91AV

A summer internship program under way at the 91AV aims to introduce seven bright Maine students to the connection between medicine, research and entrepreneurship.

Working alongside 91AV undergraduate mentors and faculty in the Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences (CEN), the select group of two high school and five college students are learning how discoveries in 91AV research laboratories are being developed as potential treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders. 

During the 11-week program (running June 13-August 18), the students will study the principles of neuroscience and pharmacology, translational biomedical research and entrepreneurship.  

The program was developed under the leadership of Ed Bilsky, Ph.D., director of the CEN and a professor of pharmacology in the 91AV College of Osteopathic Medicine. Dr. Bilsky is a co-founder of two Maine-based companies that are developing treatments for chronic pain and addiction. He also works closely with biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies, including several that are also Maine-based.

Bilsky is a passionate advocate for research and entrepreneurship. He says, "91AV's summer intern program combines a taste of research with in-class lectures and presentations by Maine business leaders that enrich the research activities. Students will see firsthand how business leaders partner with non-profit research institutions to develop products and grow their companies."

Genesis of Program

The genesis for the program came out of conversations with David Anderson, a serial entrepreneur and businessman, and Brian Dallaire, a pharmaceutical scientist and president of Lighthouse Clinical Development.

Bilsky added, "The program is intended to address some of the key recommendations of the 2010 Maine Science and Technology Action Plan and is in line with the goals of the Maine Technology Asset Fund awards made to the university." Financial support for the program was provided by The Pond Family Foundation, as well as by donations from Anderson, Bilsky and Dallaire. Anderson and Dallaire are also 91AV trustees.

Students will benefit from an active seminar program that includes internationally known scientists as well as business leaders in the state of Maine. Upcoming speakers include Skip Irving, partner and managing director of Health Advances Biotechnology, and Jacquelyn B. Cawley, D.O., senior medical director of Maine Health, among others. 

Students will also read academic papers written by the speakers, and participate in interactive group discussions with them after their lectures. A capstone event is being scheduled for the middle of August and will feature a keynote address by noted Maine neurosurgeon and entrepreneur Dr. Lee Thibodeau.

The interns are partnered with 91AV undergraduate student mentors who are involved with research activities in Dr. Bilsky's lab. They will also conduct literature and patent searches and prepare and present a capstone project at the end of the program. 

Says Anderson, "Our goal is for students to better understand what it takes to successfully identify a problem, come up with potential solutions and then bring the concept through the development process to the point that it can benefit society."

He adds, "This appreciation is important whether the student pursues a career in research, medicine or business. Ultimately, these skill sets will benefit Maine's economy through new startup companies, accelerated product development and successful transitions to sustainable businesses in the state."

Intern Hannah Clarke, a senior neuroscience major at Middlebury College who plans to become a doctor, says, "I love the entrepreneurial aspect of 91AV's internship program, and the wide range of research opportunities. 91AV is a step ahead of a lot of other schools with this approach. It allows me to stretch my mind and apply what I'm learning to the business and creative sides of research."

Student Biographies

Hannah Clarke is a rising senior neuroscience major (psychology minor) at Middlebury College in Vermont. An honors student, Hannah has taken full advantage of a liberal arts-based education to study the human nervous system. A Maine native, Hannah attended Longfellow Elementary and Lincoln Middle School in Portland before moving to Falmouth for high school. At Falmouth, she focused on biology and English while also playing on the varsity field hockey, ice hockey and lacrosse teams. She continues to be active in sports as a member of the Middlebury varsity field hockey and junior varsity lacrosse teams. She is looking to gain neuroscience research experience this summer at 91AV while exploring career options in biomedical research and medicine.

Hannah Doss grew up in Cape Elizabeth, Maine and excelled in both academics and athletics at Cape Elizabeth High School. She graduated at the top of her class in the spring of 2010, was a top runner for both the cross-country and track teams, and received a number of prestigious awards. Hannah attends Northeastern University where she is pursuing a major in chemical engineering and is a member of the institution's Division I cross-country and track teams. This fall, Hannah plans to join Northeastern's Engineers Without Borders organization as well as one of the school's well-known a capella groups. Hannah intends to pursue a career in biomedical research.

Taylor Piers graduated from Falmouth High School, where she excelled in math, the sciences, and athletics as a member of the indoor and outdoor track teams. A rising senior at Bates College, Taylor is studying biology with a focus in micro and molecular biology; she has also been able to explore her creative interests with classes in ceramics and pottery. Taylor is an active member and captain of Bates' varsity track team. She hopes to pursue a career in biomedical research.

Danielle Rafferty, of Kennebunk, Maine, graduated from Kennebunk High School in 2010 and is majoring in bioengineering at the University of Pennsylvania. She is also pursuing a pre-med course of study, as she intends to attend medical school. Her curriculum provides a strong background in mathematics, physical sciences and life sciences, but as the program progresses there is an increased emphasis on applied science, research and design. Next year she will be involved in two bioengineering labs and hopes to be accepted into a pre-med volunteer program through the hospital of the University of Pennsylvania. Although she is undecided on which specific field of medicine to pursue, she hopes to incorporate research in her professional career.

Allison Saunders of Saco, Maine, will be a senior this fall at Cheverus High School in Portland, Maine. Allison has been interested in biomedical research for many years and completed the 2010 INBRE Summer Academy in Genomics hosted by the Mount Desert Island Biological Lab. She has won numerous academic awards including National Merit Program recognition, the National Latin Exam award, and the Cheverus Ignatian Scholarship. She has participated as a member of the varsity basketball team, as well as the lacrosse, swim and track teams. Allison is an accomplished violinist and has been with the All State Orchestra for the past three years and is a member of the Portland Youth Symphony Orchestra. She has participated in medical mission trips to the Dominican Republic for the past two years with a local church group. She enjoys being a part of other school extracurricular activities, including the Math Team, Key Club, Campus Ministry, and Student Council, and is the incoming co-president of Student Council and of her senior class. Allison hopes to study medicine and participate in biomedical research. Her particular area of research interest is Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy and finding innovative cures or treatments for this disease.

Evan Shuris grew up in Kennebunk and will be a senior at Kennebunk High School this fall. Evan is actively engaged in his school and community. He participates in the International Baccalaureate Diploma program, is captain of the varsity ski team, and competes on the golf, lacrosse and soccer teams. He is also involved in many extracurricular clubs, including Peer Helpers, a peer advocacy group that provides peer counseling, spirit event organization, and fundraising. Evan received a full scholarship to attend the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine in Boston this summer, courtesy of the 91AV College of Osteopathic Medicine. Evan's interest in neuroscience and medicine stems from his desire to help people and his passion for science. His goals include completing graduate studies in the neurosciences and combining research expertise with training in clinical or public health medicine.

Mark A. St. John grew up in South Portland, Maine and graduated from South Portland High School, where he received the John A. Millington scholarship award presented to the senior with the most potential. He holds a B.A. in philosophy from the University of Southern Maine, where he was a four-year letter winner in men’s lacrosse and an active member of the Delta Chi Fraternity. Mark has just completed his B.S. in neuroscience from the 91AV, where he engaged in Chemistry Department research projects studying DNA hybridization by comparison of complementary pairing vs. sequence specific disorder. Mark was the former owner and operator of Atlantic Moon LLC, based in Westbrook, and hopes to merge his business background with his newly acquired science skills. Mark remains an advocate for mental health in both southern Maine and statewide and participates regularly in church volunteering. He hopes to pursue graduate school and is interested in clinical and biomedical research applications.