UHD student hopes his chemistry research will reduce medical costs

Abdul Jangda, a junior majoring in industrial chemistry at the University of Houston-Downtown, hopes his chemistry research centered on detecting metal particles in liquid by using special plastics capable of conducting electricity may someday cut the cost of many common medical tests.

Jangda believes a polymer with the right qualities could lower the cost of testing blood for sodium, potassium, glucose and other elements that doctors use to diagnose and treat patients.

In November, he competed at Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Society’s national annual meeting held in The Woodlands. Judges gave Jangda’s presentation in the undergraduate chemistry category a superior rating. The judges commented that his work has many potential medical uses and appears to be relatively affordable. He tied with Derek Rhoades from Ohio Northern University for top honors in the undergraduate chemistry category.

Jangda developed the special plastic polymer while working with UHD Assistant Professor of Chemistry Mian Jiang.

“Presenting research at conferences has made a big difference,” Jangda said. “You have the opportunity to learn from others, to learn about graduate schools, and to become more familiar with different careers in industrial chemistry. The recognition encourages me to do more.” Undergraduates from across the country participated in the conference including students from Texas A&M, Rice, Stanford and Northwestern Universities.

Jangda is enrolled in UHD’s Scholars Academy, a scholarship program for exceptional students who are focused on careers in the sciences, technology, engineering and math. The 25-year-old transferred to UHD in 2008 with an associate degree from Houston Community College and started research last year in UHD’s Center for Applied Polymer Science Research, directed by Associate Professor of Chemistry Byron Christmas.

Other UHD students who participated in the conference are Nameera Baig, Melissa Chan, Preeti Choudhary, Jarrett Kitchen, Julio LaTorre, Mustafa Mehmood, Christine Varghese and Desiree Wilson.

More than 200 students presented their research at this year's conference, representing nearly 100 academic institutions.