Bryant U. student from NYC receives R.I. Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship

SMITHFIELD, RI (04/14/2011)(readMedia)-- Alejandro Vando, a Bryant University sophomore, will spend 10 weeks this summer immersed in a biochemist's world of DNA, proteins, and bacteria.

Vando is the son of Alejandro Vando Sr. and Yvette Vando of Manhattan and San Juan, P.R.

As one of 25 winners of a Rhode Island Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), Vando will work alongside Christopher Reid, Ph.D., an assistant professor in Bryant's Department of Science and Technology. Vando will be a partner in Reid's proteomics research. Specifically, Vando will be involved in gene amplification, a laboratory method for creating multiple copies of small segments of DNA that encode protein. He'll learn how to clone a gene and how to express, purify and begin characterization of the encoded protein. At the end of July, he will present his findings at a SURF conference.

"I'm curious by nature and always wanted to know how things work," Vando said. While enrolled in an introductory chemistry course at Bryant, Vando had a light-bulb moment about his future: He decided to combine his management major with a biology minor, and hopes to head to graduate school and a career in pharmacology. He considers SURF, a program offered through R.I. EPSCoR, "a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" that could launch him on his way.

Vando is Bryant University's first SURF recipient. Through the program, he and the other participants will take part in career-building seminars led by leaders in academia and industry. Their presentations include tips and strategies for selecting and applying to graduate school, and tours of local industries.

"The SURF program is a great opportunity for Alejandro," said Reid. "I look forward to serving as his mentor and helping him explore his interests in the biological sciences."

Since its founding nearly 150 years ago, Bryant University has developed the knowledge and character of its students in order to help them achieve success. A unique integration of business and liberal arts defines the Bryant educational experience and provides skills in technology, critical thinking, and communication that are needed to compete in today's global environment. Located in Rhode Island, the University has more than 3,650 full- and part-time undergraduate and graduate students. Bryant is accredited by NEASC - New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and the College of Business is accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. The University's business outreach centers offer a wealth of resources to professionals and businesses in this region.