Congratulations to UIS Biology graduate Anthony Sylvester and Assistant Prof. Natalya Zinkevich, who have published a review article together in journal Biomolecules. Anthony received a Biology B.S. here at UIS in the spring 2022 and is pursuing a PhD in Bioengineering at the University of Texas at Dallas. Dr. Zinkevich joined UIS in the fall 2021. Her research interests are related to vascular health and disease. Dr. Zinkevich especially interested in the role of endothelial cells, lining up blood vessels and vasodilator substances they produce in response to blood flow under physiological and pathological conditions. Anthony expressed an interest in free radicals and their effects on human body while he conducted undergraduate research with Dr. Zinkevich in 2022. They discussed the enzymatic sources of free radicals and NADPH oxidase in particular. Anthony was intrigued to learn that NADPH oxidase was first discovered in white blood cells and was fascinated by its crucial role in immune defenses. He was also impressed to find out that free radicals produced by NADPH oxidase of endothelial cells contribute to multiple cardiovascular pathologies (hypertension, inflammation, and atherosclerosis). Anthony was eager to start writing after reading several Dr. Zinkevich’s research papers on this topic and other relevant research articles. Their first goal was to write and submit a blog post to I Spy Physiology blog to see how Anthony feels about scientific writing and the time commitment it requires.

Stopping Free Radicals in Their Tracks - I Spy Physiology Blog

This blog not only briefly discusses the role of free radicals, but also contains an idea for the manuscript – specifically, to look at recent clinical trials aiming to block NADPH oxidase. Writing a small piece such as a blog helps a student to decide whether they want to commit their time and efforts to something as demanding as a manuscript. Since Anthony was up for a challenge, they have embarked on a journey to publish the review article successfully in journal Biomolecules. Here is the link to this review article.

“While working with Dr. Zinkevich, I learned how to perform an in-depth literature search, and how to conceptualize, draft and edit a research manuscript. These skills have been fundamental to my academic career and continue to aid me now that I am pursuing my PhD in Bioengineering at University of Texas at Dallas. Overall my time in the biology program at UIS was incredibly formative and we did great work together even in the wake of a pandemic.” Anthony credits the guidance and support of UIS Biology faculty in helping him to get into the Ph.D. program.