SOAR Students Stand Out for Their Research on Food Insecurity

We are proud to highlight 2025 SOAR students Kendall Leigh and Srikar Alapati, who completed their research under Dr. Swapan Ray and each produced a peer-reviewed publication. They will present their work at Discover USC this April.

Alapati’s article, “Controlling Biogenesis and Engineering of Exosomes to Inhibit Growth and Promote Death in Glioblastoma Multiforme,” explores how engineered exosomes may help overcome therapy resistance in aggressive brain tumors by targeting survival pathways like angiogenesis and autophagy.

This project really opened my eyes to seeing how so many people from around the world are tackling one problem in so many different directions. It made me value research from the basic science level all the way to clinical trials.

- Srikar Alapati

Leigh’s article, “Exosomes as Specific Vehicles for Delivery of Combination Therapies in MYCN-Amplified Neuroblastoma,” examines how engineered exosomes could deliver targeted therapies to high-risk pediatric cancers while blocking tumor survival mechanisms.

Leigh added that

Working with Dr. Ray enhanced my ability to apply scientific inquiry and critical analysis beyond the traditional medical curriculum. This experience reinforced the importance of evidence-based research and innovation in advancing patient care.

Their accomplishments reflect the strength of student dedication and the impact of committed faculty mentorship at the School of Medicine.