MURI Grants

2009-2010 TCBC MURI (Multidisciplinary Undergraduate Research Institute) Projects at IUPUI

The MURI at IUPUI is a research program that brings teams of student scholars and teams of research mentors together at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis (IUPUI), to foster inter/multidisciplinary team research. Projects involving more than one discipline are encouraged. Interested students may apply to projects that are defined by mentors of MURI. For more information you may contact Elizabeth Rubens, Director of Undergraduate Research Programs by email at erubens@iupui.edu.

Title: “Molecular and Cellular Changes in Oral Human and Bacterial Cells after Exposure to Tobacco”

Mentor: Richard L. Gregory, Ph.D., Professor of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry
Co-Mentor: L. Jack Windsor, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry
Co-Mentor: Fengyu Song, D.D.S., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry
Scholars: Delnaaz Daruwala (School of Science,  Biology, IUPUI),  Eric Grow (School of Science, Chemistry, IUPUI),  
Anna Jouravlev (School of Science, Pre-Dentistry IUPUI),  Inessa Levitt (School of Science, Pre-Dentistry, IUPUI),  Jessica Morgan (School of Science, Pre-Dentistry, IUPUI),  Mallory Wilson (School of Science, Biology, IUPUI)

The purpose of this project seeks knowledge on the pathophysiology of tobacco and its related chemicals on human oral tissues from the multiple perspectives, such as microbiology, cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, immunology, and biobehavior.


Title: “Evaluating the Relationship between Promotions and Public Perception of the New Dissolvable Tobacco Products during their Test Market in Central Indiana”

Mentor: Laura Romito, D.D.S., M.S., Associate Professor of Oral Biology, School of Dentistry
Co-Mentor: M. Kim Saxton, Ph.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Marketing, Kelley School of Business
Co-Mentor: Lorinda L. Coan, L.D.H., M.S., Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist, Dental Hygiene Program, School of Dentistry
Scholars: Paige Conder (School of Science, Pre-Med, IUPUI),  Dana Gardner (Kelley School of Business, Marketing, IUPUI), Chen Ni (School of Education, Elementary Education, IUPUI), Orey Pence (School of Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, IUPUI),  Donna Wampler (School of Dentistry, Dental Hygiene, IUPUI)

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the promotion of the first dissolvable tobacco products (Camel Orbs, Sticks & Strips) in the central Indiana area. Specifically, students will audit a wide variety of advertising media such as online, print, billboard, etc. as well as point-of purchase displays and other forms of promotions such as contests, coupons and giveaways.