The blood-brain barrier is a tightly locked network of cells that protects and defends the brain from harmful substances and pathogens that could cause damage. While this barrier serves to protect our brains, in the case of finding cures for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, the blood-brain barrier has been a big obstacle.  Enter research from Shikha Nangia, the Milton and Anne Stevenson endowed professor of biomedical and chemical engineering and department chair in the College of Engineering and Computer Science.

Working with undergraduate, graduate and post-doctoral students, the Nangia Research Lab uses theoretical and computational techniques to determine how to best enable the transport of drug molecules across the blood-brain barrier. Nangia’s research led to the creation of the first molecular model depicting what the blood-brain barrier looks like, which has proven helpful in identifying what can and what cannot pass through the narrow tunnel into the brain.

Understanding that Alzheimer’s and cancer treatments are too large to pass through the blood-brain tunnel, Nangia’s group is advancing research to find a cure for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. On this episode, Nangia will explain the findings of her research, share how students help advance this work, discuss how the Interactive Biomaterials Research Experiences for Undergraduates site on campus prepares participants for successful careers in science and engineering, and explores her role as a Syracuse University Art Museum faculty fellow.