Nate Verlinden of Manitowoc selected for research internship

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DES MOINES, IA (06/29/2010)(readMedia)-- Drake University pharmacy student Nathan Verlinden is spending his summer examining mouse livers during a research internship at the University of Kansas Medical Center in the Department of Pharmcology, Toxicology and Therapeutics.

Verlinden of Manitowoc, Wisc., who is in his second year of the Professional Pharmacy Program at Drake, applied for the internship because of his interest in pharmacology research.

"My research this summer is concerned with the effects of vitamin A in mouse livers," said Verlinden. "This research is important because vitamin A signaling in a liver can be used to treat liver cancer and promote liver regeneration after damage."

Verlinden added that the internship provides him with preparation necessary for graduate studies.

"The internship has been a great learning experience," he said. "I have been exposed to laboratory techniques and research on current health issues and real-world problems. I have also been given the opportunity to interact with other faculty members, post-doctoral fellows and research assistants -- this experience is great for networking with other scientists."

Verlinden also credited the many research opportunities available for undergraduates at Drake as a source of inspiration for students interested in scientific study.

"I was able to start doing research my sophomore year," Verlinden said. "Drake is a great place to do undergraduate research because class sizes are small and faculty members get to know their students personally."

Nivedita Pandit, professor of pharmaceutics, and Pramod Mahajan, associate professor of pharmaceutical studies, provided letters of recommendation for Verlinden during the internship application process.

"I think the main reason for Nate's success is his motivation, intelligence and diligence," Mahajan said. "What institute would not want an ambassador and a role model like Nate?"

Mahajan said that the Drake experience offers excellent opportunities for students and faculty alike.

"Bright students want to come to Drake for learning skills that prepare them for bigger and better opportunities," he said. "Many dedicated teachers are attracted to Drake because they know how eager Drake students are to learn -- Drake is recognized as an institution that trains tomorrow's leaders in science."

Drake is a private, independent university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an enrollment of approximately 3,300 full-time undergraduate students from 47 states and 54 countries. Drake University's mission is to provide an exceptional learning environment that prepares students for meaningful personal lives, professional accomplishments and responsible global citizenship. The Drake experience is distinguished by collaborative learning among students, faculty and staff and by the integration of the liberal arts and sciences with professional preparation.