5th year of my PhD in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department
Education
Arkansas State University, Jonesboro, Master’s in Biology
Acharya N. G Ranga Agricultural University, Bachelor’s in Agricultural Sciences
Research
My research focuses on improving existing treatment strategies for rectal cancer. Specifically, I study a protein called SETD2 and whether inhibiting it in combination with radiation can make rectal cancer cells more sensitive to radiation therapy. So far, our results suggest that SETD2 inhibition can enhance radiosensitivity, particularly in more radioresistant rectal cancer models. These findings indicate that SETD2 may be a promising therapeutic target for improving the effectiveness of radiation treatment.
Notable about his time as a Graduate
One of my most memorable experiences was preparing for the Three-Minute Thesis competition at UAMS Research Day. Initially, I did not plan to participate because I was terrified of presenting and competing alongside so many talented students. I decided to do it mainly to challenge myself and overcome that fear, and using a Harry Potter analogy to explain my research made the experience much more enjoyable and helped me connect with the audience. I never expected to win, so receiving first place made the experience even more meaningful and memorable for me.
Career Goals
Growing up, medicine has always been my dream, but I was not able to pursue medical school at that time. Even though my path led me into graduate education and research, my interest in medicine never went away. In fact, my Ph.D. research and my volunteer experiences in different clinical settings helped strengthen that commitment. Hopefully, I will get into medical school next year.
Experiment or Technique you would most like to do
I really enjoy performing Western blots. I have done so many of them over the years that the process now feels almost automatic, as if my hands know exactly what to do. Interestingly, Western blotting was one of the most difficult techniques for me to learn when I first started research, which makes it especially rewarding to see how comfortable and confident I have become with it.
Fun Facts
This past summer, I started playing volleyball with HotMess Sports Club, even though I had never played before. At first, I could barely hit the ball correctly, but I kept practicing with my teammates whenever I had time and treated every practice like I was preparing for nationals. By the end of the season, I was nominated for Most Improved Player. Now, volleyball is something I genuinely enjoy and try to play whenever I can.
Publications
Enhancing Rectal Cancer Radiosensitivity and Gut Protection through Methionine RestrictionIsabelle R Miousse, Oscar Zuniga, Sarita Garg, Lokesh Akana, Henrique Rodrigues, Saaimatul Huq, Kimberley J Krager, David Church, Tatiana Wolfe, Nükhet Aykin-Burns, Alan Tackett, Adam R Wolfe
CAP1 (Cyclase-Associated Protein 1) mediates the cyclic AMP signals that activate Rap1 in stimulating matrix adhesion of colon cancer cells. Auburn Ramsey, Lokesh Akana, Erina Miyajima, Joshua Gray, Alyssa Rowland, Krishna Sharma,Jianfeng Xu, Jennifer Y. Xie & Guo-Lei Zhou
Awards
Outstanding graduate student poster award (2nd place) at UAMS research retreat (2026)
First place in UAMS Bioventure pitch competition for CADET program (2026)
First place in the 3 Minute Thesis competition at UAMS Research Day (2025)
Heart and Hustle Award by Graduate Student Association at UAMS (2025)
Exemplary Volunteer Award by Graduate Student Association at UAMS (2024)
CTRE travel grant award (1500$) through the WPRCI Cancer Research Training & Education Core, UAMS (2023 & 2024)
IDeA National Resource for Quantitative Proteomics internship award at UAMS (2024)