Ely Nieves is an enthusiastic Florida State University student who devotes his efforts to contributing to his community through his research activities and volunteer initiatives.
As part of the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP), Nieves investigated the impact of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase on cardiac diseases. He showcased his findings at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.
Nieves served as the team and engineering coordinator for FSU’s International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) team, where he designed a breathalyzer to assist individuals afflicted by a rare condition in monitoring their symptoms. For his contribution, he earned a gold medal at the iGEM 2024 Paris Expo.
Nieves has extended his volunteering efforts with Homeless Outreach Medicine and Education (HOME), offering medical support to those experiencing homelessness in the Tallahassee region. Additionally, he took part in Cornell’s Weil College of Medicine’s Science and Leadership in Medicine (SLiM) Mentoring Program to enhance his leadership capabilities.
What motivated you to enroll at Florida State University?
I selected Florida State University for my undergraduate education because of its commendable academics, vibrant campus atmosphere, and opportunities for personal development. The campus is picturesque, featuring classic red-brick structures, majestic oak trees, and an inviting community that fosters a sense of belonging. FSU strikes the ideal balance between academic rigor, career readiness, and a memorable college journey.
What insights have you gained from research experiences at FSU?
In my sophomore year, I was involved in the Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program. I contributed to a project from the Department of Nutrition and Integrative Physiology that examined the effects of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase, a membrane-bound enzyme complex, on reactive oxygen species and adipose tissue lipolysis, which pertains to the release of fatty acids from fat cells. This initiative specifically concentrated on its influence on the rising prevalence of cardio-metabolic diseases. With the guidance of my esteemed mentor, Cesar Meza, I practiced sterile techniques to prepare microdialysis probes, engaged with research participants during microdialysis study days, analyzed blood samples, and learned to interpret data generated from the research. I shared the results with fellow students and professors at the Undergraduate Research Symposium and was acknowledged as a co-author of the published paper.
During my junior year, I initiated recruitment for FSU’s International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) team, where I served as both the team lead and the engineering lead for our project, EsperSense. The objective was to engineer a breathalyzer monitoring device for individuals suffering from the rare condition trimethylaminuria (TMAU) using synthetic biology. This condition causes individuals to emit a fishy scent through their breath, sweat, and urine. Those affected by TMAU often lack access to therapeutic and monitoring options, so our team sought to provide them with a transformative tool and a renewed sense of hope. As the team leader, I ensured our members remained motivated and on course for project completion. On the engineering side, I established a detection methodology, constructed biological sensing components, designed plasmid vectors, and synthesized various parts. Upon concluding the project, our team journeyed to Paris to compete against other undergraduate teams globally. Following a rigorous evaluation from experts in the domain, our project was awarded a gold medal, surpassing notable institutions like Johns Hopkins, Harvard, and Duke. This accomplishment held significant meaning for me and my team. Under the guidance of Cesar Rodriguez and Dave Montez, I have bolstered my leadership abilities and built confidence in my design and construction skills using synthetic biology.
Which community service experiences have had the greatest influence on you?
Through my involvement with Homeless Outreach Medicine & Education (HOME), I collaborated with social workers, physician assistant students, and medical students to deliver fundamental medical care to the homeless in various community locations. This experience enabled me to refine basic clinical skills while catering to a population that often goes unnoticed. I cherish each interaction from my time at HOME. Whether I was providing companionship or assisting someone with an untreated injury, the effects were lasting.
I also took part in Cornell’s Weil College of Medicine’s Science and Leadership in Medicine Mentoring Program as a member of Black & Latino Men in Medicine. This opportunity strengthened my leadership skills by teaching me how to be an effective leader within a healthcare team guided by physicians from diverse medical specialties. The lessons learned from this program were invaluable in my role as the team lead for iGEM. The program allowed me to connect with both current and aspiring leaders to explore strategies for successful leadership in any capacity.
In what ways have you influenced the Tallahassee community?
While my efforts with iGEM concentrated on TMAU monitoring, the team also organized the second annual Tallahassee Biotechnology Expo at the Challenger Learning Center. This event included interactive, hands-on activities for K-12 students, showcasing the field of synthetic biology. As part of the expo, I had the privilege of presenting various synthetic biology projects in the IMAX theatre, demonstrating what FSU iGEM has accomplished over the years. Through this expo, we educated and inspired numerous children interested in the sciences.
My community service with HOME positively impacted the homeless population in Tallahassee by distributing food and medical assistance. Additionally, I contribute to FSU as a member of the medical response unit, which has provided prompt care to students in emergencies.
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