Alicia "Ally" Mercado, BSc

• BSc in Biochemistry, Mount Saint Mary’s University Los Angeles

Description of research project:

My study evaluated migration across our in vitro human blood brain barrier model to examine monocyte migration in response to chemoattractants CCL2 and CXCL12. Methods included cell culture of astrocytes and brain microvascular endothelial cells and flow cytometry to quantify monocyte surface proteins, including CCR2, JAM-A, ALCAM, and PECAM. I found that, surprisingly, self-identified Black race was the most important demographic factor correlated with monocyte migration – irrespective of HIV status.

Awards:

1. Le Puy Founders Award: Full-tuition scholarship given to top three Mount Saint Mary’s University scholars per entering class
2. NSF Supporting STEM Scholars to Succeed Scholarship: Supports academically talented & disadvantaged STEM students
3. Daniel Stogryn Award for Excellence in Research: Scholarship for exceptional contributions to research and mentorship at Mount Saint Mary’s
4. Unstoppable Scholar Award: Awarded to one graduating senior who demonstrated the highest commitment to excellence in academic work, was a positive role model through involvement in campus life and advanced the mission of Mount Saint Mary’s University

1. Summa cum laude BSc

1. Mercado, A, Ortiz, RC, Fridman, L, Knerler, S, Price, A, Coughlin, J, Rubin, L, Veenhuis, R, Clements, J, Williams, D. Contribution of HIV to Inter-Donor Variability in Immune Cell Migration Across the Blood Brain Barrier. May 2023, Mid-Atlantic PREP and IMSD Research Symposium (MAPRS)
2. Mercado, A, Ortiz, RC, Fridman, L, Knerler, S, Price, A, Coughlin, J, Rubin, L, Veenhuis, R, Clements, J, Williams, D. Immune Cell Migration Across the Blood Brain Barrier is Enriched Independently of HIV Infection Oct 2023, National Diversity In STEM Conference

1. Ortiz, RC*, Knerler, S*, Fridman, LB, Mercado, A, Price, AS, Rosado-Franco, JJ, Wilkins, H, Flores, BR, Orsburn, BC, Williams, DW. Cocaine Regulates Antiretroviral Therapy CNS Access Through Pregnane-X Receptor-Mediated Drug Transporter and Metabolizing Enzyme Modulation at the Blood Brain Barrier

1. I got piercings with a lot of the Williams lab members when we travelled for conferences! Best souvenir ever!