UA Little Rock Student Earns Second SURF Grant for Cancer Research
Nistha Neupane, a student double majoring in biology and chemistry at UA Little Rock, has received a Student Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) grant from the Arkansas Division of Higher Education for the second year in a row.
The highly competitive grant will support her research on gold nanoparticles for cancer therapy under the mentorship of Dr. Noureen Siraj, associate professor of chemistry. Their project explores how the shape of gold nanoparticles influences drug delivery efficiency. She will coat nanospheres and nanorods with a combination drug, DOX-ICG, to evaluate their effectiveness in targeting and treating cancer cells.
“Our research focuses on the synthesis, characterization, and functionalization of gold nanoparticles to enhance drug delivery for cancer treatment,” Siraj explained. “We aim to determine how nanoparticle morphology influences the efficiency of a chemo-photothermal therapy combination drug. This research is important because it addresses a major challenge in cancer treatment: minimizing damage to healthy cells while maximizing therapeutic effects on tumors.”
Neupane joined Dr. Siraj’s research lab as a freshman and has been actively involved in cancer-related studies for the past two years.
“I started with gold nanospheres because they are easier to synthesize, but nanorods are known to be more efficient,” Neupane said. “This dual-drug approach allows us to use a lower concentration of chemotherapy while still effectively targeting tumor cells.”
The $4,000 SURF grant will cover research expenses and allow Neupane to travel to conferences, where she can present her findings and network with professionals.
“I was surprised when I received the grant again,” she said. “It’s very competitive, and I’m grateful for the opportunity. The grant pays for research expenses and gives me the ability to travel to conferences and interact with experts in the field, which is incredibly valuable as I prepare for medical school.”
Neupane has been interested in researching ways to treat cancer ever since she shadowed an oncologist in Texarkana when she was a senior in high school. She is hopeful that the research project will eventually lead to an improved treatment for cancer patients.
“The long-term goal is always clinical trials,” she said. “Our end goal is to lower the toxicity of cancer treatments and give patients less invasive procedures with better results.”
Siraj praised Neupane’s dedication and growth as a researcher. “From the beginning, Nistha showed a strong commitment to this project,” she said. “She was an excited freshman eager to learn new skills in my lab. Her medical interests align well with this research, and her personal connections to cancer have deepened her commitment. This experience will help shape her as a research scientist and future physician.”
Neupane, who is originally from Texarkana, Texas, is a member of the Donaghey Scholars Honors Program and vice president of the Pre-Health Club. She plans to graduate in 2026 and is preparing for the MCAT as she applies to medical school.
“Research is something I know I will continue in medical school,” she said. “This project has given me valuable experience and the opportunity to contribute to advancements in cancer treatment.”