of the Shackouls Honors College, and he plans to attend graduate school in medicinal chemistry following graduation.
Katz’s project will involve studying protein-surface interactions in the context of nanoparticle-based therapeutics. “We have some interesting new materials that we’re investigating in the lab, and Blake will work to help optimize the properties of these materials,” said Fitzkee.
Katz is looking forward to his research experience this summer. “My dream job would be working alongside a team of other scientists developing new drugs to bring to market that can help people,” Katz said. “I believe this summer program will help me attain that goal.”