SBMS Trainee: Steven Kopcho
Graduate Advisor: Dr. Chioma Okeoma, PhD
Clinical Advisor: Dr. Sharon Nachman, MD
Graduate Program: Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology
Email: steven.kopcho@stonybrook.edu
I am entering my third year as a PhD student in the Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology Program. My current work focuses on evaluating how the widely used cannabinoid delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (9-THC) modulates extracellular vesicle (EV) composition and function in HIV/SIV infection, using the SIV-rhesus macaque model. I received my BS and MS degrees in Pharmacology from Stony brook University. My work during this time included investigating the role of illicit substances on EV composition and function in HIV infection, the role of BST-2 in the metastatic progression of breast cancer, as well as the development of a novel breast cancer drug candidate.
Short project description:
The goal of my SBMS project is to characterize the composition of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from plasma of HIV infected ART suppressed (HIV+) pediatric patients and determine if EVs transmit factors that promote cognitive impairment.
